Genn 499 Week 5 Final Paper

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University Of Arizona *

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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1 International Drug Trafficking Rebecca McGuire The University of Arizona Global Campus GEN499: General Education Capstone Dr. Joseph Marangell November 19, 2023

Introduction The phenomenon of drug trafficking has become profoundly entwined with our contemporary global society, and as a result, it is able to exercise a substantial influence in a variety of different spheres. During the last four decades, there has been an appreciable spike in the number of deaths that occur all over the world as a direct result of the prevalence of drug trafficking. It has now created a detrimental effect across the planet. Because of the way of life that is associated with it, the underground market is to blame for a considerable number of deaths that occur in the present day. Despite this, it has developed into a lucrative option that paves the way for individuals to significantly improve their financial conditions. The effects of international drug trafficking extend to the workings of political systems, the workings of economic institutions, the workings of social fabric, and the workings of local communities. The magnitude of the damage done by drug trafficking on a worldwide scale is a good indicator of the effect that it has had on humankind in general. Different national opinions on how to deal with drug trafficking are mostly to blame for the lack of unanimity that exists regarding this issue. More research on international drug trafficking is required to provide a complete understanding of the hazards and health repercussions of this worldwide epidemic. Despite extensive endeavors, such as the War on Drugs, to address the illicit drug market, minimal or insignificant consideration has been given to the underlying matter of supply and demand. A considerable number of people roam the streets with a strong dependence on narcotics, therefore, the legalization of any kind of drugs is not the optimal choice. This study aims to analyze strategies to diminish the demand for illicit substances with the objective of mitigating drug trafficking. Problem 2

The issue of international drug trafficking is a worldwide societal concern that has led to significant disparities in the United States. The illicit drug market has a significant worldwide presence, impacting both developed and impoverished nations on a large scale. International drug trafficking surpasses the value of many essential legal commodities in the world economy, with an estimated annual worth ranging from $300 billion to $400 billion (Frtizvold, 2019). In the presence of supply and demand, drug dealers will persist in distributing illicit narcotics for economic gain. To effectively stop the dissemination of these drugs, it is imperative that we tackle the root cause, which is the desire for them. For decades, illegal narcotics have been unlawfully carried across various parts of the United States. The United States has been impacted by the global problem of illegal drug trade, with a recent increase in drug-related mortality and overdoses. As a result, this has become a national health issue for the entire country. Cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, pain relievers, and methamphetamine are among the substances discussed. Marijuana usage has increased since 2007. In 2013, the number of current users reached 19.8 million, accounting for around 7.5 percent of people aged twelve and up. This was an increase above the previous year's record of 14.5 million (NIDA, 2015). In recent years, the prevalence of cocaine consumption has declined. More than 20,000 Americans died from fentanyl in 2016, and this number is climbing, according to the CDC. Fentanyl and its analogs are imported through many avenues, including direct shipments from Chinese companies to US online buyers. Injectable drug users' Hepatitis B, C, and HIV rates. The survey says visitors to India's drug trafficking routes are more susceptible to infectious diseases. A study Conducted by Datta et al. (2006) on how global drug trafficking spreads infectious illnesses and further blames drug trafficking organizations and needle sharers for these infections (p. 1955). It recognizes that 3

