Drug law offenses have increased from fewer than 1,000 per year before 1964 to about 60,000 cases per year currently. The country has rejected the concept of decriminalization, because it would not eliminate the social damage caused by drug abuse. Prevention and treatment efforts have expanded greatly. In addition, treatment programs and the criminal justice system are cooperating more now than in the past. Prosecution of drug traffickers has also received growing emphasis, and the maximum penalties have been increased. The recognition that drug trafficking is an international problem has led to increasing international cooperation as well. This cooperation has taken the form of two United Nations conventions and cooperation and information exchange between law enforcement authorities and other officials in individual nations. Nations are also recognizing the need for national drug policies that are consistent with those of other nations.