Crime and Drugs are Partners
Not all crimes are committed under the influence of drugs, however, the need to obtain drugs for recreational use and the need to use drugs for monetary gain are paramount incitements for the commission of crimes,
There are different types of drugs and the top ten are as follow: heroin; cocaine; methamphetamine, crack cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, opium, marijuana, marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, and PCP. The cost for these drugs gets higher as it moves to the top of the list and like the cost so is their potency. Each of these drugs react differently on different people, nonetheless, trying these drugs is playing with fire. Someone once told me that the first high is the greatest euphoria and despite the fact that that high can never be experienced again, it is sought after like the “Holy Grail,” and addiction is usually the result of this search. Unfortunately most addicts cannot afford their habit and even the cheapest drug can cause financial ruin. When an addict get to this point all scruples are gone and crimes no longer seem like crimes, they become means to an end.
The possession of drugs is already, but a crime to oneself; but when an addict needs drugs no one is safe. Addicts will commit any crime to keep their drug supply flowing. Some of the common crimes to obtain money are property thief, assault, shop-lifting, breaking and entering, and yes homicide is sometimes the result of procuring drugs. These crimes are mostly committed by men; the most widespread crime among women is prostitution.
In 2002 about a quarter of convicted property and drug offenders in local jails had
committed their crimes to get money for drugs, Among state prisoners in 2004
the pattern was similar, with property (30%) and drug offenders (26%) more
likely to commit their crimes for drug money than violent (10%) and public-order
offenders (7%). In federal prisons property offenders (11%) were less than half as
likely as drug offenders (25%)” (US Department of Justice).
Selling drugs is a crime that promotes serious offences. Drug selling is a lucrative business and sellers are ferocious when their livelihood is threatened; they will do anything in defense of their turf and making sure their client s pay. Allen Powell II reports that in New Orleans eleven men and one woman were indicted for crimes committed while defending their territory and forcing debtors to pay. Their indictments consisted of property damage, kidnapping, assault, and murder. Even after their indictment the crimes did not stop; they use family members to intimidate their victims throwing rocks at their cars, making threatening phone calls, and drive by shootings (2012). The moment someone touches drugs he or she begins to pave the way for other crimes.
Drug trafficking is one of the biggest conglomerate it encompasses many countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Billions of dollars are generated through this illegal activity and everyone dauntingly defends his investment. An example of the dangers of drug trafficking is the country of Mexico that serves as a channel for drugs to the United States. Since 2005 the number of homicides in Mexico increased drastically; 2006 the number of homicides was 2,108; in 2007-2,207; 2009 -5,129; 2009 -6,557; and 2010 -11,562 ( US Department of Justice). As astounding as these numbers are one must bear in mind that this is the statistics of only one country; it would baffle the imagination what the number would be if the numbers from all three continents were compiled.
Clearly drug is the most profitable multinational organizations and its participants are some of the most unscrupulous people whose main goal is to satisfy their needs. Whoever or whatever stands in their way will pay dearly.
Work Cited
“Drug Related Crimes.” US Department of Justice. Web. 19 Nov. 2012
“Mexico’s Drug Trafficking Organizations: Source and Scope of the Rising Violence.” (2012)
US Department of Justice web. 19 Nov. 2010
Powell, Allan. (2012) “Harvey Hustlers were ruthless in defending their drug turf, fed say.”
The Times Picayune. Web. 19 Nov.2012
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