scholarly journals The impact of illicit drug networks on the effectiveness of law enforcement in South Africa

2022 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 338-360
Author(s):  
Petrus Machethe ◽  
Jacob Tseko Mofokeng
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Drugs And Crime ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Drug Networks

In the past few years, South Africa has experienced an enormous increase in the amount and types of illicit drug manufacturing, distribution and use. This has resulted in an increase in the burden of crime and health risks in the community. The patterns of drug availability and drug use have been linked to regional and country variations, socio-economic status, racial and geographical differences. Because of the dramatic increase in the availability of various illicit drugs, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime World Drug Report (2012) identified South Africa as one of the drug centres of the world. This raises concerns about whether law enforcement agencies perform their functions effectively. This paper focuses on the illicit drug networks that hinder the effectiveness of law enforcement in South Africa. The modus operandi used to produce and smuggle illicit drugs and the challenges experienced by law enforcement to prevent and combat illicit drugs will be discussed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews with experts within the criminal justice system in South Africa. The study conducted in 2017/ 2018 in terms of the scientific measurements, has adopted a qualitative approach. Data was collected from a target population consisting of 11 SAPS drug-related crime experts, including members of the SAPS specialised detectives of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), crime intelligence members, border police, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and commanders at ports of entries. A documentary study was used as a secondary method of data collection. Data obtained from interviews were analysed by identifying common themes from the respondents' descriptions of their experiences.

scholarly journals Participant understanding of informed consent in a multidisease community-based health screening and biobank platform in rural South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 560-566
Author(s):  
Nothando Ngwenya ◽  
Manono Luthuli ◽  
Resign Gunda ◽  
Ntombizonke A Gumede ◽  
Oluwafemi Adeagbo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Informed Consent ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Biospecimen Collection ◽  
Participant Understanding ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background In low- and middle-income settings, obtaining informed consent for biobanking may be complicated by socio-economic vulnerability and context-specific power dynamics. We explored participants experiences and perceptions of the research objectives in a community-based multidisease screening and biospecimen collection platform in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods We undertook semi-structured in-depth interviews to assess participant understanding of the informed consent, research objectives and motivation for participation. Results Thirty-nine people participated (individuals who participated in screening/biospecimen collection and those who did not and members of the research team). Some participants said they understood the information shared with them. Some said they participated due to the perceived benefits of the reimbursement and convenience of free healthcare. Most who did not participate said it was due to logistical rather than ethical concerns. None of the participants recalled aspects of biobanking and genetics from the consent process. Conclusions Although most people understood the study objectives, we observed challenges to identifying language appropriate to explain biobanking and genetic testing to our target population. Engagement with communities to adopt contextually relevant terminologies that participants can understand is crucial. Researchers need to be mindful of the impact of communities’ socio-economic status and how compensation can be potentially coercive.

Illicit drug use in South Africa: Findings from a 2008 national population-based survey

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Peltzer ◽  
Shandir Ramlagan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
White Population ◽  
Population Groups ◽  
The Impact

<p><strong>Objective.</strong> The aim of this secondary analysis of the South African National HIV, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication (SABSSM) 2008 survey is to provide current data on illicit drug use that could assist in the development and implementation of effective substance abuse policies and intervention programmes aimed at these populations in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method.</strong> A multistage random population sample of 15 828 people age ≥15 (56.3% women) was included in the survey. Illicit drug use was assessed by 2 sections of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance use Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Frequency analyses for different age groups, geolocality, educational level, income, and population group were calculated, as were odds ratios for these variables regarding combined illicit drug use.</p><p><strong>Results.</strong> Current cannabis use was reported by 3.3% of the population sample – 6.1% of the men and 1.2% of the women – and the use of combined all-other illicit drugs (cocaine, amphetamines, inhalants, sedatives, hallucinogens, opiates) was reported by 1.8% of the participants. Coloured men (14.3%) were most likely, and Indian or Asian women (0.6%) least likely, to be cannabis users. Illicit drug use (combined) among men was associated with the 20 - 34 year age group and the coloured and white population groups, and among women in the younger age groups, the coloured and white population groups, and low and higher income.</p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> An increase of cannabis and other illicit drug prevalence rates was observed from 2005 (2.1%) to 2008 (3.3%) in the population sample. Multilevel interventions are required to target illicit drug users, in addition to creating awareness in the general population of the problems associated with illicit drug use. There is a need to address illicit drug use in national and provincial policy planning and intervention efforts and, in terms of treatment, a need to ensure that treatment practitioners are adequately trained to address illicit drug use. Future prospective studies are necessary to assess the impact of illicit drug use.</p>

scholarly journals West Africa – the Region’s Pivotal Role in International Drug Trafficking

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-32
Author(s):  
Richard Rousseau
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Drug Trafficking ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Drug Trade ◽  
African Continent ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Criminal Organizations ◽  
Drug Traffickers ◽  
Drugs And Crime ◽  
The Impact

Africa is a pivotal continent for international drug traffickers and criminal organizations. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates, approximately 40 to 50 tons of cocaine destined for the European market passes through the African continent each year.1 The illicit profits from such activities amount to at least 1.8 billion dollars, but it could be much larger according to some estimates. Such profits provide drug traffickers with the financial means to destabilize already weak governmental structures and law enforcement institutions in various African countries. This massive profits fuel a trade that has far reaching consequences for Africa and the destination countries for these illegal drugs. What is the impact of the illicit drug trade on Africa?

