THE FACTORS OF PRODUCTION IN RETAIL DRUG-DEALING

Drug control efforts are conventionally divided into supply-side (enfo rcement) and demand-side (preventive education and treatment) policies . The economic concept of factors of production can help illuminate th e conditions that support drug consumption and distribution. The facto rs necessary for drug markets are a common venue; the buyers' access t o the venue, desire for drugs, income, and perceived chance of impunit y; and the sellers' labor, operating scope within the venue, supply of drugs, ways to spend or save money earned, and perceived chance of im punity. The optimal strategy for any situation will concentrate on tho se factors that can most readily be made scarce relative to the others .