Drug-Related Crime and Organized Crime: A Dual Threat

Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8th edition Chapter 18 A Dual Threat: Drug-Related Crime and Organized Crime Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

A specific definition for narcotics is difficult. However, most jurisdictions categorize drugs into degrees of danger, referred to as Schedules of Controlled Substances. Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Drug Categories • Depressants---alcohol, barbiturates, tranquilizers • Stimulants---cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine • Narcotic analgesics---heroin, codeine, methadone, Oxycontin • Hallucinogens---LSD, PCP, peyote • Cannabis---marijuana, hashish • Inhalants---hobby model glue, cleaning solvents Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Drug Facts • Marijuana is the most abused illicit drug with the most frequent arrests • Crack cocaine is a mixture of cocaine that is less expensive and 10x more powerful • U.S./Mexico border is the primary point of entry for cocaine into the United States (77%) • Heroin is synthesized from morphine and is ten times more powerful in its effect Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Club Drugs • Often found at raves and dance parties involving young people • Most common substances found are Ecstasy, GHB, LSD • Rohypnol is commonly known as the ‘date rape’ drug, paralyzing the central nervous system of the user Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Prescription drug abuse represents 25% to 30% of the overall drug problem in the United States. Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Terms to know… • Pharming---rifling through a medicine chest for various pills and mixing them together for ingestion. • Designer drugs---created by adding or omitting something from an existing drug. The primary drug is not necessarily illegal. • Excited delirium---behavioral condition whereby a person exhibits extremely agitated and non-coherent behavior, elevated temperature and excessive endurance without fatigue. Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Common Indicators of Residential Drug Trafficking…. • High volume of foot and vehicle traffic to and from a residence at unusual hours • Periodic visitors who stay at the residence for very brief periods of time • Altering property to maximize privacy with minimal expense, such as covering windows and glass doors with paper Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Other Drug Outlets…. • Head Shops---sell products that help the end user such as pipes and syringes • Cut/Vial stores---sell adulterants to dilute, measure, or separate drugs • Online Drug Sales---club drugs, prescription narcotics, and DXM sold on the internet • Clandestine Drug Labs---laboratories producing illicit drugs for sale, particularly methamphetamine and club drugs Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Clandestine laboratories present physical, chemical, and toxic hazards to law enforcement officers engaged in raids on the premises. Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Identifying a Clandestine Lab • Strong chemical odors----similar to cat urine, fingernail polish, ammonia • Windows blackened out • Hoses/pipes sticking out under windows or door for ventilation of fumes • Continuous running of exhaust fans • Disturbed ground or dead vegetation • Excessive people and vehicle traffic at odd times Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Undercover Assignments • Used more frequently in drug cases than other criminal cases • Use of informants is commonplace • Carefully planned and executed to avoid the issue of entrapment • A flashroll(money) is commonly used in drug transactions • Three things valued by dealers: drugs, the money the drugs can bring, and their freedom to do business Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Stings/Reverse Buys A complex operation organized and implemented by undercover officers to apprehend drug dealers by the officer posing as a dealer in the pursuit of profit. Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

The Federal Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1983 Initiated asset forfeiture as a tool that allows agencies investigating various types of crimes, including drugs, to seize items used in or acquired through the commission of that crime. Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Organized Crime Organized Crime is any group having some manner of a formalized structure and whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities. A criminal enterprise is a group of individuals with an identified hierarchy engaged in significant criminal activity. Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Characteristics of Organized Crime • Definite organization and control • High-profit and continued profit crimes • Similar control through force and threats • Protection through corruption Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Bookmaking---soliciting and accepting bets on any type of sporting event; most prevalent gambling operation. Loan-sharking---the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates---usually supported from gambling operations. Money laundering---profits from illegal activities are given legitimacy by being invested in legal business. Capital flight---large-scale removal of funds from a country. Organized Crime terms to know…. Bennett/Hess, Criminal Investigation, 8e

Drug-Related Crime and Organized Crime: A Dual Threat