Modernising Drug Law Enforcement Seminar Series
A project by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), with the participation of the International Security Research Department at Chatham House and the International Institute for Strategic Studies
Drug law enforcement has traditionally focused on reducing the size of the illicit drug market by seeking to eradicate drug production, distribution and retail supply, or at least on the stifling of these activities to an extent that potential consumers are unable to get access to particular drugs.
These strategies have failed to reduce the supply of, or demand for, drugs in consumer markets. Given this reality, and a wider policy context where some governments are moving away from a “war on drugs” approach, drug law enforcement strategies need to be adjusted to fit the new challenge – to manage drug markets in a way that minimises harms on communities. A recognition that law enforcement powers can be used to beneficially shape, rather than entirely eradicate, drug markets is being increasingly discussed.
Read about IDPC’s Modernising Drug Law Enforcement seminar series.