The demand for cocaine is very elastic with retail prices varying from country to country. Recently, Latin American over-production contributed to the increased availability and consumption of the drug. Since the 1970s professional criminals have become heavily involved in the market. The illicit global cocaine market has effected the political processes and economies of Latin American countries; the effect of cocaine trafficking on criminal organizations and European country economies may prove to be as significant as the drug use resulting from that traffic. 2 tables, 3 figures, 30 references. (Author abstract modified)