As a result, this is showing how the policy approach that has been taken is a failure, by not having any kind of effect on reducing the total amounts of Cocaine on the street (as the level of prices is an indication of this supply). The information from this source is useful, because it provides a total big picture view of the overall scope of the problem. This is important, because it can be used to establish how the current approach and policy are ineffective at addressing the underlying challenges.
Enforcement vs. Prevention. (2010). All About Addiction. Retrieved from: http://www.allaboutaddiction.com/addiction/enforcement-vs.-prevention-and-treatment-solving-our-addiction-problem-requires-all-three
This sources talks about how there is not an emphasis on drug treatment programs in the United States. As they point out how there is no vested interested in reaching out to addicts, because it is politically unpopular. Evidence of this can be seen with the fact that most major insurance companies refuse to cover any of the costs associated with someone going to a drug treatment facility. The information from this source is useful, because it highlighting how there is a lack of focus on this part of the problem. As a result, this can be used with previous sources to show how the government is taking an approach of interdiction (as far as the supply is concerned). While at the same time, they are placing little emphasis on providing effective treatment options for users.
Law Enforcement Officers. (2010). Drug Rehab. Retrieved from: http://www.drug-rehab.com/news/law-enforcement-officers-advocate-for-treatment-rather-than-prison-sentences-2087.php
The information...
As the majority of law enforcement officials believe, that an approach of sending addicts to treatment would be more effective at addressing the problem. This is because the status quo has caused the prison system to fill up with addicts (who may not be considered to be criminals other circumstances). As a result, this information is useful, because it can help corroborate how the current approach is not working.
Thesis Statement
After reviewing the relevant pieces of literature, we have developed a thesis statement to examine the total impact of drug trafficking (listed below).
The overall effort to reduce the supply of drugs has failed. This has caused an imbalanced approach to be taken, which is making the situation worse. To effectively rectify the problem, means that a new strategy must be embraced that will address the supply and demand (on both sides of the border). This is the only way to intelligently tackle the problem, by using proven techniques that will go after it at its sources (the suppliers and users).
Bibliography
Drug Trafficking. (2004). Policy Almanac. Retrieved from: http://www.policyalmanac.org/crime/archive/drug_trafficking.shtml
Enforcement vs. Prevention. (2010). All About Addiction. Retrieved from: http://www.allaboutaddiction.com/addiction/enforcement-vs.-prevention-and-treatment-solving-our-addiction-problem-requires-all-three
Law Enforcement Officers. (2010). Drug Rehab. Retrieved from: http://www.drug-rehab.com/news/law-enforcement-officers-advocate-for-treatment-rather-than-prison-sentences-2087.php
