For over three decades, the war on drugs has persisted, resulting in staggering consequences for American society. Presently, nearly half a million Americans are incarcerated due to drug-related charges, a stark increase from the 50,000 reported in 1980. The financial toll is equally significant, with approximately $40 billion in taxpayer funds allocated to combat this ongoing battle.
The repercussions of this relentless pursuit of incarceration have led to the operation of the largest prison system globally, with a nonviolent prisoner population surpassing the combined populations of Wyoming and Alaska. Visualizing the Drug Enforcement Administration implementing razor wire barricades around two states paints a grim picture of the extent of this approach.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal a twelve-fold increase in the number of offenders under 18 imprisoned for drug offenses between 1985 and 1997. Alarmingly, African-Americans bear the brunt of this incarceration trend, with the percentage of incarcerated African-American youth rising from 53% to 62% during the same period.
Today, the prevalence of paramilitary units within police departments is widespread, with 89% of departments equipped with such units, and 46% receiving training from active duty armed forces. These units are frequently deployed for drug-related search warrants, often executing no-knock entries into private residences.
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