The war on drugs is taking place worldwide, accompanied by severe violence and problems for citizens. In some areas where convenient corridors for traffic and drug cartels are located, for instance, on some parts of the US-Mexico border, these problems are especially acute. This paper examines three topics: the situation in border cities, the consequences of drug wars, and the question of whether legalization can solve the problem. Articles used for the paper are “Drug ‘war zone’ rattles U.S.-Mexico border,” “Mexico drug fighter killed after less than a day on the job,” and “Commentary: Legalize drugs to stop the violence.” Despite the dangers of drugs and the problems that they bring, such an unexpected solution as legalization can improve the situation.
Hundreds of people suffer from drug use and the processes associated with their distribution. For example, according to ABC News, border cities such as Laredo in the U.S. and Nuevo Laredo in Mexico are characterized by high ratings of violent death (Bury, 2007). A drug corridor enriching cartels passes through cities, and law enforcement agencies cannot do anything since they are either bribed or afraid of being killed. For example, Gen. Mauro Enrique Tello Quiñonez, appointed to the official anti-drug post in Mexico City, was killed soon after the appointment (“Mexico drug fighter,” 2009). Such events are part of the consequences: addicts continue to poison themselves, and drug traffickers become rich and kill those who try to stop them. According to Miron (2009), drug legalization could solve the problem by reducing violence, enriching countries, and even helping health care. Thus, the two main themes that unite the material are violence accompanying drug trafficking and approaches to solving this problem.
Several methods for combating drug trafficking and abuse can be identified. While raising the life quality could help in solving it, it is a relatively comprehensive approach. Action to reduce demand and legalization will be more concrete. Both Latin America and the USA can take these measures. Demand reduction should focus on the prevention and treatment of drug addiction. Legalizing not all but some drugs, such as marijuana, will provide funds to combat heavier substances and weaken drug traffickers. Although I put forward a proposal for legalization, the article dedicated to it surprised me since Miron (2009) speaks of all drug types. Therefore, the question remains open about ways to combat drug dependence and whether complete legalization will become an epidemic.
References
Bury, C. (2007). Drug ‘war zone’ rattles U.S.-Mexico border. ABC News. Web.
Mexico drug fighters were killed after less than a day on the job. (2009). CNN. Web.
Miron, J. A. (2009). Commentary: Legalize drugs to stop the violence. CNN. Web.