NCJ Number
164354
Date Published
1995
Length
235 pages
Annotation
This book charts and discusses the growth of drug use in Europe, particularly use of heroin and more recently cocaine, and relate such changes to socio-cultural and political shifts.
Abstract
This study of illicit drug use, markets, and trafficking provides an essential overview of recent and current developments in western and eastern Europe. It offers an international and comparative perspective on trends in epidemiology, crime, and policy in relation to drug use, and it presents detailed case studies of drug markets. The case studies of the cities of London and Turin offer contrasts and similarities. They examine the development of local markets, differing patterns of involvement of organized crime groups, the blurring of boundaries between illegal drug-crime enterprises and legal businesses, and the reproduction in the drug economy of racism and an exploitative division of labor. The authors describe and analyze trends in youth cultures, political ideas and social change, and the consequences of policy developments across Europe. They view drugs as commodities within a hugely profitable, dynamic, and expanding illicit economy. Their analysis of drug-related economic activity contributes to criminology generally and the study of drug issues in particular. The book is appropriate for undergraduate courses in criminology, the sociology of deviance, criminal justice, and social policy. It could also be helpful for researchers and for welfare and criminal justice professionals. A 513-item bibliography and a subject index