Cocaine is a kind of illicit drug, which is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. Earlier, there was a stable market of cocaine in America. But, after 2007, cocaine market was totally changed. From 2007 to 2009 there was huge shortage of cocaine in U.S market. No any single factor is noticed behind this decline.
According to the NADT (National Drug Threat Assessment) report, following factors may have caused the decline in the availability of cocaine in U.S market:
- A law enforcement effort in Mexico and the transit zones
- Decreased cocaine production in Colombia
- High levels of cartel violence while cocaine smuggling
- Cocaine flow to non-U.S. markets
Colombian production declined in 2007 and it continues in 2008. This is one of the major factors, which reduces the amount of cocaine available to world markets. Bolivia and Peru produced good quantities of cocaine but their production capability and trafficking networks were not able to fill the gaps of U.S. cocaine supply.
During 2007, many large stocks of cocaine were seized and these seizures coincided with the seizures of Southwest Border. This also led to an unprecedented decline in cocaine availability in the US market. Expanding European market reduces the cocaine shortage but it is not so efficient.
Therefore, it should be considered as good sign in drugs usage declination. If government continues its enforcement law then one day it will be totally reduced.