Topic: Escalating Violence in the International Drug Trade
Country: France
Delegate Name: Katelyn Coghlan
School: Saline High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All France position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
Drugs, and illegal drug trade have been a problem around the world throughout history. Many countries have recently seen both an increase in drug consumption, and violent activity relating to drug trade. Many countries including France, have problems controlling and seizing illegal drugs within the country. France considers these problems to be very serious, and would like to see large amounts of progression made in this committee.
It is difficult to say how prevalent and widespread drugs are in this region, because most of the measurements are not accurate and very flawed. According to Drogues et toxicomanies, indications et tendances (Carpentier and Costes, 1995), the current number of heroin addicts in France is around 160,000. Another study by Interpool states that only 10% of these illegal drugs are being intercepted by the police. France sees more of an issue with drugs in their own country than internationally, but agrees that the illegal drug trade between countries is a serious problem.
France has many strict drug policies within it’s borders. The smoking of tobacco products is prohibited in all public places including public transportation, museums and shopping centers. They have strict rules about driving while intoxicated, and prohibit all sales and consumptions of any illegal drugs, including “soft drugs”. France recognizes that drugs and the selling and trading of illegal drugs across borders is a very serious problem and has very harsh consequences. This is a problem that France would like to see fixed, and the country is very committed to doing their part in a drug free world.
