Winning or Losing

Executive Summary

Almost everyone is familiar with the term 'drugs', but many people don't know that there are good as well as bad drugs. This research was carried out in order to determine the extent of drug trafficking in the United States, and the efforts being made by the government to get rid of these substances.

The research concluded that no matter how much effort is put into the elimination of this substance, it is clearly visible that we are still losing this battle. Although the amount of drugs recovered last year was much higher than previous, it was also note that the use has also increased. This portrays an image that the production of drugs has also increased hence; its consumption had also gone up.

Table of contents

Executive Summaryii

Winning or Losing1

Introduction1

Thesis Statement1

History1

Drug Dealings2

Effects of Drugs on the Society2

Violent Crimes3

Health hazards3

Effects on the Culture3

Efforts to Stop the Illegal Drug Trade4

Penalties5

Crackdowns5

Destruction of Drug Production Sites5

Screening6

Conclusion6

References7

Winning or Losing

Introduction

Drugs have been prohibited in almost all parts of the world, yet it is very common for everyone. Whether in the United States or Asia, every area has a lot of users of drugs. This is causing problems for governments to get rid of them completely.

Drugs are produced in huge quantities in South America and Asia. These are then transported to every nook and corner of the globe. This is the main reason why it is so common everywhere. In the United States alone there are about 20 million consumers of drugs (Payan, 2006). Drugs are highly demanded by consumers and they pay huge amounts to get them. This is one of the reasons, the production never stops. The United States government is trying its level best to get rid of this menace but it is facing difficulties from every aspect of the drug trafficking industry.

It is estimated that the illegal drug business was worth $321.6 billion in the year 2005. This is worth around 1% of the global economy. No matter how much effort is put into stopping this business, it will be very difficult to get rid of it completely (www.boston.com).

Thesis Statement

Is the United States winning or losing the battle against illegal drug trade?

History

Addictive drugs were introduced in the 19th century and since then they have captured every market in the world. The reason being is that they are so addictive that once started, it is difficult for someone to quit its use. It was only when the harmful effects of drugs were scientifically proven that they were banned in almost all parts of the world.

Drug Dealings

Reports have confirmed that North Korea is using up some of its land to grow drugs while the people of the country face a shortage of food. The revenue generated from the illegal sale of drugs generated sufficient revenue for it to manage its nuclear facilities (Barton, 2006).

Between 1920 and 1960, drug trafficking in Cuba increased because people found a lucrative way of doing business. They were moved through maritime and air routes without any problem unlike today (Sa´enz, ...