Illicit drug trafficking vis-a-vis drug abuse
International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking 2021 observation by IPS, Manipur State branch

Prof Dr K Shantibala Devi *

It is a well established fact that there is a close relationship between illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse. Drug trafficking is a part of life-line for drug abusers/addicts and the link between the two continues to thrive.

The tackling of drug menace is two-pronged besides the other several factors that come into play in dealing with drug problems. They are-
1. Supply reduction and
2. Demand reduction

Illicit drug trafficking is a pervading global illicit trade which encompasses cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of the substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws.

In drug trafficking the person(s) indulging in the trade exercise control over the controlled substances and has the knowledge that the substance was present and was a narcotic drug, dangerous drug, prescribed only or other illegal drug and that the drug was possessed for the purpose of a sale.

The final and natural end-point of the sale are drug abusers/addicts. Some such substances include heroin (opioids), cocaine, marijuana or other illegal drugs which is illicit and a crime.

Hence, illicit drug trafficking is the illegal movement of drugs from one place to another which is against National and international legislation for such practice.

According to the Department of Justice, the sale and manufacture of drugs accounts for almost one-fifth of all drug-related arrests. Reasons for drug trafficking are varied and some of it are due to poverty, ignorance, greed, unemployment, negative peer pressure, being a drug user, lack of discipline, funding for crime, etc.

With regard to illicit trafficking the most impacted are particularly young adults aged 18 years to 25 years (33.5% in the past year); youths aged 12 years to 17 years (19%) and adult 26 years and above (10.3%). The formative and productive age suffers the most with drug problems and related family, community, legal and health issues.

Consequences of Illicit Trafficking and Drug Abuse/Addiction

The trafficking and abuse of drugs runs parallel and its vicious cycle affects nearly all aspects of the individual, family, community and society, the permanent physical and emotional damage to the users and anyone they are associated with.

The negative impact is significant and measurable with loss of productivity, unemployment, impaired physical and mental health, decreased quality of life, increased drug-related crimes, increased violence, disturbed dynamics in relationships, abuse and neglect of children, dependence on non-familial support systems for survival, treatment, rehabilitation, etc.

Children also bear the brunt of biological and environmental consequences of parental substance abuse. A high percentage of drug users succumb to sickness, diseases, incarceration for legal conflicts and crimes, premature deaths due to accidents, suicide, overdose, etc.

In USA the economic cost is nearly 215 billion dollars. Worldwide, the damage caused by illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse/addiction is reflected in an overburdened justice system, a strained healthcare system, loss of productivity, environmental destruction and above all morbidity and mortality.

The International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking (June 26) is a United Nations International day and is being observed since 1989. Every year there is a specific theme and various stakeholders and concerned organizations join this global observance.

2021’s theme is “Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives”. The observance is to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse by raising awareness of the major problem that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking represent for society.

Conclusion

Supply reduction which targets illicit drug trafficking and demand reduction for drug users and addicts need to be dealt with by concerned authorities, experts, agencies, family, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.

The relationship between illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse/addiction; drug abuse and crime are a foregone conclusion. Breaking the unholy alliance of illicit drug trafficking, drug abuse/addiction and crime is the cornerstone of targeting drug-related universal problem.

Stepping up efforts to reduce supply and strategies to reduce demand, countering money-laundering and corruption, strengthening targeted sanctions on traffickers, enhancing drug-related legal processes, committed and dedicated drug enforcement agencies’ active performance are areas that can impact supply reduction.