Internationally Organized Drug Trade and the Special Problems of Combatting It (From Polizeiliche Drogenbekaempfung, P 213-239, 1981, by Konrad Beer et al - See NCJ-89170)

• NCJ Number: 89177
• Author(s): W Pietrzik
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 27 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: German
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

This article emphasizes the global nature of organized drug rings and discusses the conditions and policies of developing supply countries, as well as the general economic and social factors conducive to international drug smuggling.

Abstract

It identifies the sources of cannabis, heroin, and cocaine in various continents; outlines transport routes and trafficking methods; and drafts the pyramid organizational structure of a typical drug operation. Also considered are the obstacles to curbing an international smuggling network -- different national laws and unequal enforcement motivation and capabilities of the countries involved. The refinement of infiltration methods and laws that facilitate suspect surveillance across national borders are urged to combat illicit international smuggling networks. The argument contends that only organized, multinationally coordinated legislation and enforcement can combat organized international crime. Specific considerations and techniques for early intelligence gathering on illicit drug deals are also discussed, as are the organizations (International Criminal Police Organization, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, etc.) currently involved in coordinated efforts. The need for improved cooperation is emphasized by a discussion of the ways in which the very nature of modern commerce, transportation, tourism, and economic and political conditions lend themselves to exploitation by organized drug criminals. A diagram and seven footnotes are provided.