Drug Policies in Western Europe (From Drug Policies in Western Europe, P 29-39, 1989, Hans-Jorg Albrecht and Anton van Kalmthout, eds. -- See NCJ-120465)

• NCJ Number: 124068
• Author(s): J Wiarda
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Max-Planck-Institute Fur Auslandisches und Internationales Strafrecht
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

This analysis of repressive strategies in drug control in the United States and other countries argues that these repressive and prohibitive approaches are counterproductive and have a criminogenic multiplier effect.

Abstract

International experts estimate that 60 to 80 percent of total crime is related to illicit drugs. Repressive strategies have several intentional or unintentional effects. They stigmatize users, stabilize local prices and the volume of production, increase profits to drug traffickers, promote corruption of public officials, and increase police numbers and powers. In the Netherlands, a 1988 analysis of organized crime revealed the existence of some 200 criminal groups, 3 percent of which had more than 100 members and 57 percent of which had international connections. The main type of crime they committed involved drugs. Changing drug regulation to match that of alcohol and gambling would lead to a substantial breakdown of criminal organizations and, if introduced gradually, would increase consumption only temporarily. Therefore, drug policy should change to achieve the goals of integrating drug use into social life, educating people regarding drugs, and managing the effects of drug abuse on public order and damage to nonusers. Figures.