War Against Crime

There is no denying the fact that the problem of our modern dilemma lies with the wrestle against the illicit drug trafficking and the spread of drug addiction. Nowadays this difficulty is extremely heightened and as such it is openly connected with the success of the fight against crime, or failure if we poorly fight the phenomenon which is the burning question of the day and indeed a whole variety of social and economic issues. And of course it is most strongly knotted with the number one theme in the world – the struggle against terrorism. 

 Narco-business is one of the financial sources for terrorist groups and bandit gangs. It is well known that 80 percent of heroin is supplied to the world market from some sources involving in terrorism and social immoral activities. And gunmen of certain movements control drug transfer from there to Central Asia and on to Europe through Russia. Terrorism and drugs are absolutely kindred phenomena. They have common roots and similar destructive power. Terrorism, just as narco-business, has a ramified international network and without doubt bears a transnational character. Narco-business also has a pronounced economic aspect. For this reasons, drug addiction as a medical and social phenomenon doesn’t exist without a criminal narco-market network as well as drug sales.

In recent survey it has been detected many countries have today become a colossal user of the narco-potion. Today, according to official data alone, there are about 269,000 drug addicts and there exists more than the actual figure for drug users is much higher. Moreover, the narco-market structure is changing. The drug producers have a conspicuous growth of the share of highly concentrated drugs, and in the first place Afghan heroin, the proportion of which in total drug use constitutes 28 percent out. In the hyper critical state of Modern world, there grows local drug production in the country, including that of synthetic drugs, cheap and producing instant dependence. What’s particularly dangerous is that the number of such laboratories by some expert estimates has greatly increased in Russia in recent years. Unfortunately, the social base of drug addiction is expanding. Today this disease has percolated to all sections of society, encompassing the territory – world wide, especially the depressed areas. This is leading to an avalanche-like spread of AIDS. By experts’ estimates as revealed so far in the world statistics, 90 percent of the HIV-infected catch the virus precisely through intravenous drug use. As before, most of the drug addicts – up to 53 percent – are persons with no definite occupation. It is they who strengthen the army of distributors now as well, which in its turn gives go up to a crime flare.

The melancholic strain is that drug addiction has got much younger. The total number of sick persons has increased by nine times over the recent period, and among adolescents by 17 times. The “average age” of those who have for the first time tasted drugs barely exceeds 14 years. In drug trafficking In this context, it is evident from the recent survey, Russia is not only a “terminal,” but also a transshipment point. Drug syndicates have undertaken a real expansion in Russia. It has become a favorable transit passageway for them.

By experts’ estimates, one dollar invested in a narcotic – for example, in Afghanistan – grows into super profits after the sale of the drug item in European countries. And the overall volume of your and our market – the Russian market – exceeds 1 billion dollars. Power agencies obviously put up with the brunt of the fight against the drug mafia. Here we will inevitably have to strengthen, both financially and with cadres, all of the services that are associated with this kind of activity – the fight against the drug mafia. By the detention of drug goods alone we cannot solve this problem. Only a small part of merchandise gets confiscated. Experience shows that the detainees are mostly petty retailers, and sometimes also those who need being treated themselves.

In this connection it is time in general to revise the criteria of work in this direction. We must put up a barrier to all the ways for drug penetration into illegal trade, smash the infrastructure of drug networks and eliminate demand. The reasons for the powerful drug “invasion” lie not only in the proximity of the countries of the Golden Crescent. For it there are loopholes in Russia itself – financial, legal, and administrative and, of course, social. In addition to one more important aspect of the problem – the attitude to this question of society itself. Drugs are percolating even to social institutions which are responsible for the upbringing of young people baptized to serve as an blockage to drug pushers, the enlightening institutions, regrettably, are fetching a bridgehead for drug allocation. We’re encountering the indifference of both the school and parents. Today every fifth recruit brings to the army with him an experience of drug use with all the ensuing consequences for security agencies.

Drug use should not be allowed to become a subculture or fashion. Unfortunately, we’re observing signs of this. Even worse, books are being freely sold that propagate a “narcotic lifestyle.” All of these manifestations of a grave social disease have to be fought by legal and administrative and educational methods. Here a substantial workload falls on legislators, legislation in all-purpose, and law enforcement practice. Changes ought to be directed toward stiffening criminal responsibility for the most dangerous narco-crimes. Thought should also be given to the introduction of a practice of replacing punishment with coercive treatment for drug addicts.

Marijuana and hashish are those drugs produced from the plant Indian hemp and accordingly, visible effects of the drugs including reddening of the eyes caused by distention of blood vessels, and enlargement of the pupils. Effects on the mind vary and in general visual awareness is increased and ideas flow more quickly. These drugs are not addictive and there is no evidence that they harm the body. There is a jeopardy, however, that the drug taker’s sense of judgment will be distorted so that reckless or foolish behavior can result. Lysergic acid DI-ethyl amide (LSD) is an example of a hallucinogenic drug, so called because it gives rise to dramatic eccentricity. The effects of LSD trip are erratic and seem to depend upon the mood of the user without more ado before taking the drug. It could for instance intensify awareness and perception to the point at which the user undergoes mystical experiences or it may intensify a depressed, fearful or agitated mood with horrendous results. One more problem with LSD is that very miniature quantities have powerful effects, and since illegitimately formed drugs vary in quality drug takers can never be sure how much they are taking. An overdose of LSD can result in insanity or death. Another problem with LSD is that very small quantities have powerful effects, and since illegally produced drugs are extracted from the seed capsules of the opium poppy. Opiates are medically important as painkillers. But drug takers use them because they give rise to approach of well beings, pleasure, and power. It may be apologetic to articulate when the effects wear off the taker becomes anxious and depressed and is tempered to take another dose to restore a good mood, a course that can lead to addiction. Morphine, heroine, and other drugs that are often injected involve the risk of infection from dirt hypodermic needles. Besides this, Barbiturates and amphetamines are used immediately to relieve anxiety and as sleeping pills. But they are dangerous because the dosage must be continually increased to be effective. Barbiturates are often used in combination with amphetamines and other stimulants. These reduce the sleepiness induced by barbiturates with a feeling of mental alertness. Amphetamines harm the health by reducing the appetite, by causing sleeplessness, and by reducing the body’s ability to fight infection. Hence it is clear that the drug as have been reflected so far is illegal unless they are used under medical supervision. The illegal use or sale of these drugs can result in colossal punishment under the enactment of the government as implied.

In view of the above it is evident that the possibility of providing castigation for drug advocacy needs to be geared up. The state parties ought not to limit to isolated establishments, every one on behalf of the state need to create a network of healing centers where up-and-coming methods of treatment and return of people to a normal social life should be the prime factor. Regrettably, drug addiction has ceased to be a “disease of the rich only,” and hence we must expand the network of state institutions for the poor. But at the same time we need to develop and create a transparent legal base for the work of private sectors. An important set of tasks is connected with the eradication of financial channels for narco-business, which can be cut off not only by fighting against unlawful elements, but also through the use of a whole system of special measures as a tentative flow.