NCJ Number
159437
Journal
Caribbean Affairs Volume: 7 Dated: (September/October 1994) Pages: 17-27
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how drug trafficking negatively impacts political stability, economic stability, and the environment.
Abstract
Political stability is impacted by drug trafficking as drug operators corrupt top officials in industry, business, and government. The wealth of the drug cartels gives them power to influence politicians whose status and influence depends on money. Such corruption undermines the credibility of governments and impairs the ability of politicians and bureaucrats to define and defend "the national interests" adequately. In addition, it contributes to the development of cynicism and increased tolerance for corruption, both of which are dangerous; consequently, drug corruption undermines political security. Regarding negative economic impacts, drug abuse contributes to loss of productivity due to addiction, rehabilitation, and incarceration. It also increases the cost of health care. Further, studies show that coca and cocaine not only cause inflation by introducing a huge monetary mass into the economy, they also raise the price of goods and services in coca-growing parts of the countries concerned. Drug operations, especially production and trafficking, have a strong impact on some economies, generating a high percentage of the gross national product. The environmental concerns about drugs relate largely to cocaine and heroin production operations. Cocaine production, for example, gives rise to deforestation, pollution, species destruction, soil erosion, and danger to human health.