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These astonishing maps show how hard drugs are produced and sold around the world
These astonishing maps show how hard drugs are produced and sold around the world
Amanda Macias,Michael B KelleyFeb 19, 2015, 17:50 IST
Despite drastic punishments for drug dealing, up to and including death in many countries, the worldwide illegal drug trade continues to flourish. While governments invest vast sums of taxpayers' money in fighting a so-called "war" on drugs, one glance at the size and scope of the drug business suggests it may always be unwinnable.
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The drug trade accounts for almost 1% of the world's financial revenue, with the cocaine trade alone boasting an annual turnover of around $85 billion - all tax free.
The following text is reprinted from the infographic:
Distribution
Hard drugs are especially popular in the USA, Europe, and Asia. Crossing all borders, consumers are supplied with these illegal products by truck, ship, or small plane.
Opium originates primarily in Afghanistan or Myanmar, while cocaine comes mostly from Colombia, Peru, or Bolivia.
Consumption: Cocaine consumption remains at a high level, consumption of opiates and Amphetamine-type stimulants on the rise.
Trade: Destination for thousand of tonnes of drugs; extensive inner-European smuggling; significant points of control in Amsterdam, Madrid, and along the German borders.
Production: Large market for amphetamines, methamphetamines are mostly produced in small laboratories in the Czech Republic and less frequently in Slovakia and Germany.
Eastern and South-Eastern Europe
Consumption: Greater consumption of opiates due to proximity to the trade routes.
Trade: Delivery of opiates to Western Europe: cocaine is smuggled in from Africa to Central Europe via this region.
Production: Amphetamine-type stimulants are produced in most countries.
Near and Middle East
Consumption: High consumption of opiates due to proximity to source, consumption of Amphetamine-type stimulants on the rise.
Trade: Main trade route for opium and heroin, cartels from almost 20 countries are involved.
Production: Opium production primarily in Afghanistan; heroin is manufactured in almost all countries to meet European demand.
Consumption: Increasing consumption of Amphetamine-type stimulants.
Trade: Transport route to Europe, becoming however less relevant due to strengthened controls; powerful cartels in Nigeria regulate sale in the region and further trade to Europe.
Production: Insignificant.
Production
Farmers and chemists form the basis of the drug business as producers. They operate in the underground. The dealers work hand in hand with pilots, accountants, legal advisors, and financial experts.
Where The Drug Mules Trek by Nora Coenenberg and Camilo Jime´nez/Around the World, Copyright Gestalten 2013Opium and Heroin
When the latex of the opium poppy dries, raw opium is produced. Further extensive chemical processing then yields opium, which can be smoked.
This is then partially further processed into the very powerful substance diamorphine (heroin), which can be smoked, sniffed, or injected.
Cocaine and Crack
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The leaves of the lightly narcotic coca plant are processed into a white powder in illegal laboratories.
This cocaine hydrochloride can be sniffed in either pure or diluted form. When mixed with sodium bicarbonate and water and then heated, crack is produced, the vapors of which can be inhaled.
Amphetamine-type stimulants
Synthetic stimulants such as amphetamines like "speed," methamphetamines "crystal," and MDMA like "ecstasy" are produced globally, often in kitchen laboratories.
Production is simple, the profits huge. Amphetamines and methamphetamines are colorless oils, which are processed into pastes or salts, often diluted and mixed. They appear in the market in the form of powders, pill, or liquids.
Alongside classic facts about nature, history, population, culture, and politics, Around the World's compelling information graphics thoroughly explain complex processes that impact our lives such as global trade and changing demographics.
The book gives added insight into our modern world through its visual exploration of subjects such as eating habits, overfishing, and internet providers, as well as events that have left indelible marks on our collective conscience including September 11, the Olympic Games, Japan's Fukushima disaster, and the sinking of the Titanic.
