THE EVOLUTION OF DRUG

TRAFFICKINGBy: Amanda Ellingson

Writing 101.22

Wendy Call

December 4, 2008

HISTORY OF DRUGS IN AMERICA Toward the end

of the 1800’s, many drugs in the U.S. were legal.

Addiction to some drugs was discovered following the conclusion of the Civil War.

STOPPING DRUG CONSUMPTION

By the beginning of the 1900’s, many people in society wanted to put limits on drug use.Pure Food & Drug

ActHarrison ActVolstead Act

THE BUSINESS BEGINS… Million dollar black

markets were created in Mexico.

In 1933, when alcohol prohibition was repealed, Mexico still was producing and distributing drugs.

THE 1920’S In the beginning

of the 1920’s, drug trafficking started booming

In 1921, Mexico City newspaper launched a large campaign on drug smuggling.

DRUG CARTELS GAIN POWER Drug Cartels

Uphold and manage the drug trade industry.

How did Mexico’s drug cartels gain power? The fall of

Colombia’s cartels Closing of key

routes Tactics

VIOLENCE BEGINS TO ARISE Cartels are creating violence and

fighting one another to obtain control of the whole drug market.This is known as a turf war.Majority of the victims are innocent people.Gulf Cartel vs. Sinaloa-Juarez Milenio Cartel

Mexican newspapers reported 300 drug related killings in some of the border states so far this year. (2007)

ELIMINATION OF THE CARTELS

Cartels in Mexico are similar to other criminal organizations such as mafias.

If for any reason a leader is lost, cartels are prepared to appoint a new leader.

CORRUPTION Corruption is

present in: Mexico United States

As the law enforcement continues to protect the drug organizations, the drug cartels will gain more power.

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL-A worldwide organization that focuses on preventing corruption.

*The countries are rated on a scale 0 to 10, 10 being least corrupt and 0 being most corrupt.

Country Rank Grade

Mexico 7th 3.3

United States 20th 7.3

SMUGGLERS USE NAFTA The NAFTA

agreement created a gateway for drug smugglers.

NAFTA has become the favored method of importing drugs into America.

BUT HOW? Smugglers have:

Created factories, warehouses, and truck companies as a front for drug trafficking.

Gone to great lengths to bypass inspection, some have hired trade consultants to see what products will move faster through border inspection.

Used creativity when hiding drugs in shipments in legal goods.

IN CONCLUSION....

Drug Cartels

Corruption

The Evolution of Drug

Smuggling

NAFTA

THE MEXICAN DRUG WAR HITS AMERICA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz8HMzcj6xE