NCJ Number
177134
Date Published
1998
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes some of the largest and most active organized crime groups involved in the illicit drug trade in the United States, with emphasis on the differences between traditional and nontraditional organized crime and on the roles of the Mafia, outlaw motorcycle gangs, Jamaican posses, youth gangs, and prison gangs in drug trafficking.
Abstract
The term "traditional organized crime" is most commonly associated with Italian criminal groups or the Mafia, which originated in Italy and Sicily during the 1800s and is now considered the premier criminal group in Italy and a major criminal phenomenon in the United States. The FBI estimates that 25 Mafia families are operating, including 19 involved in drug trafficking. Outlaw motorcycle gangs have cornered much of the methamphetamine market and often dwell in cities outside the continental United States. California youth gangs such as the Crips and the Bloods organized in the east Los Angeles area in the early 1970s, have grown to about 60,000-70,000 members, and occupy an estimate 30 cities. Youth gangs have concentrated on the crack/cocaine trade and, like outlaw motorcycle gangs, are vertically integrated. The Jamaican posses have identified the crack/cocaine trade as their main source of revenue. They are also active in gun trafficking from the United States to Jamaica. Prison gangs are particularly violent and have made drug trafficking a main criminal goal. Case examples, figures, photographs, list of main terms used, and discussion questions