Drug Trafficking in the United States, Research Paper Example

Drug trafficking involve illegal production and distribution of illicit drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, Heroine, Methamphetamine, Hunitrazepam, Gammahydroxytyrate (GHB), steroids among others.  Today, drug trafficking is a scourge that is affecting practically all nations and their youth. The United States is no different. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), a survey conducted by, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration), and the following shocking statistics have been revealed:

1. Estimated 14.8 million Americans currently use illicit drugs.
2. Estimated 6.4 million Americans use cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens.

Drug availability

Diverse groups traffic and distribute drugs in the United States of America, and today drugs are readily available in the market. Drugs are trafficked through different routes to America. According to the U.S Drug enforcement Agency, Criminal groups operating from South America smuggle drugs into the United States through many routes, which includes land routes, maritime routes, sea routes, and international air corridors.   In addition, the use of “methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known on the street as “Ecstasy,” has increased. (U.S Drug Control Agency).

Besides these criminal groups based abroad, we cannot overlook domestic organizations that are involved in cultivation, production, manufacturing and distribution illegal drugs.

The demand methamphetamine is high, especially in the West and Midwest this has led an increase in illicit laboratories that supply methamphetamine to a growing number of drug abusers. Additionally, a small number of chemists manufacture LSD that is subsequently distributed primarily to high school and college students throughout the United States (U.S Drug Control Agency)

We have heard of different methods the drug traffickers use to smuggle the drug into the market. Frequently the trafficker innovates new methods in order for the drug to surpass checks and regulations by the authorities.

In the 1970s, the US government declared “war on drugs”, but it has had only limited success. International drug cartels have presented a greater challenge to law enforcement than any other criminal group in history. The government has been over time criticized by many critics about its fight against drugs (Brindisi 2).  In his article, Brindisi argues that   tight Controls are needed:

current drug sentencing suggest that existing laws are often draconian, allowing little flexibility in handing down prison terms for lighter narcotics offenses, creating immense prison populations, and dumping first-time offenders into a prison culture that encourages them to become repeat offenders. However, James R. McDonough, director of the Florida Office of Drug Control, argues that firm laws rarely affect non-serious offenders and instead provide an active reduction in violent crime. He notes that police agencies “routinely report that the majority of crime stems from a relationship to substance abuse.” Taking addicts with a history of criminal activity away from the population makes the community safer and actually reduces crime rates. (1)

Other argues that, drug offenders belong in prison. (McDonough, James)

Drug use and effects

Use of drug in America has increased over the years.  According to National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), 2002, conducted by The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA),   drug use increased from 6.3% to 7.1% between 1999 and 2001. The most affected are the youths. Since 1992, drug use among high-school seniors has increased to 25.7% in 2001. These reveal worrying trends especially among the youths. (White House Office of National Drug Control Policy). In the past, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin were the most heavily abused drugs, but synthetic drugs such as amphetamines and “designer” drugs such as Ecstasy are claiming a larger share of the market. Methamphetamine is the cause of the fastest-growing drug problem in the United States (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Drug use and its consequences threaten and affect the nation and its people from every socio-economic background, geographic region, and people with any level of education and in the whole world.  The United States is the world’s largest market for illegal drugs, with some 13 million Americans spending about $60 billion each year. This has taken a toll effects on many aspects of society, from the presence of gangs and gang-related violence, health problem to the economy of poor neighborhood. International drug traffickers deal mostly with large quantities of drugs, selling to dealers who distribute the goods for additional profit (Go1). We have heard horror stories about the use of drug and drug trafficking like homicides and other drug related crimes. The effects of drug abuse to the society can only be partially measured this is because we can only estimate the number of drug-related crimes that occur each year, but it is not possible to measure the degree to which life in America’s neighborhood has been affected (ONCPD 4).

Successes in the Fight against Drugs

The government has made a mark in fighting drug trafficking. According to Drug Enforcement Administration, 900,000 fewer teenagers used illicit drugs last year than a decade earlier. This is a 21% decline. Drug use among high school seniors is down 43 percent since its peak 30 years ago. (1) This plummet cut across all the drugs, but more need to be done if the war against drug is to be won. In addition, drug seized by the government has increased over the years.

With drug abuse remaining one of the greatest threats to contemporary America, questions are raised about both the effectiveness of current policies in limiting the usage of illegal drugs as well as regulations limiting the potential value of banned narcotics in treating medical conditions. While solutions to the nation’s drug problems are elusive, many of those who are active in the cause advocate strict enforcement of standing drug laws, suggesting that by channeling more money into programs that promote education, eradication, and enforcement of existing protocol (D’Amato, Alfonse 32).

In conclusion, drug trafficking in the United States of America has continued to be one of the major challenges faced by the government and law enforcement agencies. The war against drug is yet to be won, but there is hope that it can be won.

Works cited

Brindisi .Matt  Drug Trafficking and Its Many Harmful Implications,  http://socialissues.wiseto.com Articles/FO3020640073/

D’Amato, Alfonse. The War on Drugs Can Be Won Drug Trafficking. Ed. Karin L. Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1991.

Go .Pauline. How Drug Trafficking Affects The United States And Its Youth. 2008 http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

McDonough, James R. “Drug Offenders Belong in Prison.” Prisons. Ed. James Haley. Current Controversies Series. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005.

Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration(SAMSHA),  National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh/2k8nsduh/2k8Results.pdf

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Law Enforcement, Stats and Facts, “2009 Successes in the Fight Against Drugs.”  Jan. 2010 http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/success_in_fight_against_drugs.pdf

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. “Drug Trafficking in the United States.” May, 2004 http://www.policyalmanac.org/crime/archive/drug_trafficking.shtml