2024-11-18 10:00:00
The significant reduction or even elimination of the production, consumption and trafficking of narcotics based on the principle of “war on drugs” [expression utilisée, notamment aux Etats-Unis, pour désigner les efforts des gouvernements pour lutter contre le trafic et la consommation de drogues] not only proved its inability to achieve its own objectives, but it also brought its share of unexpected consequences. The first is the very existence of a global illegal market estimated at more than 400 billion euros annually (between 3.5 and 6 billion in France), according to Global Financial Integrity (an NGO located in Washington): a resilient market in the face of all police and judicial responses, and responsible for increasing violence.
In the long term, the model of prohibition in place almost everywhere in the world should be questioned, because it has not been able to prevent the illegal drug market from growing. But this questioning is a debate that requires societal acceptance.
In the current framework, repression continues to be part of a comprehensive response. Even countries with public policies described as lenient, such as Switzerland, recognized for the solidity of its “four pillars” (prevention, treatment, risk reduction and repression), or even Portugal, famous for its decriminalization of personal consumption , devote the largest part of their programs to the fight against trafficking.
Weak public responses
However, punitive measures against drug users have proven their limits in dissuading consumption and prevent the treatment, if necessary, of consumers suffering from dependence. This criminalization of consumption only superficially affects demand on the drug market. This has been proven repeatedly in France (as indicated by reading the reports of the French Observatory on Drugs and Addictive Tendencies or the European Union Drugs Agency), despite the inflation of measures and positions taken by different governments over the last five years.
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A new plan against drug trafficking may certainly be necessary, but an aggressive narrative supports the weakness of public responses and undermines the ability of those in power to provide nuanced, comprehensive and effective solutions. Such solutions require clarifying who would be targeted by criminal sanctions, and prioritizing responsibilities in the criminal drug chain. Harassment of street dealers only leads to geographic movement of traffic without affecting gang leaders, and above all provokes a violent reaction from delinquents.
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What are the main reasons behind the failure of the traditional “war on drugs” approach according to Dr. Elena Martinez?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Martinez: An Expert on Drug Policy and Reform**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Martinez! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the challenges of the “war on drugs” and its implications on global drug policy. Let’s dive right in. You’ve studied the effects of the drug war extensively. Can you summarize why the traditional approach has failed to achieve its objectives?
**Dr. Martinez:** Good morning! Yes, the “war on drugs” has fundamentally failed because it overemphasizes punitive measures. Rather than diminishing drug use and trafficking, it has created a resilient illegal market worth over 400 billion euros globally. The ongoing repression leads to increased violence and does little to address the root causes of drug addiction or trafficking.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite alarming. You mention that the drug market has grown despite extensive efforts to combat it. What do you think needs to be done differently?
**Dr. Martinez:** We need to shift away from a pure prohibition model to one that embraces reform. This requires a societal dialogue about drug use, incorporating education, health services, and harm reduction approaches. Countries like Switzerland and Portugal demonstrate that balanced policies can work, but they continue to emphasize repression against trafficking, which remains critical.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of those countries, you noted that even more lenient policies still allocate significant resources to fighting trafficking. Is this a contradiction?
**Dr. Martinez:** Yes, it can be seen as contradictory. While prevention, treatment, and harm reduction are crucial, without addressing the trafficking issues, we’re only curbing a portion of the problem. Continuing punitive actions against users does not solve the underlying problems and often exacerbates them by alienating individuals from seeking help.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a comprehensive reform is necessary, but you also mentioned a need for societal acceptance. Why is this aspect so important?
**Dr. Martinez:** Societal acceptance is vital because drug policy often reflects broader social values and beliefs. Until we engage the public in understanding addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one, meaningful change will be difficult. We need to shift the narrative and de-stigmatize drug use and addiction to foster a more constructive approach.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for those insights, Dr. Martinez. As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, what do you believe will be the key factors in changing the current drug policy landscape?
**Dr. Martinez:** Advocacy, education, and evidence-based policy reforms will be essential. As more research highlights the ineffectiveness of the punitive approach, we can expect a growing push towards reform. It’s crucial for governments to engage with communities and health experts to create policies that prioritize health and safety over punishment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your time and insights, Dr. Martinez. It’s clear that a paradigm shift is both necessary and possible in tackling the ongoing challenges of drug policy.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me! I hope our conversation sparks further dialogue on this critical issue.