Introduction
The war on drugs has been ongoing for the last 40 years and counting. This is credited to the high rate of corruption experienced in the country and different parts of the globe. There are many approaches that the government has taken to curb the use of drugs in the United States (Taylor, 2010). As such, an analysis of various aspects of the topic at hand will improve the way in which law enforcer’s tackle the problem. The paper forms a discussion on whether the country should decriminalize the use of drugs to reduce the dangers associated with its sale and consumption (Black & Munson, 2011).
Use your promo and get a custom paper on
"The US Fighting the War on Drugs".
Implications of Arrests, Sentencing/ Incarceration Statistics
Over the years, the number of criminals arrested for the sale of drugs in and outside the country has increased. Ideally, the sale of drugs is an international trade owing to the number of countries that partake in its sale (Taylor, 2010). Moreover, most of the decisions, cartels, and producers are protected by influential parties’ in society. For example, the United States is one of the countries that are affected by the use of drugs. However, statistics show that one of the reasons that the use of drugs is still predominant in many communities is because of the influence of the justice system by people in the government. In turn, the work of the law enforcers is being compromised because of the involvement of influential people who represent a small minority (Great Britain, 2013).
Current research performed and released by the FBI Uniform Crime Report Data showcases that the prevalence rates of the buyers, sellers, and users of drugs in the country has changed from the 1980s. In essence, the crime rate in the African American community has reduced owing to the introduction of new policies, laws, and sentencing by law enforcers. Despite this, the dynamics have changed with regard to the sale of drugs (Taylor, 2010). Currently, the number of African Americans selling drugs has increased as seen in statistics which state that African Americans were more likely to sell drugs than commit other drugs. Furthermore, African Americans are 3.5 times likely to be arrested for the sale of drugs and 2.5 times less likely to be arrested for the buying of drugs. On the other hand, white people are more likely to sell drugs than use them. This is because the sale of drugs presents an easy way of earning money for people who are unemployed or do not have an education (Black & Munson, 2011).
In terms of sentencing, law enforcers have experienced problems during the sentencing of drug peddlers owing to the incompetent legal system. Firstly, a number of offenders are often arrested for charges connected to the sale of drugs such as murder, rape, and armed robbery during or after the sale of drugs. Secondly, though strict measures have been introduced to curb the rate of drug sale and consumption, the police are forced to compromise on sentencing owing to deals made between the FBI, CIA, and DEA with criminals facing more serious charges. As such, the incarceration of drug peddlers does not determine a decrease in the number of people involved in the industry (Great Britain, 2013).
Should Drugs be Decriminalized?
The question on whether drugs should be decriminalized often dominates discussions and forums on drug abuse. One of the suggestions that experts state as the solution for curbing the rate of drug abuse is the decriminalization of drugs as a whole. This argument has proved to be controversial in that a number of people support the move while others argue against it. In some cases, when some crimes are decriminalized, the rate at which they are committed reduces. The paper takes the stand that drugs should not be decriminalized because it serves as one of the leading motivators of crime (Great Britain, 2013).
Impact on the Legalization of Drugs on Society
If drugs are legalized, the youth, teenagers, and unemployed parties will take advantage of this situation by joining gangs and organized groups which sell drugs to different demographics. Most of the drugs are imported from southern American countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela making the regions high risk countries. The level of illegal immigration will increase in order to meet the demand for the drugs (Great Britain, 2013).
Society will be affected negatively because drugs enhance the performance of dangerous crimes that reduce the quality of life by threatening the sustainability of the general population. A large number of drug peddlers do not have moral values and ethical perceptions on life. As a result, legalizing their trade will create leeway for selling drugs to schools. One of the repercussions will see the rate of school drop outs increase (Black & Munson, 2011).
In conclusion, the legalization of drugs will serve as a negative in more ways than one. The country has seen progress owing to the introduction of a number of projects and police operations. Despite this, the war on drugs is one of the leading problems faced in many parts of the country.
- Black, A. G., & Munson, R. (2011). The elements of reasoning. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth.
- Great Britain. (2013). The Government response to the ninth report from the Home Affairs Committee session 2012-13 HC 184: Drugs : breaking the cycle. London: Stationery Office.
- Taylor, B. (2010). Anti-social engineering the hyper-manipulated self. S.l.: Lulu Com.
