Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is one of the most common and profitable organized crime throughout the United States. It has caused much violence and turmoil not only amongst Americans, but also in other parts of the world. According to the U.S. Customs service, over 60 million people enter the United States each year. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, MDMA, and methamphetamine are trafficked into the United States many different ways. People have entered the United States on “more than 675,000 commercial and private flights. Another 6 million come by sea and 370 million by land. In addition, 116 million vehicles cross the land borders with Canada and Mexico. And more than 90,000 merchant and passenger ships dock at U.S. ports” (U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency). Due to trafficking, many violent crimes have occurred that have resulted in the deaths of many people caused by drug cartels.

Mexico is one of the largest countries that play a role in the trafficking of drugs into the United States. Many incidents have occurred along the Mexico and United States borders that were caused by drug cartels in Mexico. Although Mexican government has fought courageously to limit the ability of drug cartels to do business, it has resulted in a significant amount of violence. It has been a challenge for both Mexico and the United States, but Mexico has been taking necessary steps to control the situation. According to the Assistant Secretary of State, David Johnson, “The United States is committed to support these efforts, including further steps to confront and dismantle the drug cartels that are responsible for smuggling most of the cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine consumed within the United States,”

Recent increased violence in Mexico has required the United States Government to take more steps into the protection of the U.S borders. According to President Obama, the government is intended "to make sure that the border communities in the United States are protected and you're not seeing a spillover of violence, and that we are helping the Mexican government deal with a very challenging situation." It is time for the two countries to share the responsibility of this issue and deal with it together instead of “pointing fingers” at each other (S. Hsu and J Warrick). With so many ways of drugs being smuggled in, it is tough for the government to stop this organized crime from occurring. However, with some efforts in the collaboration with other countries, it is a possibility that this crime can be prevented and the violence from drug cartels be stopped.

Hsu, S.S., & Warrick, J. (2009). U.S. Stepping Up Response to Mexican Drug Violence. Retrieved March 21, 2010, from Washington Post website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032401155.html

Kellerhals, M.D. (2009). Illegal Drug Trade Takes Lives, Ruins Societies. Retrieved March 21, 2010, from America.gov website: http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec english/2009/February/20090227170256dmslahrellek0.3142664.html

U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. (May 2004). Drug Trafficking in the United States. Retrieved March 21, 2010, from Almanac of Policy Issues website: http://www.policyalmanac.org/crime/archive/drug_trafficking.shtml