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Illegal Drug Trade

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RAND has studied the impact of policy measures on the problem of illicit drugs; offered recommendations on supply-reduction efforts; and considered the possible effects of marijuana legalization or decriminalization on drug trafficking revenues and on drug-related violence.

Report

Contemporary Asian Drug Policy

May 15, 2019

An analysis of drug use, drug supply, and the burden of disease associated with illegal drugs in Asia can inform policies aiming to reduce substance use disorders and drug trafficking. Three case studies show how drug policy is shifting in the Philippines, Thailand, and China.
Report

Growth of the Online Illicit Drugs Trade

Aug 8, 2016

Silk Road was the first major online marketplace for illegal goods on the hidden web. Since the FBI took it down in 2013, copycats have filled the void. Transactions for illicit drugs on cryptomarkets have tripled and revenues have doubled.

Explore Illegal Drug Trade

Research Brief

Understanding America's Surge in Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids

Although overdose deaths from heroin and prescription opioids have declined, deaths involving synthetic opioids are on the rise. Much of the current wave of overdoses is linked to one synthetic opioid: fentanyl.

Oct 7, 2019
Report

Characterization of the Synthetic Opioid Threat Profile to Inform Inspection and Detection Solutions

Researchers from the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center evaluated publicly available data to better understand consumption and supply of illegally imported synthetic opioids. In this report, they provide their findings and recommendations.

Sep 9, 2019
Project

Opioids Uncharted: Mapping America's Opioid Crisis

A RAND initiative to map the underexplored consequences of America's opioid crisis—and discover big-picture solutions.

Aug 29, 2019
News Release

News Release

U.S. Deaths Involving Synthetic Opioids Are Unprecedented; Policymakers Must Pursue Innovative Strategies to Reverse ...

The U.S. overdose crisis worsened dramatically with the arrival of synthetic opioids like fentanyl—now responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually—and the problem requires innovative new strategies because the epidemic is unlike others that have struck the nation.

Aug 29, 2019
Report

Synthetic Opioids: An Unprecedented Crisis

The rise of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids is unlike any drug crisis in U.S. history. Limiting policy responses to existing approaches will likely be insufficient and may condemn many people to early deaths.

Aug 29, 2019
News Release

News Release

Americans' Spending on Illicit Drugs Nears $150 Billion Annually; Appears to Rival What Is Spent on Alcohol

Spending on cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine by Americans reached nearly $150 billion in 2016, with a large proportion of spending coming from the small share of people who use drugs on a daily or near-daily basis.

Aug 20, 2019
Report

How Big Is the U.S. Market for Cannabis, Cocaine, Heroin, and Meth?

Americans spent about $150 billion on cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine in 2016—rivaling U.S. spending on alcohol. This number is driven in large part by the small share of people who use drugs on a daily or near-daily basis.

Aug 20, 2019
Testimony

Testimony

Illicit Supply of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids: Transitioning Markets and Evolving Challenges: Addendum

Document submitted on August 19, 2019, as an addendum to testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism and Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations on July 25, 2019.

Aug 20, 2019
Blog

RAND's Summer Reading List for Congress

For busy staff, August's respite from back-to-back meetings, hearing preparation, and late votes is hard-earned. The summer recess also provides an opportunity to get ahead of issues that will resurface in the fall. To that end, we have compiled recent RAND research on topics likely to top the congressional agenda come September.

Aug 5, 2019
Report

How Is the Cannabis Market in Washington State Changing?

This report provides detailed information about state-legal cannabis production and sales in Washington, as well as insights about the total amount of THC obtained from legal and illegal sources.

Aug 2, 2019
Multimedia

Illicit Supply of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids

An overview of testimony by Bryce Pardo presented before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism and Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations, on July 25, 2019.

Jul 25, 2019
Testimony

Illicit Supply of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids

The drivers behind U.S. overdose deaths have changed in the last ten years. Today's problem largely comes from illicitly manufactured synthetic opioid powders, particularly fentanyl, much of which comes from China. Congress and executive agencies will need to look beyond available drug policy tools when considering responses.

Jul 25, 2019
News Release

News Release

Some Asian Nations Reforming Drug Policies; China Unlikely to Curb Fentanyl Exports in Short Term

Strict policies traditionally embraced by Asian nations to discourage illicit drug use are beginning to change, with a few nations adopting alternative approaches while other nations are taking an even harder line against drugs.

May 15, 2019
Commentary

Hadrian's Wall Was a Policy Statement; So Is Donald Trump's

It's not clear if Hadrian's Wall was necessary to prevent Scottish fighters from invading the Roman Empire. Neither is it clear how effective Trump's wall would be at repelling undocumented immigration and smugglers. Hadrian's Wall may have been of symbolic value to those on both sides of it. Trump's could be, too.

Mar 6, 2019
Report

Report

Lessons from Others for Future U.S. Army Operations in and Through the Information Environment: Case Studies

Twelve detailed case studies examine of the activities and strategic goals of allies, adversaries, and potential adversaries in and through the information environment, highlighting insights for U.S. Army planning.

Jun 7, 2018
Report

Report

Lessons from Others for Future U.S. Army Operations in and Through the Information Environment

An examination of the evolution of both allied and adversary use of information power, alongside a comparative analysis of capability areas in which these others excel, can guide future U.S. Army force planning.

Jun 7, 2018
Commentary

Prioritizing Security at the U.S. Border with Mexico

As debate on border security continues, policymakers would be wise to look beyond the heated rhetoric to clearly identify priorities and make informed decisions about how best to deploy finite resources to get the strongest security for the investment.

Jan 29, 2018
Commentary

Is the EU Drugs Strategy Helping to Curb the Harm Caused by Drugs?

The EU Drugs Strategy takes a balanced approach to reduce drug demand, supply, and harm. All EU member states have a national drugs strategy, and most are aligned with the EU's. Having a coordinated voice on drug policy is valuable but is the strategy working?

Jan 9, 2018
Commentary

ISIS Is So Desperate It's Turning to the Drug Trade

As the Islamic State loses territory, it is forced to seek new revenue streams to exploit, including drug trafficking. Proceeds garnered from peddling narcotics affords jihadis in Europe the financial flexibility to travel to Syria, to fund attacks, and to pay for their return trips home.

Jul 25, 2017

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RAND Topic:
Illegal Drug Trade

Topic Synonyms:
Drug Trafficking

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