Illicit Trade and Drug Trafficking Proving to be a Major Problem

Illicit Trade and Drug Trafficking Proving to be a Major Problem

Drug trafficking and illicit trade have proven to be major problems that the international community face as it enters into the twenty-first century. Currently the illegal drug trade market is one of the largest sectors of the modern global economy. Because of this fact, the drug trade is deeply rooted in many nations economic and social cultures, which makes it very difficult to control. Drug trafficking also brings with it the problems of organized crime money laundering, corruption, and violence. In 1999, the United Nations Economic and Social Council warned that the international drug trade was brutal, dangerous, and ruthless for those involved with its actions, as well as those trying to enforce restrictions against it.

In the debate over the international illicit drug trade, many have argued that the current situation is based on a supply and demand. The international business of narcotics produces around 400 billion dollars in trade each year, which accounts for almost 10% of all worldwide trade. With that in mind, over the past decades the problem with the illicit trafficking of drugs has been based mainly on the supply of narcotics to the international community. Many nations such as Thailand, Laos, Pakistan, Morocco, Columbia, Peru, and Bolivia are heavily dependant upon the profits of the international drug trade. The United Nations has been continuously involved in stressing the need for governments to reduce production and supply of illicit drugs. However, many nations rely on the profits of the international drug trade as a sustaining force in their economies; this has proven to be a very difficult task.

Over time, the problem with illicit drug trade has worsened, over the last decade the production of opium and marijuana nearly doubled, and the production of cocaine tripled. The increase in the demand for drugs, has led to the increase in production of synthetic drugs as well as an increase in the profits for those involved in the drug trade themselves. With the demand for drugs on the rise throughout the international community the time has come for problem solving bodies such as the United Nations to step in and take action.

Past United Nations Actions

For the past decade the United Nations has been heavily involved in the fight against the illicit drug...

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...d NGOs to encourage farmers to reduce the cultivation of illicit opium in favor of alternative crops, but more action needs to be taken.

· Middle Eastern Bloc

With the rise of the black market and mafia in certain areas, drug consumption has taken a major rise in recent years. Demand for opium, cannabis, heroin and cocaine have risen drastically. The governments within this region must focus on the stronger law enforcement and restriction of corruption especially in transit countries.

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Policy Questions

· What systems or programs does your country support relating to drug trade and control?

· What, if anything, has your country done in the past to help deal with illicit drug trade?

· Does your country rely on illicit drug trade for its economy?

· What has your nation done in collaboration with the United Nations or other independent NGO’s to combat illicit drug trade?

Research

Here are some good sites for research-

http://www.state.gov/g/inl

http://www.unesco.org/most/ds22eng.htm

http://www.unesco.org/most/ds22eng.htm

http://www.unesco.org/most/ds22eng.htm

And don’t forget the Mira Costa MUN site

http://www.cyberverse.com/~costamun/

GOOD LUCK!