Introduction
Crime activities have immensely been developed and cemented through the organization of mafia groups and many other transitional crime groups. In America, the commonly known mafia groups include the La Cosa Nostra that was initially formed by a group of Italian-American individuals. Under this group is a set of individuals that refer to themselves as ‘the families.’ In New York, the so called families include the Genovese, Bonanno, the Gambino, the Colombo and the Lucchese. In the illegal drug industry, these families of the LCN Mafia group are primarily involved in the production, consumption, and distribution of the illicit drugs. According to James Finckenauer, the American Mafia like many others, enjoy being on the wrong side of the law hence their indulgement in drug trafficking among other crimes (2007).
Unlike the previous years, mafias have invented ‘better’ ways of transporting drugs within America, majorly because of the harsh measures placed on the offence of illicit drug production, possession and distribution. For instance, according to Mike La Sorte (2008), the most commonly used method is the insertion of the drugs in other cargos shipped to or from America. Besides for safety purposes, the mafias make use of couriers since they are less suspected and do not undergo intense scrutiny.
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Just like any other business, the mafia’s primary intention in production and distribution of drugs is to make money and more money. Therefore, anything that can come in between their operations is in a position for destruction. For example some common illegal activities that result from drug trafficking include homicide, prostitution, and kidnapping among others. Ideally, 99.9% of drug traffickers abuse the drugs they handle, and according to the U.S Department of Justice (1994), it is easier and common for drug users to indulge in crime rather than individuals who do not intoxicate themselves. In most cases, homicide crimes occur due to the need of eliminating people who can expose the group’s operations.
The Colombian Drug Cartel
The Colombian drug cartels are amongst the most powerful drug barons that threaten many government regimes. Besides drug trafficking, the cartels are largely involved in trafficking and distribution of illegal firearms. Initially, they purchased the illegal firearms purposely for their protection but later made it part of their illegal business (Woody, 2015).
While drug trafficking deeply developed within the outcasts of America in partnership with anchored mafias, it has crotched internationally in other continents especially Europe and Asia. Compared to the U.S drug trafficking, the international drug traffickers have no difference since most of them partner with the U.S. drug traffickers in production, purchase and distribution of the drugs (Costa & Calvani, 2006).
The ‘Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Originations Act’ – RICO was initially implemented to curb mafia activities. Currently it is used to handle any cases of individuals or organizations that are involved in criminal activities that include murder, gambling, drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, bribery, embezzlement, security fraud and deals in obscene material (Jenner, 2011) . Criminal activities under RICO are referred to as ‘predicate’ crimes. RICO penalties are harsh hence the attorney general sparingly uses RICO under certain terms and conditions. On the other hand, IRS is used to charge individuals who evade tax payment for certain reasons like avoiding the authorities from detecting their criminal activities.
Conclusion
The American mafia has immensely grown and indulges in various criminal activities that includes drug, human and firearm trafficking. Compared to the Columbian drug cartel, the US Mafia operates with families that have hierarchal systems. In order for the government to curb illegal activities institutes like RICO and IRS are formulated to deal and charge individuals involved in trafficking activities.
Reference
Costa, A., & Calvani, S. (2006, November). VIOLENCE, CRIME AND ILLEGAL ARMS TRAFFICKING IN COLUMBIA. Bogota, D.C - Columbia: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Finckenaue, J. O. (2007). NIJ - International Center - U.N Activities - La Cosa Nostra in the US . National Institute of Justice.
Jenner, M. (2011). International Drug Trafficking: A Global Problem with a Domestic Solution. Indiana Journal Of Global Legal Studies , 18 (2), 901-927. http://dx.doi.org/10.2979/indjglolegstu.18.2.901
Sorte, M. L. (2008, February). Drug Trafficking In Italy . Retrieved January 31, 2017, from American Mafia: http://www.americanmafia.com/Feature_Articles_410.html
U.S. Department of Justice. (November, 1994). Drugs & Crime Data - Fact Sheet: Drug Related Crime. Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Woody, C. (2015, August). 'El Chapo' Guzmán's key role in the global cocaine trade is becoming clearer . Retrieved January 31, 2017, from Business Insyder - Military and Defence: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-sinaloa-cartel-and-colombian-cocaine-2015-8
