NCJ Number
158953
Date Published
1991
Length
94 pages
Annotation
A hearing was held by the House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control in July 1991 to assess the role of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the war on drugs.
Abstract
The opening statement praised the DOJ for its efforts in the areas of demand reduction, drug user accountability, the apprehension and prosecution of armed violent offenders, managing the expanding prison and jail population, and maintaining a strong commitment to the war on drugs. Further, the opening speaker noted the growing public aversion to drug use, particularly among young people, and the significant decline in casual drug use and in hospital emergency room drug mentions. The DOJ strategy to reduce the debilitating effects of illicit drugs on society was examined, and the need for a comprehensive approach to the drug problem was stressed. Hearing witnesses considered international aspects of illegal drug trafficking, drug abuse prevention, drug forfeiture, precursor chemicals used in drug manufacture, the link between drug use and violent crime, drug law enforcement programs of the DOJ, drug abuse education and treatment, money laundering, and organized crime. Additional testimony presented at the hearing is contained in an appendix. 4 tables and 5 figures