It presents the argument that this ideology is flawed because of a lack of objective empirical research and biased sociopolitical influences. Traditional models of syndicate crime failed to anticipate the current methods associated with drug trafficking because of their rigidity. These structural models are inadequate because they do not provide a mechanism for expression of historically prominent adaptive traits associated with criminal syndication. They cannot be used for further development of American anti-narcotic policy. Historic criticisms of these traditional models are presented, and a process model which offers alternative views of criminal syndication is reviewed. 33 references (Author abstract modified)