| Description |
Illicit drug abuse and drug trafficking are serious problems in the United States, damaging many communities across the nation. Lawmakers have attempted to eliminate drug consumption by focusing a majority of anti-drug resources on reducing the supply of drugs entering the United States from other countries. They reason that, if the United States can reduce the supply of drugs entering the country, the price of drugs will increase, making drugs too expensive to use. Unfortunately, this strategy of supply reduction has failed to affect significantly the use of narcotics in the United States. Contrary to the hopes of policymakers, the price of illicit drugs has decreased significantly while their purity has improved. After three decades of failure, Washington must recognize that a new policy is needed which focuses on reducing domestic demand for illicit drugs through rehabilitation programs and preventive education. Demand reduction programs have proven to be much more successful than supply-reduction programs, and, less expensive. One of the main suppliers of illicit drugs to the United States is Colombia. More than any other country, Colombia has been affected by the illicit drug industry. Unfortunately, for both Colombia and the United States, the Colombian state is not strong enough to control the illegal activities of drug traffickers within its borders. The Colombian government is traditionally weak. That weakness allowed drug traffickers to establish their enterprise in Colombia. Once there, drug traffickers attacked the Colombian state by undermining its control, credibility, and economy. The actions of drug traffickers have further impaired the Colombian government's ability to curb drug production. The weakness of the Colombian state and its inability to control drug trafficking means that the U.S. anti-drug strategy in Colombia is destined to fail, no matter how many resources Washington uses. Colombia does not have a great enough will or ability to fight drug traffickers. Without the support of the Colombian government, the United States is not able to significantly control illegal drugs entering the country from Colombia. Washington needs to focus more resources on programs that are effective: domestic demand-reduction programs, such as rehabilitation and education. These policies will help minimize the problems the United States faces from illicit drug use and crime, something the current, supply-reduction policy has not, and will not accomplish. |