Fire on the Mountain: Reinvigorating Legislative Measures to Quench the Flame of Illicit Drug Use in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-29
Author(s):  
Sogo Angel Olofinbiyi ◽  
Thembelihle Mtambo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
South African ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
African Government ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Legislative Measures

South African societies have been characterized by the prolific incidence of illicit drug use in recent times.  The paper attempts to examine the legislations implemented on the use of illicit drugs in South Africa. The study adopts a review of the literature to identify and describe the most common illicit drugs used around South Africa communities, placing emphasis on the policies developed by the South African government in combating these situations. The research follows a critical   discussion on the issues associated with drug use, its causes, as well as its effects on humans and the environment. The study recommends relevant initiatives to combat all intricacies associated with drug use within the country. This approach will be appropriate in facilitating a clear-cut   understanding of the possible remedies to quench the burning flame of illicit drug use across a broad range of South African communities.

scholarly journals Is socio-economic status a determinant of HIV-related stigma attitudes in Zimbabwe? Findings from Project Accept

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kudzanai Mateveke ◽  
Basant Singh ◽  
Alfred Chingono ◽  
E. Sibanda ◽  
Ian Machingura
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
Voluntary Counseling And Testing ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
Stigma And Discrimination ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
The Impact

HIV related stigma and discrimination is a known barrier for HIV prevention and care. We aimed to assess the relationship between socio-economic status (SES) and HIV related stigma in Zimbabwe. This paper uses data from Project Accept, which examined the impact of community-based voluntary counseling and testing intervention on HIV incidence and stigma. Total of 2522 eligible participants responded to a psychometric assessment tool, which assessed HIV related stigma and discrimination attitudes on 4 point Likert scale. The tool measured three components of HIVrelated stigma: shame, blame and social isolation, perceived discrimination, and equity. Participants’ ownership of basic assets was used to assess the socio-economic status. Shame, blame and social isolation component of HIV related stigma was found to be significantly associated with medium [odds ratio (OR)=1.73, P<0.01] and low SES (OR=1.97, P<0.01), indicating more stigmatizing attitudes by participants belonging to medium and low SES in comparison to high SES. For HIV related stigma and discrimination programs to be effective, they should take into account the socio-economic context of target population.

scholarly journals Police and sniffer dogs in psychiatric settings

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 253-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Najat Khalifa ◽  
Simon Gibbon ◽  
Conor Duggan
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
The Other ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Patient Response ◽  
Secure Unit ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

Aims and MethodTo study the views of staff and patients on the use of sniffer dogs to detect illicit drugs and the prosecution of in-patients suspected of taking illicit drugs. A 15-item self-report questionnaire was given to all in-patients and staff who had any contact with patients in a medium-secure unit. Responses to the individual statements were measured on a five-point Likert scale and staff and patients' responses were compared.ResultsWe achieved a response rate of 63% (patient response rate, 71.6%; staff response rate, 60.7%). Overall there were fewer differences than anticipated, although, as expected, staff viewed the impact of illicit drugs more negatively than patients, and on the other hand, patients viewed the use of sniffer dogs and police involvement more negatively than the staff did.Clinical ImplicationsNotice ought to be taken of the discordance between staff and patients' views (particularly in relation to consent and confidentiality) when attempting to detect and manage illicit drug use among psychiatric in-patients.

Six Years Later

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Décary-Hétu ◽  
Vincent Mousseau ◽  
Sabrina Vidal
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Slow Rate ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
The United States ◽  
Drug Markets ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
The Impact

Cryptomarkets are online illicit marketplaces where drug dealers advertise the sale of illicit drugs. Anonymizing technologies such as the Tor network and virtual currencies are used to hide cryptomarket participants’ identity and to limit the ability of law enforcement agencies to make arrests. In this paper, our aim is to describe how herbal cannabis dealers and buyers in the United States have adapted to the online sale of herbal cannabis through cryptomarkets. To achieve this goal, we evaluate the size and scope of the American herbal cannabis market on cryptomarkets and compare it to other drug markets from other countries, evaluate the impact of cryptomarkets on offline sales of herbal cannabis, and evaluate the ties between the now licit herbal cannabis markets in some States and cryptomarkets. Our results suggest that only a small fraction of herbal cannabis dealers and drug users have transitioned to cryptomarkets. This can be explained by the need for technical skills to buy and sell herbal cannabis online and by the need to have access to computers that are not accessible to all. The slow rate of adoption may also be explained by the higher price of herbal cannabis relative to street prices. If cryptomarkets were to be adopted by a larger portion of the herbal cannabis market actors, our results suggest that wholesale and regional distributors who are not active on cryptomarkets would be the most affected market’s participants.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND NICOTINE IN A BUCCAL TOBACCO BRAND MARKETED IN YEMEN

