Effect of drug law enforcement on drug market violence: A systematic review

Lit review
by
Werb, Dan et al

Release Date

2011

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We conducted a systematic review to examine the impacts of drug law enforcement on drug market violence.

Findings/Key points

The existing evidence base suggests that gun violence and high homicide rates may be an inevitable consequence of drug prohibition and that disrupting drug markets can paradoxically increase violence. In this context, and since drug prohibition has not meaningfully reduced drug supply, alternative regulatory models will be required if drug supply and drug market violence are to be meaningfully reduced.

Design/methods

15 studies included

Keywords

Policy/Regulatory
Crime
Legal system/law enforcement
Illegal drugs