Preventing corruption a higher priority in curbing drug trafficking
Corruption is a main enabling factor in drug trafficking, according to a new report released Wednesday by the Vienna- based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), And vast profits generated in drug markets often exceed the financial resources of state institutions, making these drug empires political forces,with the power and authority of legitimate organizations.
' It is impossible for governments to compete with drug trafficking organizations in terms of bribes' Melvyn Levitsky, INCB member and professor of International Policy and Practice, told IPS. According to Levitsky, 'corruption has first to be addressed by governments providing appropriate training and salary to the police force. ' He says money is the main factor involving drug trafficking and corrupt officials.
At a press briefing Wednesday, the Board also pointed to the use of the internet as a channel for easy purchase of drugs , and for detailed sharing of manufacturing instructions.
INCB states that drug trafficking requires prevention and prosecution, with measures directed at both the public and private sectors, and international cooperation between countries. The report highlights the growing abuse of cocaine and heroin around the world, while urging the need for legal medicines to be available for all, stating that over 80 per cent of the work's population has insufficient access to drugs for medical purposes.
Pointing to coca cultivation in South America, the increasing heroin abuse in western Europe and Asia, and rising opium production in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, Levitsky said 'the task to combat drug trafficking is not confined to developing countries…. it is an international phenomenon'. According to INCB, drug trafficking is estimated to generate about 800 billion dollars in revenues around the world, every year.
© Inter Press Service (2011) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: Inter Press Service