Existing research is hampered by inadequate data collection techniques, the lack of random or longitudinal samples, and insufficient time periods for assessing treatment effectiveness. In addition, social scientists have often demanded excessively rigorous proofs of causality. As a result, many social scientists deny the existence of a relationship between drugs and crime at either the community or individual levels. However, the available evidence does support the assumption that a causal relationship exists between the two phenomena. At the societal and community levels, the extent of drug abuse is clearly and strongly related to crime rates. At the individual level, the degree of drug involvement is strongly correlated with the extent of involvement in criminal activities. In addition, delinquency usually precedes drug use. These and other research findings point to the need for selective research which builds constructively on the existing knowledge base and provides valuable input into policy, program development, and service delivery decisions. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, LEAA, and the Drug Enforcement Administration should establish a close and continuing relationship to deal with the problem of drugs and crime. Fifty-two references are listed.