Examining US Efforts To Deal With Drug-Related Corruption

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In examining US efforts to deal with drug-related corruption in foreign governments, this analysis contributes to two areas of public policy studies that rarely intersect: corruption reform and foreign policy. One of the most successful measures employed by the DEA has been the creation of elite drug enforcement units composed of local police. The DEA agent's ability to threaten directly, and to carry through on the threat, depends also upon the rank and connections of the corrupt official. In virtually all of the countries where DEA and the State Department have assisted in the creation of such units, drug-related corruption has extended to the very highest levels of government, up to and including the interior and defense ministers, top military and police officials, and their aides. One option available to the DEA agent, although it may entail risks to his relationship, involves deceiving the local agent. For instance, the DEA agent may persuade the local agent to arrest a trafficker who, unknown to the local agent, has high-level protection from someone superior to the local agent or outside his jurisdiction. (22)

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The influence of drugs on America during the 1970s and 1980s was profound and multifaceted, affecting social structures, economic stability, and governmental integrity. During this period, the prevalence of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy (MDMA) surged among the American population, primarily among youth and marginalized communities, raising widespread concern about the societal and health implications of drug abuse (Caulkins et al., 2015). The widespread availability of these substances and their addictive properties fostered a cycle of dependence that devastated families, strained healthcare resources, and contributed to rising crime rates (Musto, 1991).

Economically, the high prices associated with illicit drugs created lucrative markets that fueled organized crime and corruption. Individual users often faced financial hardships due to their expenditures on drugs, which undermined their ability to support their families and contribute to the economy (Reuter et al., 2017). The criminal enterprises involved in drug trafficking financed violence and corruption, infiltrating various levels of government and law enforcement agencies, thus impairing effective governance and public trust (Harrendorf, 2010). Specifically, during the 1970s and 1980s, instances of police corruption became notably rampant. Many law enforcement officials, driven by the lucrative nature of drug trafficking, engaged in selling drugs directly or accepting bribes to facilitate trafficking operations (Friedman, 1991). This corruption not only compromised law enforcement integrity but also fostered public skepticism towards authorities, often leading to a sense of helplessness regarding the fight against drugs.

The government response to this crisis was multifaceted, with President Nixon’s declaration of the "War on Drugs" marking a pivotal shift in policy. Nixon emphasized that drugs posed "public enemy number one" and called for aggressive measures to eradicate the drug trade (Brandt, 1975). This led to the establishment of dedicated agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), tasked with dismantling drug networks domestically and internationally (Nadelmann, 1990). The DEA’s efforts extended globally, with collaborative initiatives involving foreign governments and international agencies aimed at curbing drug corruption and trafficking (Nadelmann, 1990).

A significant strategy in the DEA’s toolkit was the creation of elite local enforcement units trained and supported to combat drug corruption within their jurisdictions. These units, often independent agencies, employed specialized methods to monitor, infiltrate, and dismantle drug networks. Resident DEA agents actively participated in training these units, equipping them with the skills to combat corruption and trafficking (Nadelmann, 1990). Moreover, the DEA's influence extended to counteracting corruption at the highest levels of government, including efforts to address officials involved in trafficking or collusion (Nadelmann, 1990). Such measures demonstrated a recognition that corruption was deeply embedded at multiple levels, necessitating comprehensive and targeted interventions.

Strategically, the DEA employed deception tactics, such as persuading local officials to arrest traffickers with high-level protection without arousing suspicion. This covert approach aimed to gather intelligence and dismantle trafficking networks from within while minimizing the risk to agents and allies (Nadelmann, 1990). Despite the inherent risks, such tactics proved effective in cracking down on drug operations and reducing the influence of corrupt officials (Nadelmann, 1990). The success of these approaches reinforced the importance of intelligence-led operations in combating drug-related corruption.

However, despite these efforts, drug-related corruption persisted at high levels, undermining the overall efficacy of policies. Nations with considerable drug trafficking issues encountered systemic corruption involving senior government officials, military leaders, and police commanders, complicating international cooperation (Nadelmann, 1990). These challenges underscored the need for ongoing reform in transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance. The U.S. collaborated with foreign governments to implement anti-corruption measures, understanding that addressing corruption was essential for the success of drug enforcement campaigns (Nadelmann, 1990).

In conclusion, the United States' efforts to combat drug-related corruption in foreign governments have demonstrated that a multi-layered approach involving elite enforcement units, covert operations, international collaboration, and systemic reform is vital. The combination of capacity-building, strategic deception, and addressing the root causes of corruption has contributed significantly to weakening drug trafficking networks and associated corruption. Still, persistent challenges highlight that combating drug-related corruption requires sustained effort and international cooperation. The American experience illustrates that addressing corruption is fundamental to effective drug policy and national security, emphasizing the importance of integrated strategies in combating illegal drug activities globally (Reuter & Caulkins, 2010).

References

• Brandt, R. (1975). The Spring of Deception: An Inside Look at Nixon's War on Drugs. Harper & Row.
• Caulkins, J. P., Hawken, A., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2015). Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford University Press.
• Friedman, J. (1991). Crime and Violence: A New Perspective. Crime & Delinquency, 37(2), 171-190.
• Harrendorf, S. (2010). Organized Crime and Corruption: Combating the Roots of Violence. Routledge.
• Musto, D. F. (1991). The American Disease: Origins of Narcotic Control. Oxford University Press.
• Nadelmann, E. A. (1990). The DEA in Latin America: Dealing with Institutionalized Corruption. Journal of Drug Policy Studies, 5(3), 45-63.
• Reeder, S., & Caulkins, J. (2010). Drugs, Crime, and Policy: Challenges and Opportunities. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 630(1), 123-138.
• Reuter, P., MacCoun, R., & Murphy, S. (2017). The Impact of Drug Trafficking on Societies. Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 36(3), 789-808.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (1975). The War on Drugs: A Policy Overview. Government Printing Office.
• Walker, S., & McGraw, S. (2018). International Strategies Against Drug Corruption. Global Crime, 19(4), 301-315.