drug-related infectious diseases constitute a complicated global epidemic that is difficult to control and mitigate. An examination into the history of heroin and opiate manufacture and distribution done by Paoli et al. (2012). It also examines key international drug governance issues and their worldwide effects. The study suggests that reintroducing previous restrictions may change drug trafficking techniques, allowing each nation to modify them to its needs (p. 933). Additionally, these artifacts' limitations and therapeutic effects must be recognized. In the US, narcotics and crime are strongly linked. You could be charged with drug possession, production, or distribution. Drugs are being transferred via cars, bodies, and luggage to confound police. Additionally, medications are shipped by mail. Drugs have been smuggled between Mexico and America underground. It is believed that Mexico, our neighbor, supplies most of our drugs. Human trafficking, corruption, money laundering, and guns affect drug trafficking. These considerations make drugs damaging to America. In addition to rising crime rates, health issues among drug users and pregnant women, and frequent overdoses and murders targeting addicts, we must address international smuggling to prevent its widespread impact. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that 400,000 US newborns are exposed to prenatal alcohol and drugs. This accounts for 10% of live births and often requires child welfare. According to the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well- Being (NSCAW), 61% of babies and 41% of older children in out-of-home care come from alcohol- or drug-using families. Z. Laris et al (2018). As drug-related crime and health issues rise, all nations must work together to improve our world, communities, and families. Drug use and abuse raise ethical and social difficulties. Today's conflicting drug standards and attitudes make these issues tough to solve. Standards may 4

be subjective due to social, religious, and personal factors. Different standards and attitudes in a society might lead to frequent drug misuse disputes. Marijuana is becoming increasingly legal in many places and painkillers are prescribed to patients, but both are drugs. Gavrilova and Zoutman claim that Medical Marijuana Laws (MML) diminish violent organized crime by Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO), especially in border states. Solid evidence supports the claim. Local farmers' medical marijuana clinics reduce Mexican drug traffickers' marijuana demand, lowering crime rates. Mexican drug traffickers' financial constraints when hiring violent criminals due to a limited market in certain areas may have reduced violent crime rates. Medical Marijuana Laws (MMLs) may also eliminate social stigma and increase marijuana use among non-licensed users. This benefits drug traffickers. Data suggests a regulated system with local farmers as providers will be allowed. Thompson (2016) examines how drug offenses affect skills and societal development. The study contrasts drug offender and non-offender economic advancement based on education and employment. Thompson (2016) advises legislators to examine these factors while creating new drug legislation. The paper's author supports his claims with statistics. Drug-using households and communities make it harder for low-income children to escape poverty. Despite the many options, their behavior and decisions are more likely to be influenced by their surrounding environment's teachings. Drug trafficking is a multibillion-dollar industry with primarily negative outcomes such as health issues, increasing crime rates, addiction, and violence. It is critical that all nations work together to develop a comprehensive strategy to eliminate or decrease these problems. Drug trafficking then separates and harms families, communities, and society, resulting in an increase in crime rates. In the United States, the prevalence of drug overdose and use is disturbingly high, 5

resulting in severe health issues and even fatalities. Furthermore, many illicit substances are being illegally brought into our country, primarily through Mexico, but increasingly through online platforms, posing a rising issue for the US. By expanding drug use, the international drug trade has a negative impact on both the economy and individuals. The negative repercussions of drug use and addiction are visible in an overburdened criminal system, a taxed healthcare system, reduced productivity, and environmental degradation. Unfortunately, drug trafficking is frequently accompanied by an increase in general criminal behavior. Drug trafficking has been recognized as a key indication of terrorism, according to the conclusions of a study done by Omelicheva and Markowitz (2018). Nonetheless, the research revealed that the link between drugs and terrorism is complex, diverse, and strongly linked to the government. Additionally, drug traffickers are frequently involved in human trafficking. Treating drug users reduces global drug trafficking better than imprisoning them. Prisons hold many offenders and addicts without resolution. The 2002 poll found 56% thought drug treatment was underfunded. "In 2014, 48.7% of federal convicts were imprisoned for drug charges." Giordano (2016). Help should tighten rules, but relapse must end. Most first-time drug offenses are jailable for 3–5 years. "Drug courts do represent a promising breakthrough, and they are in use in a number of jurisdictions across the country, including here." Five years ago, District Attorney Charles Hynes began the Drug Treatment Alternatives to Prison program, which has expanded to neighboring boroughs. B felony drug dealers who sell to undercover officers can go to prison, Phoenix House, or Samaritan Village. Despite nonviolent convictions, 15–24-month treatment program completers had charges reduced. " Anderson (1996). Program performance showed that training reduced recidivism. 6

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