NCJ Number
207044
Date Published
2004
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the world of illicit drugs, providing citizens with a better understanding of the production and trafficking of drugs, the connection between drugs and terrorists, and the both the monetary and physical cost of drugs.
Abstract
A world without illicit drugs is an ideal world for all. Yet, they exist with the potential to damage families, entire families and communities, and threaten our Nation’s security. This report, prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, attempts to demonstrate and teach citizens just how damaging drugs can be. The primary goal of this report is for citizens to take with them a deeper understanding that by living a drug-free life they can play an important role in ending the cycle of drug abuse and drug violence in our society. The report examines several aspects of illicit drugs: production, trafficking and money laundering, terrorism and drugs, children and drugs, costs of drugs, drugs and the body, and breaking the cycle. In examining production, the drugs of opium, cocaine, cannabis sativa L, and chemical drugs are reviewed. Drug traffickers have grown increasingly accustomed to using terrorist acts to sustain their drug activities. Terrorist organizations, such as al-Qaeda and the Taliban turn to alternative methods of funding their activities with one such method being the sale of illegal drugs. The relationship between al-Qaeda and the Taliban is identified as having flourished due to the Taliban’s substantial reliance on the opium trade as a source of revenue. Drugs and terror frequently flourish and grow in the same environments. In addition to the link between terrorism and the manufacturing and sale of drugs, drugs exact horrific pains on children, the children of drug-using parents, abused and neglected children, young-workers in the trade of processing and selling, innocent bystanders, as well as users themselves. Breaking the cycle of drug abuse entails many elements, such as law enforcement, military, prevention-education, treatment, and a corporate response from the private sector.