NCJ Number
160749
Date Published
1995
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the dynamics and structure of organized crime's involvement in international drug trafficking and suggests ways for nations to counter this problem.
Abstract
The prognosis is for more rather than less transnational collaboration among criminal groups involved in drug trafficking. As the global economy integrates, both legal and illegal businesses will exploit every opportunity. The sheer scale and dynamics of transnational, if not global, crime will force the main players into unholy alliances and partnerships. One of the most significant developments in this regard is the Colombian/Italian criminal collaboration for transhipping cocaine to Europe under an "umbrella" agreement in such matters as delivery, price, and distribution policy. Increased international law enforcement activity is having positive results. Although organized crime can never be eradicated, law enforcement efforts can cap and control organized crime activities and their impacts. There is much left to be done, however, to increase the effectiveness of countermeasures. More affluent states should help less affluent states with expertise, guidance, and encouragement. The work against organized crime is resource intensive and expensive, requiring talented and skilled personnel to be able to travel and operate with the same freedom as the criminal organizations. On the diplomatic front, countries such as the Bahamas, Colombia, and Russia must be persuaded to pass anti-money-laundering laws. Other territories and money havens that prostitute themselves to handle criminal monies must be sanctioned and shamed. 7 references