Drug Law Enforcement Research Articles

Misrepresentation of MDMA in the United States, 1999–2023

Background and AimsThe misrepresentation of illicit drugs in unregulated markets increases the risk of adverse health events. This study analyzed drug checking data to compare represented, expected, and actual content of alleged MDMA samples, estimate trends in the quality of the MDMA supply, document the presence of adulterants, compare patterns of adulteration, and validate drug checking against law enforcement data.Methods: The study analyzed 4,719 alleged MDMA samples submitted to the DrugsData drug checking service between 1999–2023. Measures captured characteristics and quality of the MDMA supply, including represented content, expected and actual content, sample form, and specific adulterants. Tests of association were conducted using Pearson’s chi-square or Spearman’s rho, and tests for trends were performed using joinpoint regression. Findings. Most samples (75%) were expected to contain MDMA, but this varied significantly by represented content (p<0.001). About half the samples (48%) contained MDMA-only, which also varied significantly by represented content (p<0.001). MDMA-only prevalence declined from 1999–2009 (57.4% to 15.2%, p<0.05), recovered from 2009–2017 (15.2% to 56.0%, p<0.05), and increases more moderately from 2017–2023 (56.0% to 74.1%, p<0.05). Overall, 199 unique adulterants were detected in the MDMA supply across 25 years. We confirmed robust correlations in adulterant prevalence trends between drug checking and law enforcement seizure data. Conclusions. While users typically expected alleged MDMA samples to contain only MDMA, more than half of the submitted MDMA samples were misrepresented in some manner. Despite high levels of misrepresentation, MDMA quality has stabilized at relatively high levels in recent years.

When citizens legalize drugs

The demand for drug legalization is remarkably heterogeneous across countries and over time. A theory is presented to show that ruling politicians can influence this demand by choosing the level of enforcement of drug laws which will influence their exposure to drug use and their views on legalization. If legalization has, overall, expected social benefits, politicians opposed to it will adopt a higher level of law enforcement than politicians in favor. In this case, the level of law enforcement is excessive with respect to the optimal level. If instead, legalizing the drug has overall expected social costs, then the opposite will be the case. The examples of the Netherlands and the US are used to test the model.

The Lull Before the Storm? Criminal Justice, Crime and Incarceration in Russia (2000–2020)

The article reviews the design of the criminal justice system and trends in crime in Russia over the last two decades (2000–2020). First, we argue that the criminal justice system is built upon the idea of meeting quotas, which ensures its accountability to the Russian state and downplays its transparency and crime-control efficiency. Second, we analyse recent crime trends and argue that Russia has experienced a long-term drop in crime. Finally, we overview the available evidence on the enforcement of drug laws and the operation of the prison system in Russia.

Illicit Drugs, Organised Crime, and Violent Extremism: Addressing the Nexus, Countermeasures, and Implications

This article explores how illicit drug traffickers, organised criminals, and violent extremists interact along intricate pathways to perpetrate their illegal activities and recommends how security agents, especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) can better tackle the activities of illicit drug racketeers linked to organised criminal groups and violent extremists. Against this backdrop, the article provides an analysis of the association between illicit drugs, organised crime, and violent extremism. The study was an exploratory research design, carried out in Tsafe Area of Zamfara State. It was conducted using a Key Informant and In-depth Interview. The research was conducted using the snowballing sampling method. Findings revealed that while efforts to curtail the phenomenon are ongoing, the linkages are getting stronger daily. Therefore, to combat the increasing activities of these organised criminal groups, the article recommends a multi-sectoral and “whole systems” approach using modern technology, and synergy among agencies of government, as well as non-governmental stakeholders, who have the wherewithal to support actions being undertaken by the government.

The Connection Between Drug-Related Detentions and Drug-Related Violence: Another Failure of the War on Drugs in Mexico

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the relationship between drug-related detentions for possession or petty dealing and drug-related violence. Two theoretical mechanisms are explored: (i) when a dealer is detained, the market is disrupted, and competition increases; (ii) when a consumer is detained, other consumers are deterred and seek new dealers, generating competition among groups and, consequently, increasing violence. These hypotheses are quantitatively evaluated using geocoded data from local San Luis Potosí, Mexico markets. Results suggest a relationship between drug-related violence and detentions occurring in a nearby location. These results emphasize the inefficacy of drug law enforcement strategies for reducing violence related to illegal drug markets in local settings and open the discussion for exploring different policies to reduce violence related to organized crime and the harms associated with illegal drug consumption.

호주의 불법 마약 관련 법과 통제정책:한국과의 간략한 비교

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Australian drug laws, highlighting the evolution of laws from the late 19th century to the present, and comparing them with South Korean drug policies. It begins by exploring the historical context of Australian drug laws, highlighting the shift from minimal intervention in the late 19th century, characterized by the widespread use of drugs like opium and morphine, to more stringent drug control policies in the early 20th century. This change was influenced by international developments and domestic concerns, notably racial prejudices and the rise of international drug conventions. The paper then delves into the legal frameworks governing drug offences in Australia, explaining the interplay of federal and state laws. It outlines the specific provisions and penalties, with an emphasis on the Criminal Code Act 1995(Cth) and the definitions of serious drugs. A detailed examination of drug offences under Federal law is provided, including distribution, production, import-export and possession offences, along with their respective penalties. Furthermore, the paper discusses the enforcement and prosecution of drug laws in Australia, detailing the roles of law enforcement agencies, the prosecution process, and the judiciary's role in interpreting and applying these laws. It also highlights the shift in Australian drug policy towards harm reduction and public health approaches. This section includes case studies of harm reduction initiatives in Australia. A notable aspect of the paper is the comparison between Australian and South Korean drug laws, elucidating their similarities and differences. While both countries adopt a strict stance on illicit drugs and have similar drug classification systems, they differ in their approach to personal use and possession, harm reduction focus, legal status of cannabis, and cultural perceptions of drug use. The paper concludes by emphasizing the complexity of drug legislation and policy in Australia, shaped by international conventions and domestic priorities. It notes that Australian drug laws strike a balance between prohibition, control, and public health, providing valuable insights for international audiences. The paper also recognizes the dynamic nature of Australian drug law, suggesting that its evolution could significantly influence global drug policy, especially with emerging challenges like synthetic drugs and online drug trafficking.

“The Law is too Grey”: Liminal Legality and Moral Injury in Encounters with Drug Law Enforcement

Overdose mortality and the legitimacy crisis facing policing have propelled momentum for drug law reform. Yet, resulting reforms and associated protections are often functionally undermined by enforcement practices and the legal environment faced by people who use drugs. To explore this tension, we conducted a community-based study in Ontario, Canada. Our findings show that people's experiences of policing at overdose events reflect a legal regime characterized by their ambiguous legal status and uncertain protections. We argue that the resulting state of liminal legality is enacted in large part through police discretion and the uneven distribution of enforcement practices across spaces and populations; individuals compensate for this legal environment by mobilizing their knowledge of legal risks. Together, these expressions of law and drug enforcement generate substantial moral injury among people who use drugs.

Golden Triangle to Bangladesh: Regional Analysis of ATS Sources, Trafficking Routes and Kingpin Involved, and Role of Regional Organizations

Background: Beyond traditional routes to East and Southeast Asia, Excessive ceaseless flow of ATS (yaba/crystal meth) and synthetic drugs in South Asia especially Bangladesh are the new dimension of drugs which have little study of its sources, routes, prices and the kingpin involved to ATS trafficking and production. Security forces have been taking stringent action for the non-conventional security threats including ‘war on drug’. Large information and reasoning gaps are seen which influenced to find the source of ATS, its trafficking routes, its prices and role played in Bangladesh and the region. The research aimed to identify the major sources, trafficking routes of ATS, prices level &amp; economic impact, Kingpin involved and to explore its different regional implications for national and regional level decisions.Methods: A long array of national and international reports, publications etc. reviewed and analyzed. 300 face to face interview survey to drug law enforcement officers, drug dealers and drug consumers with many more qualitative &amp; quantitative interviews.Results: ATS (yaba/crystal meth) problem for Bangladesh and most South Asian countries are intertwined with Golden Triangle drug problems. Potential new drug production &amp; trafficking prone regions such as ‘Black Triangle’ have been becoming sources of ATS for South, East and Southeast Asia. Myanmar non-state ethnic actors, Myanmar military affiliated militias &amp; BGFs, Chinese-Myanmar-India-Bangladesh etc. transnational syndicates involved and per piece of yaba has become as minimum as less than USD $1 dollar.Conclusion: Golden Triangle, especially Myanmar Shan State with expanding trafficking region, anarchic situations and military policies are continue breeding drugs that linked to different routes and actors, changing environment changes sources, routes and actors.