2019 ◽  
pp. 75-78
Author(s):  
ANES AM THABIT ◽  
AHMED MS AL-GHANI
Keyword(s):  
High Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
The Other ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
Drugs And Crime ◽  
Layer Chromatography ◽  
Narcotic Drugs

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to check the potential presence of illicit drugs and to quantify the amount of nicotine in a buccal tobacco brand that had been observed to be increasingly used by Yemeni youths, since 2014, causing narcosis resembling states among them. Methods: Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) described by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was used to screen illicit drugs in the tested brand. The illicit drugs investigated included opiates, heroin, amphetamines, and cocaine. The TLC results were confirmed as recommended by the UNODC using color chemical tests. Identification and quantification of nicotine in the brand was carried out using an appropriate high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Results: No illicit drug was found in the tested tobacco brand. On the other hand, it was found that the amount of nicotine in just a single dose (sachet) of the buccal brand was 17.67±0.901 mg, which was 3.53-fold greater than usual buccal dose of nicotine (5 mg). Conclusion: With the exception of cannabis, opioids, and hallucinogens that were not investigated in this study due to technical obstacles, other major illicit narcotic drugs are not found in the brand. The brand contains high amount of nicotine/sachet. However, knowing that the user may use more than one sachet of the brands a day, there is a great potential of nicotine overdosing due to intake of the brand. This may cause a narcosis resembling state called “Nesbitt’s paradox,” characterized by reducing neuronal activity of the user.

scholarly journals Open sources revіew on salw illegal use and seizures in Ukraine (2019)

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (92) ◽  
pp. 299-324
Author(s):  
В.С. Безногих
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Summary Table ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Drugs And Crime ◽  
Criminal Legislation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Qualitative Characteristics ◽  
Monitoring Platform

The article provides an analysis of crime related to firearms, ammunition and explosives. It is written based on the results of the study of information on this category of crimes collected in open sources (law enforcement websites and media news resources). In contrast to the departmental statistics and narrative reports that serve certain tasks of law enforcement agencies, the present analysis attempts to describe additional qualitative characteristics for this category of crimes in order to identify more specific trends and determine the impact of the situation in south-eastern Ukraine caused by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Relying on his experience of work in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) projects, the author of the study attempts to adapt and apply the principles of collecting of qualitative information from open sources, which are used to collect information on drug-related crimes for the Drug Monitoring Platform in the Afghan Opiate Trade Project (AOPT). The study covers all types of crimes related to firearms, ammunition and explosives, both those in which the weapon is the subject of a crime (illegal possession, sale, smuggling), and crimes in which a weapon or explosive used as an instrument of crime (murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, property damage, hooliganism). The study also includes cases of illegal use of traumatic firearms, which within the existing criminal legislation of Ukraine are classified as hooliganism. The article provides summary table on prices for certain types of weapons and ammunition in the regions of Ukraine based on the results of successful operations of weapons purchasing realized by law enforcement agencies. In general, the materials presented in the article are an additional source of criminalistics information and can serve as a basis for further analysis and research.  

scholarly journals Study of impact of JSSK scheme on institutional deliveries and maternal mortality rate: Visakhapatnam district Andhra Pradesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
Subhashini Revu ◽  
Venkata Ramana Kodali ◽  
Hemalata Devi Dongabanti
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Institutional Deliveries ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Visakhapatnam District

Background: To study the impact of JSSK scheme on institutional deliveries in Visakhapatnam district, A.P. To assess the awareness among the target population (i.e.,) delivered women regarding this programme. To evaluate the trends of MMR in Visakhapatnam district after the start of JSSK programme in 2011.Methods: This is an observational study, in the first phase all the data was collected on total number of deliveries occurred in Visakhapatnam district, A.P from year 2013-14 to 2017-October. This includes all institutional and home deliveries from Visakhapatnam district. Data of MMR and IMR, also collected for the same period. A point survey was done at VGH over a period of a month in October 2017. Total 464 delivered women during this period were given a structured questioner which includes age, parity, SC status, educational status, booked status and awareness about JSSK programme, its source of information and feedback was taken regarding satisfaction towards health services in VGH. Finally, a comparative analysis was done with MMR and IMR status of Visakhapatnam district and AP state with that of India.Results: In this study 87.8% of delivered women at VGH during the study period are unaware of JSSK programme. Level of socio economic status, education and parity played a big role in bringing out the awareness. Most of the awareness comes through anganwadi workers, ANMs and advertisements in media. 98.9% expressed their satisfaction with the health services at VGH.Conclusions: Pregnant women die in India due to a combination of important factors like, poverty, ineffective or unaffordable health services, Visakhapatnam district tops the lists of MMR and IMR in the state of Andhra Pradesh and most important factor effecting the JSSK success is lack of awareness in target population. There is a need to understand more about the individual- and area-level characteristics that contribute to variations in programme achievements. A greater in depth study should be undertaken at community level to analyse each maternal death individually. To achieve target MDG of MMR 100/2020 and IMR 28/2019 state needs to reach the unreached and motivate all needy women specially with low S.E. status towards institutional deliveries by proper campaigning to enlighten them that all maternal and child services including transport are absolutely free.

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