NCJ Number
202345
Date Published
2003
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article examines the available international case study and field research in the area of drug trafficking.
Abstract
This article notes that case study and field research by qualified academics is lacking in the area of drug trafficking. In fact, most of the knowledge of the drug trafficking trade is produced by journalists and delivered to the public via media outlets. The article claims that many of these journalistic studies are sorely lacking in quality and accuracy. Case studies and field research on drug trafficking at the local, regional, and national levels in Brazil, India, China, Mexico, and France are presented to illustrate the importance of quality field research to compensate for the limitations of information available from the media or official specialist institutions. The article also presents an overview of current academic activity from around the world, noting the exceptional research efforts in the United States, Colombia, and Italy. In contrast, academic circles from other parts of the world have turned a blind eye to research concerning the drug trade. The article highlights results of case study research that are instructive for future research efforts. It is argued that the drug trade is mingled with other criminal activities, and therefore an analysis of the forms of organization that control and develop these activities is offered. Finally, the author presents questions about the usefulness of drug trafficking research to national and international drug control policies. References