‘It has gotten a lot better, but it is still bad’: Experiences with the police among marginalized PWUDs in a context of depenalization

Based on a survey (n = 249) and qualitative interviews (n = 38) with marginalized people who use drugs (PWUDs) in Copenhagen, Denmark, we investigate the experiences of this group with the police in a context where drug possession had been depenalized in and around drug consumption rooms (DCRs). Our findings point to positive experiences with the police, especially with the local community police in the depenalization zone, who refrained from drug law enforcement and practiced 'harm reduction policing.' However, marginalized PWUDs also reported that they were still targeted for drug possession by other sections of the police despite the depenalization policy. Specifically, the drug squad of the police would continue to confiscate illicit drugs for investigatory purposes to counter organized drug crime, as well as continue to target user-dealers who were not formally included in the depenalization policy. The findings illustrate how marginalized PWUDs still found themselves in a precarious legal situation without any legal rights to possess the drugs that they were dependent on, even though possession of drugs had been depenalized in and around DCRs.

Judicial Interpretations, Findings and Pronouncements of the Nigerian Apex Court: A Review of Mohammed Vs Frn

Purpose: The objective of this review was to challenge the apex court's decision, encompassing its findings, judicial interpretations, and pronouncements (DFIP). A notable issue arises from the discovery that the National Assembly (NA) mistakenly granted 'exclusive' criminal jurisdiction to the Federal High Court (FHC) regarding Indian hemp offenses. Consequently, this study critically examined the DFIP in depth.&#x0D; Methodology: This work adopts the doctrinal method of research, which involves the use of primary and secondary sources of law. This study relied on key primary sources, including the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Acts of the National Assembly, case laws, and Decrees. Supplementary information was derived from secondary sources such as books and articles. This review extensively employed primary and secondary legal sources, focusing on statutory interpretation rules, the hierarchy of norms, particularly in relation to the principle of inconsistency, and the unalterable nature of jurisdiction prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN). These criteria were systematically applied to evaluate the Decision, Findings, Interpretations, and Pronouncements (DFIP) of the apex court.&#x0D; Findings: The apex court's determination that Section 8 of the Indian Hemp Act (IHA) was implicitly repealed by Section 26 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act is inaccurate. Similarly, the assertion that the National Assembly (NA) granted 'exclusive' criminal jurisdiction to the Federal High Court (FHC) is flawed, as Section 251(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) actually confers concurrent criminal jurisdiction on the FHC. &#x0D; The finding of the apex court that Magistrate Courts (MC), being a creation of state legislation, cannot try Indian hemp offences is erroneous. The apex court's assertion that Indian hemp is both a 'drug' and a 'narcotic drug' is refuted as erroneous in the course of this review.&#x0D; Recommendations: Statutory intervention in the manner of amendment of Sections 251(1)(s) and 251(3) is required if the decision of the apex court is to represent the position of the law in Nigeria.

Prevalence of Substance Abuse Among University Undergraduates

The study investigated how many university students in private, state, and federal institutions abuse chemical substances. It also compared the three types of institution to know where abuse of substances is more prevalent. The population for the study were all university undergraduates from Ekiti State. The sample is made up of 450 respondents’ selected using simple randomization and purposive sampling technique with 115 participants from private institutions, 165 from state owned institutions and 170 participants from federal institutions. A Google Form questionnaire tagged Prevalence of Substance Abuse Scale (PSAS) was created, validated and used for data collection. Results; No significant difference could be determined in terms of gender on the prevalence of substance abuse among undergraduate students (F(1, 448) = 0.581, p &amp;lt;.05). A significant difference was detected in terms of age (F (3, 447) = 0.088, p &amp;lt; .05). It revealed a non-significant effect on the prevalence of substance abuse among undergraduates across different universities (private, state, and federal) (F(2, 447) = 0.084, p &amp;lt; 0.05). It was suggested that universities should have an active counselling centre with trained counsellors to help people who struggle with substance abuse. Counsellors should work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to hold events like awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops to enlighten students about the negative effects of substance abuse.

