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Not really. The drug lords have invested a bunch of money setting up smuggling networks and equipping mini-armies. Legalize drugs and they'll just switch to s
by jlarocco 15y ago
Not really.
The drug lords have invested a bunch of money setting up smuggling networks and equipping mini-armies. Legalize drugs and they'll just switch to smuggling something else.
I agree drugs should be legalized, but it's because I don't like the government telling me what I can do.
- r0s 15y agoThey will start shooting cops and civilians over bootleg DVDs? Fake designer clothing? If this hypothetical market existed they would already be there.
- artmageddon 15y agoBootleg items are one way to make money, and you can bet that the market for that is already huge for DVDs and clothing knock-offs. I also recommend reading up on human trafficking, which is also a huge problem, too. I don't have any figures, but it's also worth considering how much money can be earned by robbing someone at gun point and holding them for ransom, as well - cartels in South America have done this for quite some time.
- r0s 15y agoSo you're saying kidnapping and extortion are already a huge problem, and the cartels are already deeply involved.
- artmageddon 15y agoSorry for the late response to this - yes.
- TDL 15y agoThis possible, but the profit margins that exist in the illegal drug business would not be replaced. Their smuggling networks & personnel would become a massive financial burden (how long it would take for that financial burden to destroy them is a separate issue.)
- orbenn 15y agoIf we assume drug lords are in it for the money and/or power they'd cut their losses ASAP. For any of them that are really in it for the thrills the time would depend on their reserves, but I doubt it'd last longer than a few months for any of them.