Today’s War on Drugs: Modern Day Drug Trafficking
Introduction
The war on drugs in an ever evolving challenge that has law enforcement officers racing to keep up with drug traffickers. Not only have drug traffickers had a long history of illegally transporting narcotics but the rules and regulations of drug laws have to change at a rapid pace to keep up with the times. Drugs are, unfortunately, a growing concern for individuals who become addicted to them and it is important to understand the history behind how they become available in an effort to stop someone from going down the wrong path towards destruction.
Drug Trafficking History
The history of drug trafficking began in the nineteenth century when substances such as heroin, morphine, and cocaine made their entrance into American culture. Opium, brought over by the Chinese, was perhaps the first gateway drug that led individuals down a dangerous and addicting path towards other narcotics. According to Federal Drug Charges, drug use continued to grow with approximately 10% of the population using some sort of drug in 1979. Shortly thereafter, drug cartels also grew in number and size.
Drug Cartels
A drug cartel is a criminal organization that specializes in drug trafficking operations. In 1980, the Medellin Cartel came to be one of the most powerful cartels with it’s deals in the cocaine industry. This cartel trafficked a dangerously high amount of cocaine from Colombia to the United States.
Techniques of Trafficking
Many illegal narcotics used to be smuggled into the United States via non-commercial airplanes. This has become much more regulated in the recent past. However, drug lords are now turning towards the seas to transport these substances. It is estimated that 95% of all drugs smuggled into the United States come via this method of transportation. The ingenuity of drug cartels in hiding these vessels is remarkable. Many paint their boats to be various shades of blue so that they blend in with the surrounding water. In addition, there is very little room for any crew aboard and the trip is a very dangerous one with the very real threat of capsizing at any moment. Some experts believe that the next wave of trafficking technology would include a fully submerged vessel, which would completely change the techniques needed to be used to catch these criminals.
Changes in Rules and Regulations
After President Nixon declared the “war on drugs” in 1971, rules and regulations have been ever evolving to keep up with the changing methods of drug cartels. Because of the severity of drug trafficking and its effect on many individuals lives, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) has implemented several new laws and regulations to try and stop drugs from coming into America. In 2011, the Drug Trafficking Safe Harbor Elimination Act was introduced, which will prevent some traffickers working inside American soil from avoiding federal charges if caught. The federal government also works to provide fully funded rehabilitation facilities for certain offenders who meet the qualifications. This is something that allows addicts to have a chance at recovery when they would otherwise likely fall back into the grip of their drug dealers as soon as they were released from jail.
Conclusion
The war on drugs is something that has been on the forefront of our legal system for many years. The drug cartels, unfortunately, keep evolving in their techniques to get drugs into America, which means that American authorities must also keep evolving to ensure drugs stay out of the borders.
If you have fallen victim to the grasp of drugs, please know that it’s not too late. Please seek professional help by calling United Drug Rehab today. They will aide you in your rehabilitation and recovery.
