Combating World Drug Trafficking

In: International affairs: a Russian journal of world politics, diplomacy and international relations, Band 55, Heft 2

Abstract

It is an unfortunate paradox that the global & regional integration that has eliminated trade barriers & introduced opportunities for progress has, by the nature of the growing international flow of trade & people, increased opportunities for drug trafficking. Experts in Russia & other countries have identified factors that play a role in these new opportunities, e.g., organized crime relating to drugs, particularly in the more politically & economically unstable countries; political & legal systems that turn a blind eye to corrupt officials accepting bribes from drug dealers; & the smooth coordination & cooperation of regional & transnational drug cartels. UN & International Monetary Fund information suggests that the profit in international drug trafficking is some $600 billion annually, about 7.6% of all world trade. In response, states around the world are cooperating at higher levels to stop the trafficking through bodies such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) & a coordinating council of relevant agencies (KSOPN) of CSTO member states. KSOPN, headed by the director of Russia's FSKN, has expanded to include China & the Balkan states in its Operation Canal, which has been accorded permanent status by CSTO in the effort to combat transnational drug business. Adapted from the source document.