General Trends in Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime on a Global Scale

Technology as a Tool for Transnational Organized Crime

“…Therefore, this demonstrates that technology is a powerful aid that organized crime entities use not only to communicate with local networks but also with international networks. For example, the production of opium in Afghanistan and the production and/or supply of chemicals to produce synthetic drugs from or in China and India are later supplied and distributed in other parts of the world (Kassab & Rosen, 2019).…”

“…The word 'transnational' refers to the ability to go beyond borders, boundaries, jurisdictions, and nations. Technology has extended boundaries and reach for several businesses, including organized crime entities (Kassab & Rosen, 2019;Kruisbergen et al, 2019;Saito, 2021). Transnational organized crime operates globally with various markets in different countries (Kassab & Rosen, 2019).…”

“…An example of a common business venture among organized crime is the trafficking of drugs. Like legitimate businesses, organized crime groups also make decisions based on the larger costs/benefits analysis model (Kassab & Rosen, 2019;Kruisbergen et al, 2017). The high demand for drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, tends to result in more benefits than costs to criminal organizations, making it more appealing among criminal organizations (Kassab & Rosen, 2019;Kruisbergen et al, 2017).…”

“…Organized crime groups also consider several parts of the supply chain, such as production, supply, distribution, and transportation, which are vital components to meet demand (Kassab & Rosen, 2019). Each of these phases in the supply chain are supported by international markets in which countries around the world contribute to the supply, production, distribution, and/or transportation of a variety of drugs; the production and distribution of drugs is a well-known global business as different countries specialize in the production of different drugs (Kassab & Rosen, 2019).…”

“…Organized crime groups also consider several parts of the supply chain, such as production, supply, distribution, and transportation, which are vital components to meet demand (Kassab & Rosen, 2019). Each of these phases in the supply chain are supported by international markets in which countries around the world contribute to the supply, production, distribution, and/or transportation of a variety of drugs; the production and distribution of drugs is a well-known global business as different countries specialize in the production of different drugs (Kassab & Rosen, 2019). Thus, to build networks and reach different markets in different countries, there must be a line of communication, and technology has become a tool used by organized crime to transcend boundaries and connect with foreign associates (Kassab & Rosen, 2019;Kruisbergen et al, 2019;Saito, 2021).…”