Assignment 2 Drugs and Crime

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University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) *

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Sociology

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Jun 14, 2024

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docx

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Christopher Blowe CCJS 352 6380 Drugs and Crime (2238) Professor Randall Jones 9/16/2023 The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA regulates the manufacture, distribution, and possession of certain types of drugs. The DEA is tasked with enforcing the CSA and combating illegal drug trafficking. In 2004, the DEA conducted an operation known as Operation Black Gold Rush, targeting the illegal distribution of OxyContin throughout Southern and Central California. OxyContin is an opioid painkiller that has a high potential for abuse and addiction. The DEA conducted a series of investigations and executed multiple search warrants, resulting in the arrest of over seventy individuals, including doctors, pharmacists, and drug distributors. The individuals were charged with various crimes related to the illegal distribution of OxyContin, including conspiracy to distribute, distribution of a controlled substance, and money laundering. The DEA utilized numerous enforcement strategies in Operation Black Gold Rush. Agents conducted undercover operations and utilized confidential informants to infiltrate the drug trafficking networks. The DEA also used financial analysis to investigate the individuals' involvement in the drug trade. The DEA also employed the use of wiretaps and other surveillance techniques to monitor the activities of the drug traffickers. As a result of Operation Black Gold Rush, the DEA was able to identify and arrest numerous individuals involved in the illegal distribution of OxyContin. The individuals were subsequently prosecuted in federal court.
Many of the individuals charged in the case pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison. The sentences ranged from five years to life in prison. The impact of Operation Black Gold Rush on drug supply reduction in Southern and Central California was significant. By targeting and arresting the individuals involved in the illegal distribution of OxyContin, the DEA was able to disrupt the drug trafficking networks in the region and reduce the availability of the drug on the streets. In addition, the prosecution of the individuals charged in the operation sent a strong message to would-be drug traffickers and drug users that the DEA takes drug crime seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute violators. Overall, Operation Black Gold Rush was a major success for the DEA. The operation resulted in the arrest and prosecution of numerous individuals involved in the illegal distribution of OxyContin and had a significant impact on drug supply reduction in Southern and Central California. This demonstrates the DEA's commitment to combating illegal drug trafficking and protecting the public from the dangers of drug abuse. References Sacco, L. N. (2014). Drug enforcement in the United States: History, policy, and trends (Vol. 7). Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service. Rojas, F. G. T. (2018). Assessment of the Enforcement and Regulatory Impact on Cannabinoids with the Recent Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Ordinance Over Cannabidiol (CBD) and the New Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Controlled Substance Act (CSA) Scheduling (Doctoral dissertation, University of Georgia).
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