Despite increasing collaboration between law enforcement authorities in different countries, the illicit drug problem is likely to increase due to the vast profits available, the continuing and increasing demand for drugs, and more permissive attitudes toward drugs among young people. While the author rejects legalization and decriminalization, he notes that the search for more effective responses by law enforcement authorities and communities in general must be stepped up. Police services continue to play an important role in restricting the availability of illicit drugs, but increasing emphasis needs to be placed on reducing demand. Law enforcement also needs to work with harm reduction approaches designed to reduce negative consequences of drug use. New drug prevention strategies have been proposed in Great Britain that stress the importance of a multisectoral approach operating at both national and local levels. Harm reduction is based on close collaboration between police and drug treatment services. Cautioning, now commonly used in Great Britain for selected drug offenses, has several benefits. In addition, greater emphasis needs to be placed on diversion schemes that involve close links between police and drug treatment services, such as needle exchange programs, drug arrest and referral programs, and diversion to drug treatment. Future progress requires a firm commitment to providing adequate and effective drug treatment services, improving collaboration between sectors, and providing effective leadership. 5 references