CMY4805-12-Y1

Assignment 2

Are drug dealers bad people or do they just do bad things? AJohannesburg study.

Article by: Tania de Jong

Student number: 3207 1922

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CONTENTS

1. Introduction4

2. Definition of key concepts5

2.1 Drug5

2.2 Drug dealer5

2.3 Victimless crime5

3. Rationale for the present study6

4. Literature review6

5. Theoretical background7

5.1 Unemployment7

5.2 The theory of Rational choice8

5.3 The theory of Social Learning8

5.4 Neutralisation8

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5.5 Strain and social disorganisation theories9

5.6 Labelling theory9

5.7 The Sub-culture theory10

6. Methodology10

6.1 Research design10

6.2 Participants10

6.3 Instruments of data collection11

6.4 Pilot study11

6.5 Procedure12

7. Analysis of findings12

7.1 Reasons for becoming drug dealers15

7.2 Drug dealing and quality of life16

7.3 Positive and negative aspects of drug dealing17

7.4 Drug dealers’ perception on drug users18

7.5 Drug dealers’ perception of drug dealers19

7.6 Drug dealers’ perception on the rising drug problem19

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7.7 Drug dealers’ perception on combating the rising drugproblem 21

7.8 Reasons for termination of drug dealing21

7.9 Personality profile and characteristics of drug dealers22

7.10 Quality of product24

7.11 Consequences of drug dealing25

7.11.1 Fear and mistrust25

7.11.2 Violence25

7.11.3 Drug dealing and drug abuse29

7.11.4 The impact of drug dealing on the dealer’s personallife 30

a. Social relationships30

b. Family relationships31

8. Discussion31

8.1 Drug dealing as a victimless crime31

8.2 Combating drug dealing33

9. Conclusion34

10. Bibliography36

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11. Appendix 1 (Questionnaire)40

Are drug dealers bad people or do they just do badthings? A Johannesburg study.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the stereotype of drug dealers as bad peopleand having a destructive influence on individuals such as drug addicts and families. The

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focus is on the lifestyles, perspectives, attitudes, experiences and personalities of drugdealers to determine if there is any merit to this stereotype. Respondents were all fromJohannesburg, South Africa, and mainly from the Coloured community of the Westburyarea. By utilising in-depth interviews and questionnaires new information was revealedregarding the majority of drug dealers which may challenge this stereotype. This studyfurther investigated the effect drug dealing and the violence associated with it had ondrug dealers’ lives. Based on these findings and previous research possible interventionand prevention strategies are discussed.

1. IntroductionRecently trade in narcotic drugs has escalated rapidly globally

as well as in South Africa where a growing drug problem is

causing a major social, legal and public health challenge (van

Niekerk, 2011:79). South Africa has become a prominent feature in

international drug trafficking networks and drug trafficking

within borders has escalated since the 1994 elections (Parry,

1998:2; UNODC, 2002:i, 6).

Combating drug trafficking and drug dealing as part of the

expanding organised crime networks world wide has been a major

cause for concern, and numerous studies have been conducted on

the subject (DeVito, 2005:1-380; Roth, 2010:22-27; Standing,

2006:1-290, UNODC, 2010:1-313).

Drug dealers have become a common feature in many communities in

South Africa, practising their trade openly. If one drives

through the Westbury and Newlands area in Johannesburg one would

notice drug dealers on nearly every corner being targeted by

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approaching cars. While waiting for customers these drug dealers

would huddle around a fire at night or watch the neighbourhood

children play soccer during the day. When observing these

individuals one cannot help but wonder who they really are, what

their lives may be like and why they have become dealers.

This study focuses on the stereotype of drug dealers as being bad

people. The lives, experiences, personalities, attitudes and

perspectives of drug dealers will be investigated in order to

establish how much truth there is to this stereotype, and based

on the findings, possible ways to combat drug dealing.

2. Definition of key concepts2.1 Drug

The South African Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992

define a drug as “any dependence-producing substance, any

dangerous dependence-producing substance or any undesirable

dependence-producing substance:. A dependence producing substance

is “any substance or any plant from which a substance can be

manufactured.”

2.2 Drug dealers

In the scientific literature consulted a proper definition for

drug dealers could not be found.

The South African Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992

define dealing in drugs as “performing any act in connection with

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the transhipment, importation, cultivation, collection,

manufacture, supply, prescription, administration, sale,

transmission or exportation of the drug”.

Based on their modus operandi a drug dealer can be described as a

person or group who, in a business-like fashion, supplies,

trades, manufactures or smuggles illegal drugs to drug users for

monetary gain (Emmett & Nice, 2006:17-18).

2.3 Victimless crime

A victimless crime is an illegal activity where there is no

direct victim involved such as drug abuse, gambling and

prostitution. These acts are characterised by the consensual and

voluntary participation by all parties involved. Victimless

crimes are often considered as a public order crime based on the

social harm the act causes. Drug abuse and prostitution are

examples of victimless crimes (Brown, Esbensen & Geis,

1991:55,626; Siegel, 2011:350).

3. Rationale for the present studyThis researcher has been working as a volunteer for three years

at Victim Empowerment, Sophiatown SAPS, Johannesburg with drug-

related cases. During the course of this period this researcher

came into contact with drug dealers and found that these

individuals were completely different from the concepts the

public and media had of drug dealers. Drug users are often

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depicted as the victims and the drug dealers as the villains,

even in comic books (Stoddart, 2006:67).

