NCJ Number
166321
Journal
Crime, Law and Social Change Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (1996/97) Pages: 125-160
Date Published
1997
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes drug control policies and the political framework of drug production and regulation in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia.
Abstract
The legal and political emphasis of drug policies in these cocaine-producing countries lies in the areas of control and repression. A substantial tendency toward overcriminalization is noted that is linked to easier procedural possibilities of criminal prosecution and punishment. Existing drug control policies in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia may be of limited efficacy, given the continuing flow of cocaine to the United States and the expanding trade to Europe. Two policy alternatives are identified: (1) international commercialization of coca and alternative development, the perspective of producing countries; and (2) controlled legalization, the perspective of consumer countries. Drug laws in the three Latin American countries and government political priorities are noted, and the effectiveness of drug control policies and prevention strategies is discussed. 52 references, 92 notes, and 7 tables