Problem solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Problem solution - Essay Example However, with proper outlook and penalties, the drug cartels can be eradicated and the prevalence rate reduced. Causes of the Problem Modernization of cartels Cartels have modernized and no longer operate using the old-fashioned methods of organization and weaponry. These cartels will buy their weapons at gun shows in America and transport them in small quantities to other parts of the world so that they are not detected. These weapons include surface to air missiles as well as armored personnel carriers and communication devices (Perrin 109). The traffickers can put up huge investments such as highly designed tunnels to ensure that they are transported back and forth without any police interference. The crime families also no longer operate individually, but they have joined to form international crime networks that allow for easier shipment of drugs between countries. These collaborations include the American mafia, collaborating with the Colombian cartel and several Mexican cartel s in order to have easier transitions through borders. The Russian constellation of mafias is believed to be in sixty-five countries and the Castello family in Italy has political ties with several leaders in their country. Such collaborations have made it difficult for a single government agency to be able to prevent the entry of drugs into the country (Arquilla and Ronfeldt 109-111). Insecure Neighbors For the past few years, Mexico has been waging a war on drugs. On one side are the government forces on the other the Mexican cartels who want to continue the business due to its high profits. Mexican smugglers are believed to make 30 billion dollars annually from the movement of drugs into USA and this operation has profited them to the point that they can successfully resist government forces for over 6 years. This war aptly named El Narco has caused many Mexicans to migrate annually from their country to USA. Every year approximately 500000 Mexicans move into the country with ove r 80% using illegal methods (David 11). These immigrants provide the cartels with many possible routes for entry into the country as well giving the cartels in USA many potential recruits to use as traffickers in the Border States and to spread as they move. The USA cannot simply close off its borders due to its long-standing trade with Mexico. Mexico is USA’s third largest trading partner and provides it with oil a vital ingredient for its industries. Until the Mexican forces win El Narco, the USA will experience a drug influx from its southern border. Poor Policy The USA policy on drug use has been severely criticized due to its ineffectiveness in reducing the narcotics prevalence rate but increasing the number of people incarcerated. The law has been criticized as being vengeful and targeting minorities and the poor (Kain). Majority of the people arrested for drug related offences are disproportionately black even in states where they are an insignificant minority. Due to the high incarceration rate and the policy not being geared towards catching the overseers of these operations, many first time offenders will leave the prisons to go back into the habit. Until the government reviews its policy on punishment and rehabilitation, a large number of poor and minority groups will continue to operate in the drug business. Solutions Policy Change The United States needs its review its strategy on the war on drugs and look into reducing the demand instead of fighting