Cocaine markets and drug enforcement in Spain and The Netherlands

This article summarises some key findings from a United Nations exploratory research study (Savona, Dorn and Ellis, 1993; Ellis 1996). The complex cocaine-distributing processes in Spain and the Netherlands are outlined, followed by a discussion of the complexities of enforcement procedures to combat them. Finally, the article draws some tentative conclusions for policy makers relating to the convergences and differences in both cocaine markets and methods of enforcement in all three countries.