Weekly discussion 5

Discussion Week 5 Student’s Name Institution Course # and Name Professor’s Name Submission Date Question One: Commodity Value Chain Drug production has been a prevalent global issue that impedes the economic development of a nation. The coca-cocaine commodity value chain is a complex process that involves different stages, from the producers to the sellers. Coca is cultivated in areas such as Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia (Vellinga, 2007). Drug traffickers in these countries are involved in the trafficking of drugs to different countries. The production of the drugs is done in both local and international terrain as a way of managing the downstream control. Producers have technologically advanced equipment to improve the efficiency and increase the quantity produced. The source countries are involved in trafficking activities while using money laundering to finance their operations (Vellinga, 2007). Previously, the supply chain had separated the stages into different sections: production and base production. Traffickers now integrate the processes to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain. The proliferation of drug use necessitated the division of responsibilities among small-scale and large-scale operators. There has been a rise in small-scale trafficking operations, while a decrease in the large-scale operators in distribution and retailing was due to the need to protect the business (Vellinga, 2007). The large-scale operators can integrate directly with the clients to reduce specific processes in the supply chain, such as retailing. Small-scale operators can produce the crops at home since it does not require intensive operations. Small family plots are allocated for coca production, providing an escape for the small-scale operators (Vellinga, 2007). Small operators need access to capital and technology but still obtain substantial returns to cover expenses. Coca is easy to harvest; hence, it becomes an ideal income-generating investment for such households. The proliferation of opium and coca leaf has led to increased rates of drug trafficking around the globe. Drug trafficking has led to insecurity issues in areas such as Africa due to the threats posed by transnational organized criminal groups (Wyler & Nicolas, 2011). Through drug trafficking, criminal groups are gaining more power and control, which increases the rates of criminal activities around the globe. Criminal gangs have the finances to fund their criminal activities, which increases the criminal rate. Top drug trafficking organizations from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico have been found operating in Africa. The criminal syndicates have established operations in the West African regions (Wyler & Nicolas, 2011). Consequently, this led to an increase in criminal operations, such as the kidnapping of U.S. citizens. The drug traffickers work with terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, which increases rates of criminal activities globally. Therefore, the collaboration between drug traffickers and terrorist groups leads to the proliferation of criminal activities. The growth of transnational drug trafficking has impacted economic growth due to the increase in rates of corruption. International goals h...