Concept of Protection for Victims of Narcotics Abuse in Indonesia Fairly Based on Pancasila

Background: Since the introduction of criminal policy on victims of drug abuse in Indonesia in Law No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotic Drugs, the current legislation does not give room to the use of criminal means (tax and action), which extends both its content and benefits as contained in Article 127 paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), Jo. Article 103 Jo. Art. 54 is the punishment of criminal imprisonment, and the sentence of medical rehabilitation or social rehabilitation only tends to be rigid, So in legal practice, it still tends to position victims of drug abuse as being treated equally as perpetrators of drug offenses in general, without regard to justice for the protection of the victim of narcotics abuse itself. Adopting good concepts for the formulation of the Narcotics Act in the future is necessary as a reflection of the values of justice for the victims of drug abuse who are distributed to Indonesians based on Pancasila with a more flexible system of punishment. (flexible on sentencing). Objective: Analyzing to a great extent the innovative ideas of re-formulating criminal drug policy in Indonesia with a comparative study of criminal policy on victims of drug abuse in other countries. By using the method of doctrinal approach that analyzes the law as it is written in the books or the law as it is decided by the judge through the judicial process. Theoretical framework: Prison sentences for narcotics abuse have proved to be unable to reduce the number of narcotics abuses. The Law on Narcotic Drugs, in its development, has been updated with the enactment of Law No. 35 of 2009 on Drugs. There has been a legal revision of the provisions of this law, with the decriminalization of drug abuse perpetrators. Narcotics addicts and victims of drug abuse must undergo medical and social rehabilitation. Van Boven, a United Nations special rapporteur, puts the rights of victims of human rights violations in a comprehensive way that is not only limited to the right to know and to continued justice but also the right to reparation (Theo Van Boven, 2002). Method: This study uses the method of normative jurisprudence, or doctrinal law research, that analyzes both laws as they are written in the books and laws as they are decided by the judge through the judicial process. The use of skunder data as a source or material of information can be primary legal material, skunder legal material, or third-tier legal material. Results: The results of the study suggest that there is a need to re-formulate the criminal policy of legal protection of victims as perpetrators of crimes in the future drug law enforcement system, including articles on the use of non-criminal means in drug law in the future as a measure of prevention of the adverse influence of the black traffic of narcotics in Indonesia. To this end, it is necessary to encourage the support of the government by using all its powers to provide the budget, resources, and human resources for both the security and defense of the country, such as the Indonesian National Army/Police of the Republic of Indonesia/National Narcotics Agency, other law enforcement agencies, and the apparatus of government within the scope of the state administration, so that the presence and existence of a state in protecting citizens in a safe, comfortable, and realization of a divine, just, and civilized society with a sense of unity, settlement with mutiny, and justice in society will be felt.

The Protection of Human Rights in the Case of Non-Criminal Narcotics Users

Introduction: Narcotics use as a complex global issue has an impact on human rights, especially in the context of criminal law. Although some countries, including Indonesia, are beginning to recognize human rights protections in non-criminal narcotics use, the main challenge is striking a balance between strict regulation and appropriate protection for individuals who need narcotics for treatment or non-criminal purposes. Purposes of the Research: The aim of this research is to analyze relevant laws and regulations and related practices in protecting human rights in the case of non-criminal narcotics users. Methods of the Research: This research uses normative legal research methods to analyze laws and regulations related to non-criminal narcotics use. Data sources include statutory documents, court decisions, and legal literature. Data analysis will look for patterns and evaluate regulatory compliance with human rights principles.Results of the Research: To protect human rights in cases of non-criminal narcotics use in Indonesia, legislation plays an important role, although challenges such as abuse of power and social stigma remain. Cooperation between government, NGOs and civil society is needed to implement existing regulations and increase public understanding of human rights. Indonesia needs to find a balance between strict narcotics regulations and protecting individual rights. This involves clear definitions for “non-criminal” narcotics, fair law enforcement, as well as safeguarding individual privacy. The challenges involve racial and social injustice in drug law enforcement and require an evidence-based approach that engages diverse stakeholders. Continuous research and analysis is needed to support better policies to address the narcotics problem.

