How did drug trafficking in Latin America start?

It was introduced by sea on the Caribbean routes where fishing boats and speedboats made their entry into the continental United States. In 1976, the first seizure of cocaine on the coasts of the United States was registered and the increase of ships with drugs in the Pacific Ocean was recorded.

How does drug trafficking affect Latin America?

Harsh drug laws have led to massive overcrowding, inhumane conditions and violence in prisons across Latin America. In the last decade in Brazil, the prison population has doubled from 233,000 to 473,000 prisoners, due in part to a 2006 drug law that increased penalties for small-scale drug dealers.

What is drug trafficking in international relations?

Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. UNODC is continuously monitoring and researching global illicit drug markets in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their dynamics.

Why is drug trafficking an issue?

The global drug trafficking market is constantly evolving, undermining economic and social development and contributing to crime, instability, insecurity and the spread of HIV. A key message of the campaign is driving action against transnational organized crime.

What are the root causes of drug trafficking?

Causes Of Drug Trafficking

• The Demand For Drugs. According to the US Department of Justice, the number of drug users in the United States is over 18 million.
• The Supply Of Drugs. The supply of drugs is also a major cause of drug trafficking.
• Corruption.
• Easy Money And Power.

Why is drug trafficking an important issue in international relations and security?

Kan surveys the threats that drug trafficking poses to international security. Individual chapters show how drug trafficking creates narco-states, undermines fragile states, abets intrastate conflict, facilitates the spread of transnational criminal organizations, and harms global health.

What are the consequences of drug trafficking?

The penalties for drug trafficking are usually a jail or prison sentence, fines and supervised release (probation). Many factors play a role in how a drug trafficker is sentenced. These factors include the type of drug, the quantity of drugs, and the distribution area.

What are the risks of drug trafficking?

Crime groups involved in drug trafficking are typically involved in a range of criminal activity, so action against drug trafficking can simultaneously impact:

• Money laundering and illicit finance.
• Illegal firearms.
• Organised immigration crime.
• Production of false documentation.
• Modern slavery and human trafficking.