Different cocaine markets and implemented drug policies in Recife

This investigation aims to discuss possible relationships between internal dynamics of different cocaine markets in Recife and uses of this information in drug policies implemented in the city. Understanding the configurational mechanisms that operate in different cocaine markets, their functionalities, dysfunctionalities and particularities is needed. Then, I must analyse how the existing policies considers the market’s characteristics in order to develop it. There are several forms of marketing and consumption of cocaine. The main ones are “powder” (cocaine), usually snorted and “stone” (crack), smoked. In addition, the “virado”, also smelled, corresponds to an “intermediate type of these two varieties”. The internal dynamics of prices and consumption by different social classes are correlated to the occurrence of violence and the forms of police action. Data will be collected in interviews, observations on the functioning of some of these markets and in documentary research on local drug policies and action strategies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Karen Schwartz;Jean Daudelin

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Carleton University

Program: