NCJ Number
111440
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1988) Pages: 21-30
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Smuggling is a threat to the social, political, and economic well-being of African countries; energetic and well-coordinated efforts are required to curtail such activities.
Abstract
African smugglers engage in two types of smuggling activities: illegal items such as elephant tusks, game trophies, coffee beans, and precious minerals, smuggled out of countries and the smuggling of items into countries prohibited by law. Generally, smugglers focus on prohibited or heavily taxed goods that are in heavy demand and easy to hide. The modes of transport and concealment methods used by smugglers are many and varied. Often, special compartments are built into vehicles. Current antismuggling measures include the use of joint police/customs/armed forces to patrol borders, intelligence gathering, interdiction, legal prohibitions, and bilateral and multilateral arrangements. Additional efforts might include international cooperation and exchange of vital information on smugglers' activities, increased law enforcement training, improved equipment and financing, and improved security along the borders of African countries. 73 references.