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Internationalization of the War on Drugs and Its Potential for Successfully Addressing Drug Trafficking and Related Crimes in South Africa

NCJ Number
180462
Journal
George WashingtonJournal of International Law & Economics Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: Winter 1997 Pages: 297-321
Author(s)
Joseph P. Shereda
Date Published
1997
Length
125 pages
Annotation
This Note examines the drug trafficking problem in South Africa, discusses ways of prohibiting and fighting drug trafficking, and proposes a strategy that South Africa should use to address its problems.
Abstract
Characteristics that establish South Africa as a center of illicit drug trafficking include: (1) the nature of democracy, in contrast with an apartheid regime; (2) the country’s status as an international trade partner; (3) the country’s new openness, resulting in transborder transportation; (4) the “growing pains” of a newly formed democratic government, providing an environment conducive to criminal activity; (5) South Africa’s legacy of lawlessness and poverty; and (6) the country’s sophisticated but largely unregulated banking system. To address its problems, South Africa should establish strong domestic policies, including enacting a comprehensive drug control law; ratify the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; continue to participate in multilateral (regional) agreements; and remain open to help from the United States. Notes