Research Handbook on International Drug Policy

Bibliographic Data

ID23812641
AuthorsPatrick Shortis (UNSW Sydney), Judith Aldridge (0000-0002-9402-8682, UNSW Sydney), Monica J Barratt (0000-0002-1015-9379, UNSW Sydney)
EditorsDavid R Bewley-Taylor, Khalid Tinasti (0000-0002-7655-1904)
Year2020
Publication date2020-09-15
Open AccessNo
TypeBOOK
VenueResearch Handbook on International Drug Policy (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.4337/9781788117067
OpenAlexW3088979748
ISBN9781788117067
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited12

Developments in encryption technology have facilitated new forms of digital drug trading. In this chapter, we provide an overview of cryptomarkets and the technologies that underpin them. Our examination of the history of cryptomarket development shows they have evolved in response to enforcement operations and threats from within the community, yet policy responses, whilst increasingly varied and sophisticated, remain in line with prohibition and suppression. Our evaluation of the transformative potential of cryptomarkets on the global drugs trade suggests it is limited to specific drugs, countries and forms of violence, and its impact will be greater in countries where drug consumption is highest rather than producer countries like Colombia or Afghanistan. Whilst the literature is emergent, we argue that it demands better scrutiny from law enforcement and policy makers in designing appropriate responses to the online drugs trade to avoid unintentionally increasing harms both for drug takers and the public.

Political science · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy

Tools

Open DOI