NCJ Number
201619
Date Published
2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the impact of globalization and technology on drug crime.
Abstract
Thirty years ago, major drug investigations in Canada were fairly simple. The criminal organizations were small and generally worked in a limited geographical area. Today, the scope of drug dealing has expanded. National and multi-national criminal groups and their associates have a direct physical presence in every Canadian province. These groups are global, not only in their nationalities but in their scale of operations. This globalization of the drug trade has been aided by the advances in computer and communications technology that have allowed the criminals to operate easily between jurisdictions and on a global scale. New strategies are being implemented to fight drug crime. These strategies, which complement basic investigative strategies, include developing international policing contacts and building co-operative relationships through the use of liaison officers stationed in those countries. Another strategy is to better understand developing technologies and use Canada’s Internet communications and satellite communications to aid investigators. Agencies must also assign resources to approach major investigations with a unified front. In some cases, investing in education and training of partner investigators in developing countries is another helpful strategy. Finally, managers must be willing to provide the opportunity for investigators to “think outside of the box.” Combining basic investigation skills and the hard work of developing sources with the new skills of global partners and new tools of technology will lead to success in intelligence-driven drug investigations