Narcotics

The scope of drug trafficking 

The global illicit trade of drugs involves “the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws” (UNODC) and remains one of the most dynamic criminal markets. If drug trafficking has its origins traced back to the mid-1800s, it has truly become a “global phenomenon” over the last two decades (UNODC). Its current estimation lies between USD 400 and 600 billion worldwide (Naylor, 2002) and the drug usage rate per year is said to be near 300 million consumers between the ages of 15 and 64 (UNODC). If we were to look at a schematic representation of illicit drug flows on a world map, nearly every country would be tied together as is genuinely interconnected with every part of the economy. 

High rates of unemployment and failing economies are by far the biggest drivers of drug trafficking. It has also been found to be highly interconnected with corruption (Briscoe & Goff, 2015). This particularly happens in countries that have weak institutions and rule of law. Criminal groups may bribe politicians to enter the political arena, harming the democratic system and jeopardizing state stability. Besides this being a political concern, it also generates a tremendous loss in tax revenue, in some cases nearly equaling the global licit economy itself (Briscoe & Goff, 2015).

Main substances traded

The exponential growth of drug trafficking routes is largely facilitated by modern technology, infrastructure and transportation which create loopholes for professional smugglers. It is an international responsibility as it concerns users on both sides of the demand-supply spectrum. There is a large variety of available illicit substances on the market, such as cannabis, cocaine, opiates and amphetamine-type stimulants and their flows rely on the demand of each country.

While drug trafficking is prevalent worldwide, some areas are more affected than others and criminals often use the same routes. An example would be the large flow of drugs originating from Mexican drug cartels to the United States, with Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán being an active figure until his arrest. It is argued that Mexico’s narco culture has developed in a way that it is defined by codes of conduct, lifestyles and relationships of those involved in it, to the point of institutionalizing itself (Ovalle, 2007). As of 2013, the Drug Enforcement Administration believed that the cartels supplied 80% of the heroin, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine - with a street value of USD 3 billion - that floods the Chicago region each year (Business Insider). 

Countries the most vulnerable to this illegal business are those who do not yet possess the economic or political capabilities to control it efficiently. Another example would be the Sahel in Northern Africa, a region stricken by conflict and instability. The main reason behind this is that criminal groups incite these corrupt officials to use the money generated by drug trafficking for their personal gain. These groups are then able to ‘infiltrate’ the government and the State becomes what Naím (2012) subtly calls a mafia-state.

Volume estimation and impact

It is plausible to state that the global volume and revenue resulting from the illicit drug trade will never be perfectly estimated, as a large amount of this data is based on drug seizures across the world and does not always take into account other fraudulent flows on the darknet, which are said to increase on the long term (UNODC). 

The global illicit trade in narcotics is a major concern for many countries in the world. Aside from obvious health concerns, drug trafficking has widespread impacts on the environment due to toxic chemicals released from the production, creating tons of waste discarded in nature. It is also a major threat to national governance as in some countries, involved actors infiltrate and take control of the political power. It therefore requires special attention from governments, police forces, NGOs but also consumers and non-consumers by spreading awareness on the consequences it may have. Overall, it is reasonable to assume that countries supplying the drugs and playing the transit-role suffer the most from these impacts whereas countries establishing the demand will suffer more from the consumption of these drugs.

References

Andreas, P. (2004). Illicit international political economy: the clandestine side of globalization. Review of International Political Economy, 11(3), 641-652.

Andreas, P. (2008). Blue helmets and black markets : the business of survival in the siege of sarajevo. Cornell University Press. https://doi.org/10.7591/9780801458286

Challier, B., Chau Nearkasèn, Prédine Rosemay, Choquet, M., & Legras, B. (2000). Associations of family environment and individual factors with tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use in adolescents. European Journal of Epidemiology, 16(1), 33–42.

Clayton, R. R. (1992). Transitions in drug use: Risk and protective factors. In M. D. Glantz & R. W. Pickens (Eds.), Vulnerability to drug abuse (p. 15–51). American Psychological Association.

Ellis, S. (2009). West Africa's International Drug Trade. African Affairs, 108(431), 171-196.

Naím, M. (2012). Mafia States: Organized Crime Takes Office. Foreign Affairs, 91(3), 100-111.

Naylor, R. T. (2002). Wages of crime : black markets, illegal finance, and the underworld economy. McGill-Queen's University Press.

Ovalle, P.L. (2007). Las Fronteras de la ‘narcocultura’.

Patrick, S. (2006). Weak states and global threats: fact or fiction?. Washington Quarterly, Vol. 29/2, p. 25.