Drugs And Trafficking

Thesis Statement

There is no doubt that the use of illicit drugs is a global problem. Not only have they affected nearly every country in the world but also people of all ages. The focus of many countries has been, for years, on the fight to control production, consumption or trafficking of drugs. Illicit drugs not only affect individuals who are directly involved in these processes, they also indirectly affect the economies, institutions, social fabric and even the environmental conditions of countries.

Introduction

Problem Statement

The world's drug problem not only affects the physical and mental health of individuals who consume drugs, but also deteriorates families and societies, therefore generating poverty and hunger; it also limits the access to education, causing an endless number of consequences on family health. In addition, the use of illicit drugs serves as one mechanism to spread HIV/AIDS; the revenues generated by this illegal business deteriorate the morals and values of individuals in society by extortion and exploitation by giving extreme importance to money (Hluza, 2009). Drug trafficking is one of the biggest global businesses, at some $322 billion (UN World Drug Report 2007). The significant value of drug trafficking is a consequence of the fact that the drug supply is consumed each year and is, therefore, in need of continued replenishment. In addition, the profits from the illicit drugs business reach a wide range of actors, from poor rural farmers to rich urban dealers, and eradication programs to attack illicit crop production can have horrendous effects on the environment. Based on this information, it is reasonable to state that the illicit drug epidemic lies at the base of the major problems that the international community faces today (Lindesmith, 2005).

Scope of the Research

Scope of this research is to make the readers aware of the fact that drug trafficking is of a serious concern to the United States of America and the government is evidently using different strategies and plan to eradicate this crime.

Importance of the Research

This research will also make the readers gain insight concerning which countries or states are contributing towards rising drug trafficking in the United States. Along with this valuable information, which agencies are involved in reducing drug trafficking in the United States of America will also be addressed in this research.

Research Question

1) What are the main drug control policies utilized in Colombia and the United States?

2) Are the policies following the UN guidelines?

3) Based on economic and criminal justice theories, are these policies targeting the problem in a theoretically sound way?

Discussion

Currently implemented drug control policies in the world have its basic foundations on more informal controls utilized throughout history. During the 17th century the use of tobacco and alcohol was prohibited in countries such as Russia, Germany and England10. In fact, in 1961 the penalty for smoking tobacco in Lunenberg, Germany was death. The 18th century brought even more prohibition towards drugs. In 1792 the first prohibitory laws against opium in China was promulgated, punishing opium storage with ...