Work

Drug supply networks: a systematic review of the organizational structure of illicit drug trade

Year: 2017

Type: review

Abstract: This study presents a systematic review of research using social network analysis to document the structure of organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking. Our first objective is to determine whether the balance of evidence supports the argument that organized crime groups are loosely structured. Second, we aim to assess the relative importance of targeting individuals high in social capital (structural position) versus human capital (access to resources) in efforts to disrupt operations. Examining 34 studies, describing 54 illicit drug supply networks, we find five implications for anti-drug policy, and propose seven recommendations to facilitate meta-analysis and improve cross-network comparison.

Source: Crime Science

DOI: 10.1186/s40163-017-0063-3

Authors: Gisela Bichler, Aili Malm, Tristen Cooper

Institutions: California State University, San Bernardino, California State University System, California State University, Long Beach

Language: English

Topic: Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,890