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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How can society shift its perspective on drug use to promote acceptance of public health-focused policies?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Lopez, Drug Policy Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lopez. The “war on drugs” has been a major policy strategy globally, especially in the United States. Recently, there have been discussions regarding its effectiveness. What are your views on the current state of drug prohibition?
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. The war on drugs has unfortunately turned into a cycle of failure. It was designed with the intention of eradicating drug use and trafficking, but we are now facing an ever-growing illegal market, estimated at over 400 billion euros globally each year. This has shown that punitive measures alone are ineffective.
**Editor:** Your remarks highlight the resilient nature of the illegal drug market. How do you think this market influences violence and crime rates?
**Dr. Lopez:** The illegal drug market’s enormity directly correlates with increased violence. When we push drug trafficking underground, it leads to power struggles between rival groups. The competition for territory and control over distribution channels is often resolved through violent means. This results in a public safety crisis that affects communities, especially those already marginalized.
**Editor:** Many countries are now reassessing their drug policies. Can you elaborate on the approaches taken by countries like Switzerland and Portugal?
**Dr. Lopez:** Both Switzerland and Portugal have adopted more comprehensive strategies. Switzerland follows a “four pillars” model, which includes prevention, treatment, risk reduction, and, yes, a degree of repression. Conversely, Portugal’s approach decriminalizes personal drug use while still having robust measures to combat trafficking. Despite their differences, both countries recognize that simply enforcing punitive measures is not sufficient. They focus more on treatment and harm reduction, which have yielded positive outcomes in reducing drug-related harms.
**Editor:** There seems to be a growing recognition of the need for societal acceptance of new drug policies. What do you think is necessary for this acceptance to occur?
**Dr. Lopez:** Open and honest dialogue is critical. Society needs to understand that the current punitive approach has failed and that drug use should be treated as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. Education, transparency in results from existing models, and community engagement are crucial. Progressive policies shouldn’t be seen as endorsing drug use; rather, they are about creating a safer and healthier society.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s evident that the conversation surrounding drug policy is evolving, and your expertise is invaluable as we navigate these complex challenges.
**Dr. Lopez:** Thank you for having me. I hope this conversation continues to grow as we seek effective solutions to one of society’s most pressing challenges.
