Research on Upper Level Drug Trafficking: A Review

Abstract

This article examines research on upper level drug traffickers in the U.S., the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands. Included is an analysis and critique of typologies of drug traffickers and theoretical models of organized crime as they apply to upper level drug networks. Studies of higher level drug trafficking indicate that drug markets represent informal and loosely organized associations of relatively small syndicates or crews of independent drug entrepreneurs. They compete for market share and deal primarily or exclusively with trusted associates chosen from ethnic, kinship, and friendship networks. Most dealers are highly cautious, eschew the use of violence, typically make huge profits, attempt to maintain a low profile, rationalize their conduct as business activity, and operate within geographically niche markets.

Going Local on a Global Platform

“…Most illicit drug smuggling operations are built around fluid networks of individuals rather than bureaucratic and static structures (Benson & Decker, 2010;Calderoni, 2012;Desroches, 2007;Morselli, 2001). International smugglers sometimes use brokers to negotiate with drug producers and national importers (Calderoni, 2012;Morselli, 2001).…”

Searching For Influential Actors in Co-Offending Networks: The Recruiter

“…This suggests that not only is the idea of crime transmitted, but it takes place within a bounded specialization (see also Tumminello et al, 2013). We found that nearly 75% of recruiters and 58% of recruits were arrested for narcotics, and that nearly all recruiters and recruits (95% and 93%, respectively), were arrested at some point in their lives for drug offenses (see Desroches, 2007). Drug dealing is particularly susceptible to recruitment, because it requires not only a network of potential clients but-more crucially-middle managers who must instigate the idea in a person that selling drugs is profitable.…”

“…The SPD used 23 high-order categories of crime, and this classification allowed us to observe in which crime-groups recruitment is more likely to occur. Based on previous research using interviews with juveniles (McGloin and Nguyen, 2012), there should be more frequent recruitment attempts in specific crime groups, for instance, narcotics (Desroches, 2007), but less in violence (Conway and McCord, 2002) or arson (Hickle and Roe-Sepowitz, 2010). …”

Introduction. The Immigration-Crime Connection: Competing Theoretical Perspectives

“…Research on upper-level drug trafficking in North America, Britain, and The Netherlands suggests that issues of trust and friendship may help explain why some gangs or organized crime groups are restricted to specific ethnic or racial groups (Desroches 2007). Drug traffickers often operate through informal and loosely organized associations of "independent entrepreneurs."…”

“…Interestingly, although strong ethnic and kinship networks may help maintain security for upper-level drug traffickers, they can also limit opportunity within the drug economy. Desroches (2007) found, for example, that some drug dealers actually pass up lucrative opportunities to expand their drug business because they are uncomfortable working with people outside of their trusted circle of ethnic relations.…”