NCJ Number
128524
Journal
Journal of State Government Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (April-June 1990) Pages: 29-31
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
America's war on drugs requires Federal, State, and local cooperation and a public will to reduce the demand for drugs.
Abstract
The drug issue has become a national security concern as drug traffickers have become major destabilizing influences around the world. Despite its worldwide dimensions, however, the most obvious adverse effect of the drug problem is on individual users. Drug abuse strains both educational and health care systems. In addition to drug overdoses and the need for drug treatment, the drug epidemic is increasing crime-related injuries and causing a rise in AIDS and venereal diseases. The criminal justice system is overwhelmed by drug-related crimes, and the ability of police to insure community safety and order is being severely tested. The Federal justice system is undergoing fundamental changes due to the growth in national and international criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. Federal agencies involved in the drug war are the Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs Service, Coast Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Border Patrol, military services, Marshals Service, and others. Additionally, the State Department is pressuring foreign governments to treat drug trafficking as a serious international crime. The national drug strategy is designed to set goals that challenge all levels of government and society.