Accession Number:

ADA326380

Title:

The National Drug Control Strategy: A Reality Check.

Descriptive Note:

Research rept.,

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL STRATEGIC STUDIES INST CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Brostrom, David P.

Report Date:

1997-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

36.0

Abstract:

During the past decade the United States has steadily increased its efforts to curb drug abuse and drug trafficking. Counterdrug operations have become a major area of concern in the formulation of our National Security Strategy and National Military Strategy. However, the United States international drug policies have not been able to produce evidence of success. Despite unprecedented coordination and involvement by the U.S. military, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, the amount of illegal drugs being smuggled across our borders has continued to increase. The international community has failed to stem the dramatic worldwide increase in the production of opium, marijuana and coca. Compounding this problem is the rise and popularity of drug use among Americas youth. The economics of the illicit drug industry combined with a lack of international cooperation have been the root causes of the failure of the U.S. international drug control strategy. Our international policies are weighted heavily on the supply side tactics of eradication and interdiction and have had little impact on the flow of drugs into the United States. A historical review clearly indicates that the ways and means of our National Drug Control Strategy need to be adjusted.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY STRATEGY
• *NATIONAL SECURITY
• *LAW ENFORCEMENT
• *DRUG INTERDICTION
• *DRUG SMUGGLING
• INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
• ECONOMICS
• MILITARY TACTICS
• DRUG USERS
• DRUG ABUSE
• YOUTH
• OPIUM ALKALOIDS
• CANNABIS

Subject Categories:

• Sociology and Law
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE