NCJ Number
177130
Date Published
1998
Length
46 pages
Annotation
The criminal drug trade is discussed with respect to the sellers, buyers, business decisions, business logistics, organizational dynamics, the role of foreign drug source countries, and the global magnitude of the drug problem.
Abstract
The drug trade parallels legitimate industry in that factors such as supply and demand, manufacturing, transportation, marketing, and security are considerations for every illicit drug dealer. Understanding these organizational dynamics aids policy makers in anticipating the needs and weaknesses of illicit trafficking organizations. Many countries have a role in furnishing the United States with dangerous drugs; these countries often blame the United States for providing a drug user market and nurturing an incentive for drug production in their countries. Mexico is the closest neighbor of the United States on the south and is a major producer of heroin and marijuana. The three Andean countries of Columbia, Peru, and Bolivia are the most active coca-producing and cocaine-producing countries in the world. Drug trafficking cartels have expanded to the point at which they now threaten the democratically elected government in Colombia. Trafficking organizations have also attempted to exert control over the governments in Peru and Bolivia. Jamaica is a marijuana source country that has generated dangerous gangs known as posses that share both political and profit motivations. The Golden Crescent consists of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran and produces the most raw opium. The Golden Triangle countries of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand produce much raw opium and are instrumental in trafficking much of the world's opium and heroin. Turkey is a transshipment country for Golden Crescent opium. Figures, table, photographs, list of major terms used, discussion questions, and suggested class projects