Spain, a democratic nation for only 17 years, has experienced rapid and significant economic development. Its long-established cultural, political, and economic ties with Latin America also strongly influence patterns of drug use and the country's drug market. An easy mark for smugglers, Spain initiated two important reforms in its drug control policy during the last decade: the penal code provisions regarding drug offenses in 1983 and again in 1988. The 1988 reform continues to maintain the distinction between soft and hard drugs as well as the exemption of drug possession from punishment and gives the state increased power to counter organized drug trafficking. A review of the effectiveness of criminal prosecution of drug trafficking reveals that it has failed. Legalization emerges as a possible solution as it would make it feasible to reduce the tremendous profits and debilitating political influence of drug- dealing criminals. 2 notes and 55 references