DRUG TRAFFICKING

Laís O. Santos

IMPARH

DRUG TRAFFIC IS THE TRAFFICKING OF

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, NARCOTICS.

The traffic comes from illegal drugs and it has

important social consequences:

Crime

Violence

Corruption

Marginalization

higher rates of intoxication by chemical

contaminants in the drugs, etc.

MARIJUANA MARCH

In many countries, including Brazil, social

movements are pro-legalization

of cannabis sativa, a substance declared illegal by

the laws of the country. The Marijuana

March is an example of this, people from around

the country take to the streets shouting, hooting,

show posters and teach about the pot, showing

the side of the drug user who is

unjustly marginalized for choosing to use

other drugs than those considered legal under

the law.

DRUGS AND CRIME

The drugs are linked to crime in, at least, four ways:

1. The unauthorized possession and drug trafficking is considered a crime in almost all countries of the world;

2. Since the drugs are too expensive, a small portion of users resort to crime to fund addiction;

3. Other crimes are committed to facilitate drug trafficking, one of the most lucrative in the world.

4. The effects of the drug itself can lead to criminal activities. Family may suffer abuse by chronic drug users.

PERUVIAN CHILDREN VICTIMS OF

NARCO-TRAFFICKING

THE MAJOR SOURCE OF INCOME

Currently, the largest source of income for organized crime is the drug trade. Marijuana and cocaine are the main producers of international trade in illicit drugs, followed by opium, hashish and by synthetic drugs (mainly amphetamines and ecstasy).

According to data from the National Penitentiary Department (Depen), from 1995 to 2010, the prison population has tripled, counting today, with about 500,000 inmates. It is noteworthy that during this period, the profile of incarcerated changed: a little over 15 years ago, the crimes that led to most behind bars were of the order sheet, as is the case of robbery or theft; currently more than a fifth of prisoners comes from drug trafficking, a number that is growing.

The main question is: are

drugs used because they are

on sale ...?Or they sell

drugs because there

is demand? ... If the

government discover

and focus efforts directly

on the causes, consequences

will also stop.

It is important to remember

that the poor of the slums do

not have many alternatives to

support themselves. In fact,

the vast majority must

suffer the paltry work, lawful

or unlawful, that

the population can offer

them or their order.

So we need to combat the drug problem without dealing with adult consumers as "poor things". Eventually they may be victims, but most often they are the cause of the existence and the drug trade. If they do not consume, paying high prices, there would be no drug being manufactured or marketed. (Even the big dealers are consequences and not causes). Therefore, we must establish appropriate punishment for all (for anyone who buys and sells). So we will be successful in this fight and will reduce the causes and consequences. Be tolerant of the drug addicts may even be important for their personal recovery. However, discipline them properly is much more important to society.

...WHAT IF WE

DO NOTHING?