Profiling the street-level drug trafficker on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

The primary objective of this thesis is to conduct exploratory research to examine the possible variables that lead to the perpetuation of the drug problem, in the hope that such findings may suggest more effective approaches to solving the drug problem. The literature relating to the "war on drugs" is examined, and the data relating to 600 streetlevel drug traffickers arrested in Vancouver, BC between June 2001 and October 2002 are analyzed to form an empirically based profile of the drug trafficker in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Among other things, the findings reveal that a small group of "professional criminals" specialize in the trade of drug trafficking in the Downtown Eastside. The author argues that a greater understanding of the nature and characteristics of the retail drug trafficker and trade is needed for successful future policy on drug regulation and control.