The Drug and Firearm Connection

Firearms related death has been on the rise since 1999, especially among the 15 to 25 year old range, according to United States Government Studies. Some criminologists believe that the introduction of crack cocaine to the American society has greatly contributed to these numbers.

Adolescents and young adults involved in the illegal drug market arm themselves to protect their money and themselves in this violent industry. More prevalent in the urban areas, armed participants in the illegal drug market became an almost expected part of these high crime areas.

Although few studies exploring the gun and drug connection have examined the types of drugs involved, it would be safe to assume that higher profit margins and more addictive substances could increase the percentage of firearm involvement.

The solution, according to a December 2008 quote from Attorney General Anne Milgram is to “Stay in this for the long haul.” Every state must take personal responsibility and a proactive, aggressive approach to the problem of drugs and firearms.

During the last six months of 2008, authorities in New Jersey have partnered with the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Bureau (ATF) and have swept almost every county in the state in an effort to shut down illegal drug sales, gang related activity, and to get guns off the streets.

Although their job is not finished, law enforcement officials and the ATF had some pretty impressive numbers to report to the state capital. “Strategy for Safe Streets and Neighborhoods”, started by Governor Corzine resulted in almost 2,000 arrests that included firearms, murder, and illegal drug trafficking. Many arrests had direct ties to the Bloods, Crips, and other organized gangs.

The ATF, whose headquarters are in Washington D.C., dates back to the late 1800’s when an early form of the organization was prevalent during the prohibition of the 1920’s and 30’s. The organization took many was reorganized over the years, but was officially created as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in 1972 by President Nixon.

The ATF is a federal law enforcement agency operating directly under the U.S. Department of Justice. Their job is to investigate and prevent illegal activities such as the manufacture and distribution of narcotics and firearms. Equipped with a nationwide task force, they also regulate interstate possession, sales and transportation of weapons.

More information on drugs, firearms, and the history of the ATF is available by accessing the provided resources below.

Resources and Studies Regarding Guns and Drugs:

The Atlantic Magazine: Arguments on both sides

Harsh Court Sentencing for Drug Crimes Involving Drugs

Freedom Foundation: Article on Relationship between Guns and Drugs

BBC News: A Study Links Gun Crime to the Drugs Trade

United States Government Study on Connection between Drug Crimes and Gun Possession

The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Statistics

New Jersey Crackdown on Drugs and Guns: Article

U.S. Department of Justice: Illegal Firearms: Access and Use by Individuals Previously Arrested

Denver Study: Firearm Use Among Arrestees

Department of Justice Canada Study: Relationship Between Illegal Drugs and Firearms 2008

Center for Problem Oriented Policing: Several Different Studies of Crime Involving Guns

The Lantern: The Student Voice of OSU – A Professor’s Study on Youth Crime and Guns

Federal Overview: Current Status & Analysis of the Problem of Juvenile Gun Violence

A Psychiatric Study of Firearms and Persons with Substance Abuse Problems

U.S. Department of Education: Study from Harvard and The Core Institute on Students at Risk

Monitoring the Future: A Website Hosting a Continued Study of American Youth

Information on the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Bureau (ATF):

A Brief History of the ATF

Guns in America and the ATF

The ATF at Work

Congressional Budget Submission for the ATF 2008

Hoovers.com: An Overview, Description and Recent News Related to the ATF

ATF Official Website

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