Tinjauan Yuridis Penegakan Hukum Pada Perusahaan Yang Melakukan Upaya Menghalangi Pembentukan Serikat Pekerja/Buruh di Indonesia

When discussing law enforcement, the establishment of a trade union organization must of course have a legal basis. The legal basis for Law Number 21 of 2000 concerning Trade Unions is a development of thought originating from Article 28 Letters C, E, G, H and I of the Law. 1945 Constitution, As it progressed, there were many companies and company owners who rejected the establishment of labor unions. The focus of the problem topic in this research is how civil and criminal threats and their application are for company leaders who refuse to establish a labor union and whether law enforcement efforts for perpetrators of company leaders who reject the establishment of a labor union have been effective.Furthermore, this research uses juridical-normative research methods. The normative juridical research method is a library research on secondary data. The main objective of this research is how criminal or civil threats can be imposed on company leaders for refusing to establish a Work Union, contained in the provisions of Article 43 of Law Number 21 of 2000, but in the procedural legal process there is still a vacuum regarding the authority of the party carrying out the investigation. and registration numbers from the Drug Control Agency and law enforcement efforts for perpetrators of company leaders who refuse to establish a labor union, are still minimal in Indonesia, criminal efforts against company leaders who refuse to establish a labor union, it is known that from 2011 to 2016 each year there were only one or two cases, while the fact is that there are so many companies that carry out union busting actions in Indonesia and the dynamics of their resolution.

A discursive presentation of community pharmacies: Premises, storage, staff, documentation and legal compliance

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess compliance with legal requirements, safe medication storage and staffing standards in community pharmacies in Punjab, Pakistan. MethodWe conducted a three-step cross-sectional study using observations, questionnaires and face-to-face interviews in 544 systematically-selected community pharmacies. We used descriptive statistic and one-way ANOVA to assess the data. ResultsOnly 23 (4.2 %) pharmacies had accurate area and only 3.9 % had appropriate walls. In total, 23.3 % had glass-fronted shelves and 38.2 % had a glass door. More than half (53.8 %) had separate narcotics shelves and 43.0 % a separate shelf of expired medicines. Less than half (47.5 %) of the pharmacies were able to maintain hygiene. About 36.2 % of the pharmacies segregated different types of product. Drugs were protected from direct sunlight in most (61.3 %) pharmacies, but the refrigerator was working properly in less than half (43.4 %) and only a very small number (2.4 %) had an alternative power supply for the refrigerator. Only 37 (6.8 %) were able to maintain an appropriate room temperature. The vast majority (93.0 %) displayed a valid drug sale license, but a qualified person/pharmacist was only present in 4.8 %. The average number of employees was 4.2, and more than 71.0 % of staff had 10–12 years of formal education. Only 0.2 % of employees could explain term “PRN”, although 57.3 % explained “IV” correctly. About 22.8 % replied correctly about the room temperature but the vast majority (97.6 %) did not know about cold chain temperature. The location of the pharmacy (p-value = 0.045) affected its performance. ConclusionsNoncompliance with legal requirements, unsafe drug storage and limited human resources reflect the poor enforcement of drug laws in Pakistan. The findings suggest that there is a need to strengthen inspection and management of community pharmacies.

Female Drug Enforcement Officers’ Perceptions and Experiences in the Drug-Law Enforcement World

This qualitative phenomenological study focused on the lived experiences of female drug enforcement officers in the drug enforcement field. Using quota sampling, ten female drug enforcement officers of PDEA ROXII were the participants of the study. The feminist theory helped to clarify the constructed meanings the women attached to their experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted, and the data analysis was guided by the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method. The findings revealed that all of the women pursued law enforcement careers because of job security, influence from family and friends, and the desire to help the country solve the problem of illegal drugs. Their job satisfaction was influenced by the successful performance of their duties through the arrest of high-value targets, a conviction of drug personalities, and their perception that they have a challenging and exciting job. Physical and physiological barriers, safety and security, number of cases handled, and desire to practice their professions also influenced their careers. This study revealed that there is gender equality perceived by the female drug enforcers in PDEA ROXII. The differences in roles and their exemptions in certain situations in the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations were not perceived as inequality but more as special treatment and protection of their male counterparts to them. This study contributes to social change by raising awareness about the current status, concerns, and accomplishments of women in law enforcement. Additionally, findings may assist police administrators and legislators in creating policies and procedures that incorporate the needs of female drug enforcement officers.

KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF: IMPLICATION FOR SMOKING PATTERN AMONG FIRSTHAND SMOKERS IN CALABAR AND UYO SOUTH, NIGERIA

Smoking has remained a popular behavior among humans even in the 21 st century despite the several legitimate warnings against the practice. The study seeks to find out the relationship the between knowledge, belief and smoking pattern among firsthand smokers in Calabar and Uyo Metropolis, South, South, Nigeria. To achieve this, the study adopts the descriptive survey design with the snowballing sampling technique to secure data through questionnaire from the 376 respondents which constitutes its sample. The study found no significant relationship between knowledge and smoking pattern, but a significant relationship between belief and smoking pattern. In addition, the study found that Arizona is the most smoked substance in the study area. Hence, it is recommended that the production and circulation of smoked substances particularly the outlawed ones should be diligently checked with due sincerity by Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency and its affiliates. Also, campaign against smoking should be targeted towards convincing the populace about the health dangers of smoking rather than just informing them.

Therapeutic alignments: examining police and public health/harm reduction partnerships

ABSTRACT Ongoing calls for police reform across North America alongside the growing momentum for the removal of criminal sanctions for personal possession of drugs have placed policing agencies in an ambivalent position with respect to drug governance and people who use drugs (PWUD). Meanwhile, in response to the longstanding harms produced by drug law enforcement, calls for harm reduction policing have gained traction in recent years, resulting in collaborations between policing agencies and health services, including naloxone administration by police officers, post-overdose outreach and wellness checks, and integrated public health-public safety response and information sharing frameworks. Using situational analysis method, we consider the range of elements and actors that form these partnerships, and their broader structural, institutional, and policy effects. We detail the actual and potential implications of such forms of institutional coordination on health, equity, and the possibility of meaningful drug law reform. Our analysis reveals that rather than mitigating the harms of drug enforcement, such initiatives stand to undermine access to services and increase health system avoidance by eroding trust in public health and harm reduction among PWUD. We reason that the recasting of police as therapeutic agents and as embedded in medico-therapeutic practices reaffirms the role of punitive enforcement practices in drug governance.

Nollywood Productions and Campaign against Drug Abuse: Undergraduates’ Perception of Teens Characterization in Far From Home Movie

Nollywood productions have been characterized with depictions of social vices which may influence teenagers indulging in such vices. However, early 2022 during the global campaign against the menace of drug abuse, Nollywood as an industry under the umbrella of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN} threw their support behind National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to combat the menace of drug and drug related crimes through their productions, targeting the youth. At the end of the same year, Far from Home movie was released, which characterized teens as major characters that were selling and using drugs in high school. This work is set out to seek the views of undergraduates in Anambra State on teen characterization in a drug related movie like Far from Home and the support of AGN in combating the menace of drug and drug related crimes. This work was hinged on reception theory and adopted focus group discussion as research design to elicit data from undergraduates in Anambra state. Findings revealed that respondents perceived the teen characters as replica of what is obtainable in the society as the movie reflected the happenings in secondary schools and higher institutions. Also, this study showed that Nollywood

Police officer perceptions towards drug liberalization policies in the context of an overdose crisis in British Columbia, Canada

Background British Columbia, Canada, is experiencing an overdose crisis that has pushed drug liberalization policies to the forefront of the response. This study examines police officers’ perceptions of enforcement and drug liberalization policies, including support for decriminalization and regulation or ‘safer supply’, in this context. Methods Qualitative interview data were collected in September-November 2020 from active police officers involved in drug law enforcement in British Columbia, prior to decriminalization reforms being introduced in the province. We conducted a thematic analysis of this data with a focus on police officer views towards drug enforcement and drug liberalization policies. Results Policing and reforms amid the overdose crisis has shaped officer perceptions and actions towards illegal drugs and drug policies. Although officers saw overdose as a health issue, these views coincided with a strong emphasis on supply-side policing, such as drug trafficking investigations. Policing continues to be entrenched in the overdose crisis, which has impacted the way police officers view drugs and drug use, particularly, their belief that current interventions to disrupt the illegal drug market are not working. Conclusion This study advances knowledge on the motivations for promoting drug enforcement, and enacting drug policies, in the context of an overdose crisis.