Internationalization of the War on Drugs and Its Potential for Successfully Addressing Drug Trafficking and Related Crimes in South Africa

• NCJ Number: 180462
• Journal: George WashingtonJournal of International Law & Economics Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: Winter 1997 Pages: 297-321
• Author(s): Joseph P. Shereda
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 125 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This Note examines the drug trafficking problem in South Africa, discusses ways of prohibiting and fighting drug trafficking, and proposes a strategy that South Africa should use to address its problems.

Abstract

Characteristics that establish South Africa as a center of illicit drug trafficking include: (1) the nature of democracy, in contrast with an apartheid regime; (2) the country’s status as an international trade partner; (3) the country’s new openness, resulting in transborder transportation; (4) the “growing pains” of a newly formed democratic government, providing an environment conducive to criminal activity; (5) South Africa’s legacy of lawlessness and poverty; and (6) the country’s sophisticated but largely unregulated banking system. To address its problems, South Africa should establish strong domestic policies, including enacting a comprehensive drug control law; ratify the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; continue to participate in multilateral (regional) agreements; and remain open to help from the United States. Notes