Trinidad and Tobago illicit drug transhipping economy is premised upon the transhipping of cocaine and heroin from Venezuela to markets in Europe and the US and the production of marijuana for local consumption and export. “There then exist complex multi- realities illicit drug economy operating in Trinidad and Tobago which has over the years developed complex power relations between the licit economy and the illicit drug economy, between the political elites and the illicit drug economy and between officials of the state and the illicit drug economy” (Figueira, 2004).
The drug trade is an organised worldwide industry, where suppliers do whatever is necessary to ensure that their trade continues without apprehension of reprisal or conviction. The problems associated with illegal narcotics and narco-trafficking have affected the legal, social, economic, political and psychological fabric of Caribbean societies. The development of the country is distorted when resources have to be channelled from development investments to drug trafficking eradication strategies (Chadee, 1998).
Problems associated with substance abuse, production of illicit drugs and drug trafficking cause harm to individuals, families and communities which are reflected in serious problems such as disintegration of the family institution, the decline of community life, poor performance at school and the emergence of violence and intimidation as an acceptable approach to life. The illicit drug activity both trafficking and abuse and it resulting manifestations such as crime, armed violence, money laundering and corruption pose challenges to the overall development of Trinidad and Tobago.
Deoseran & Chadee (1997) found that just over 6% of all incarcerated youths in Trinidad and Tobago were placed into juvenile homes for drug related crimes/offences. Currently there has been 914 drug related offence over the 3 months period in 2011. It has also been estimated by the TTPS and CAPA for 2010 there were 4474 drug offences, which has been on a steady increase since the year 2000, on average a total of 5059 cases per year; a total of 50,593 drug offenses over a 10 year period. These figures just allow us to see the nature and the extent of the drug problem that exist in Trinidad.
Law enforcement authorities indicate that the presence of cocaine in the country has led to a dramatic increase in criminal activity.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Problem Statement
3. In-depth analysis of Drug Policy
4. Ideological Assumptions
5. Theoretical Implications
6. Limitations of the Drug Policy
7. Methodological Hurdles
8. Policy Alternatives/Amendments
9. Theories/Models in support of policy Amendments/alternatives
10. How does the model countering the Ideological Assumptions of current policy?
11. Countering Methodological Hurdles Identified previously
12. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This work evaluates the Dangerous Drug Act (1991) in Trinidad and Tobago, analyzing its effectiveness through the lens of criminological theory. It explores the tension between supply-side enforcement policies and the complex socio-economic realities of drug trafficking, ultimately arguing for a more holistic, multifaceted approach to policy development.
- The reliance on rational choice and deterrence theory in current drug legislation.
- Methodological challenges in evaluating drug policy due to data scarcity and conceptual vagueness.
- The limitations of focusing exclusively on supply reduction at the expense of demand reduction.
- Application of the Brantingham & Faust model for crime prevention in a local context.
- The need for longitudinal research and independent evaluation to measure policy success.
Excerpts from the Book
IDEOLOGICAL ASSUMPTIONS
Policy makers view the illegal drug trade from the principles of economics; i.e. supply and demand principles (McConnell et. al., 2008). From this lens the production, distribution and consumption of illegal drugs are seen as a business. Based on these principles there are two main approaches utilized by policy makers in their efforts to counter the illegal trade and its many ills.
Demand reduction strategy is a drug abuse prevention program aimed both at preventing susceptible members of the population from engaging in drug use and rehabilitating those members for the population already addicted to the illegal substances. As such demand reduction is a series of activities and programs carried out on a continuous and systematic basis over a period of time, with a planned curriculum or course of activities and appropriate instructional resources with the intention to reduce the individual susceptibility to engaging in drug use/abuse (Guzman, 2009).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the growing prevalence of drug trafficking and abuse in Trinidad and Tobago and its severe impact on the nation's social, political, and economic stability.
Problem Statement: Discusses the complex interplay between the illicit drug economy and the legitimate state structures, noting the rise in drug-related crime and violence.
In-depth analysis of Drug Policy: Examines the Dangerous Drug Act of 1991, highlighting its focus on regulation, licensing, and punitive measures for possession.
Ideological Assumptions: Details the economic principles and deterrence theories that underpin current drug legislation, viewing drug trade as a business to be suppressed.
Theoretical Implications: Analyzes the classical criminology concepts of rational choice, cost-benefit analysis, and the role of swift, severe punishment in controlling human behavior.
Limitations of the Drug Policy: Critiques the narrow focus on supply reduction, noting the high recidivism rates and the lack of comprehensive treatment programs for users.
Methodological Hurdles: Identifies the lack of empirical data, longitudinal studies, and standard evaluation criteria as major obstacles to assessing policy effectiveness.
Policy Alternatives/Amendments: Proposes an integrated, multifaceted approach that balances supply reduction with community-based prevention, treatment, and institutional reform.
Theories/Models in support of policy Amendments/alternatives: Introduces the Brantingham & Faust model as a framework for applying medical-style preventative strategies to crime.
How does the model countering the Ideological Assumptions of current policy?: Argues that rational choice is insufficient and that social, structural, and environmental factors must be integrated into policy.
Countering Methodological Hurdles Identified previously: Suggests improvements such as better data collection, independent monitoring, and the use of sophisticated statistical controls.
Conclusion: Reaffirms the necessity of a holistic, multi-stakeholder strategy to manage the drug problem effectively.
Keywords
Drug Trafficking, Trinidad and Tobago, Dangerous Drug Act, Rational Choice Theory, Deterrence, Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction, Policy Evaluation, Recidivism, Criminology, Crime Prevention, Socio-economic Factors, Institutional Strengthening, Longitudinal Data, Public Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper evaluates the effectiveness and ideological underpinnings of the Dangerous Drug Act (1991) in Trinidad and Tobago, arguing that its current punitive focus is insufficient.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The themes include criminology theory, public policy analysis, drug enforcement, social impact of illicit economies, and the challenges of policy evaluation.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to identify the limitations of current supply-side drug policies and advocate for a more holistic approach that incorporates demand reduction and preventative measures.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The authors utilize policy theory analysis, including the stages heuristic and rational/comprehensive policy models, to assess the effectiveness of the legislation.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers ideological assumptions (rational choice theory), limitations of the act, methodological hurdles in assessment, and proposed alternatives for a multifaceted policy.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Drug Trafficking, Rational Choice Theory, Supply Reduction, Policy Evaluation, and Criminology.
How does the author define the role of rational choice in drug policy?
The author argues that while policymakers treat drug actors as rational "human calculators," this view ignores complex social and structural pressures that contribute to criminal behavior.
Why does the paper advocate for the Brantingham & Faust model?
This model is recommended because it provides a structured, medical-style preventative approach—distinguishing between primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention—which is seen as more effective than purely reactive enforcement.
- Arbeit zitieren
- MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice Stacy Ramdhan (Autor:in), Andy Short (Autor:in), Nicole Simon (Autor:in), 2011, Evaluation of the Dangerous Drug Act (1991) Trinidad, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/175650