During a Drug Action Committee meeting in 2011 this researcher

raised the issue to the senior prosecutor that the drug problem

cannot be properly combated without taking into account the

contribution of all the role players, including that of the drug

dealers. From these discussions emerged a need to comprehend

these individuals, and why they deal drugs, in order to have a

holistic understanding of the drug problem in the area of

Sophiatown before developing strategies to combat the drug

problem. To the author of the present study added that since

these individuals come from the same community as the drug users,

there may be a common cause for the drug problem. The response

from Committee members was that drug dealers are evil and should

be locked up in jail. This statement has further sparked this

researcher’s interest to establish who these individuals really

are, how they perceive the world, what impact drug dealing had on

them and possible ways of prevention and intervention programmes

specifically targeted at drug dealers.

4. Literature reviewTheoretical Criminology textbooks (Briggs, 2009:127-142;

McLaughlin & Muncie, 2001:191-192; Siegel, 2010: 441-451; Sumner,

2004:377-390) and research articles (Robinson & Rengert, 2006:1-

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13) have concentrated on the causes, extent and treatment for

drug abuse as well as smuggling patterns but not on drug dealers

as individuals.

Published works by organisations such as the United Nations,

World Health Organisation and The Institute for Security Studies

have concentrated more on the prevalence of drug use and –

trafficking, both locally and internationally (Schiray, 2002:2-

253; UNOCD, 2010:1-313). Locally organisations such as the

Medical Research Counsel were contacted for information and was

referred to previous studies by experts in the field.

The vast majority of literature related to the study of drug

abuse concentrate on the types of drugs, their prevalence, their

effects, as well as addiction to them (Emmet & Nice, 2006: 11-

335; Gerstein & Harwood, 1990:1-345; Joseph, 2003:1-71; Miller,

2002:2-27; Parrott, Morinan, Moss & Scholey, 2004:11-265; Wilson,

2008:1-22).

A few studies have been conducted in the past on drug dealers to

understand the reasons why they have become dealers, their modus

operandi and the life styles they live. Most of the studies were

conducted internationally and approached the problem from a

social, economic, psychological, criminological and political

point of view. None of the published material was recent enough

to account for the changing trends in the dealing of drugs in

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relation to the changing political, social and economic milieu as

well as current popular drugs (Little, 2006:357-386). The only

in-depth study applicable to drug dealers’ life-styles in a South

African context was done by Andre Standing (2006:1-291) in the

Cape Flats where he investigated the dynamics of organised crime

in the area.

5. Theoretical backgroundPrevious research on drug trafficking and drug abuse has

explained the phenomena according to different criminology

theories.

These theories, as discussed below, may explain the economic,

social, political and personal dynamics which could be

instrumental in an individual becoming a drug dealer and the

effects it may have on such an individual.

5.1 Unemployment

According to statistics 42% of persons in South Africa under the

age of 30 are unemployed and that the unemployment rates are

rising (National Treasury, 2011:5; Stats SA: unemployment rate

increases, 04/05/2010). Studies found a correlation between

unemployment and crime (Watts, Bessant & Hil, 2008:114-17). In

the South African context there are indications that there may be

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a correlation between drug dealing, crime and unemployment

(Mohamed, 2007:1).

5.2 The theory of Rational Choice

The Rational Choice Theory is based on the premise that an

individual makes a rational choice in becoming a drug dealer, a

decision in which he or she may approach it from a business

perspective and may calculate the costs and benefits of drug

dealing as well the risks of being caught (Briggs, 2009:177-182;

Siegel, 2011:89-90; Walklate, 2007:42-44). The same basic

principles apply in legitimate retail where dealers compete with

each other over prices, quality and location. If these tactics do

not work drug dealers may resort to violence (Siegel, 2011:89-

90).

5.3 The theory of Social Learning

Youths in areas where drug dealing is rife are exposed daily to

drug dealers. Many of their family members may be drug dealers

themselves. Based on the Social Learning Theory these youths may

learn that drug dealing is an acceptable practise, an alternative

to legitimate income and that they can acquire a life style and

material goods that could gain them perceived respect (Briggs,

2009:194; Siegel, 2011:368-369).

5.4 Neutralisation

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Drugs dealers often use neutralisation in order to deal drugs

without guilt. Based on Sykes and Matza’s Theory of

Neutralisation (Briggs, 2009:195-196; McLaughlin & Muncie,

2001:186; Muncie, McLaughlin & Langan, 1996:206-212) drug dealers

may use the following forms of neutralisation:

Denial of the victim and appeal to higher loyalties played a

strong role in rationalising drug dealing. The victim may be

the drug user or other drug dealers. The drug dealers may

argue that the drug user buys drugs out of their own free

will and that they had to protect their business and

territory against other dealers (Briggs, 2009:195-196;

McLaughlin & Muncie, 2001:186; Muncie et al, 1996:206-212).

Denial of injury and denial of responsibility also play an

important part in rationalising drug dealing.

Some drug dealers maintain that they do not have a problem

with people wanting to have a good time. They rationalise

drug dealing as a profession as they had no other choice

(Briggs, 2009:195-196; McLaughlin & Muncie, 2001:186; Muncie

et al, 1996:206-212).

Drug dealers may condemn those in higher authority such as

the police or members or government as being corrupt and

part of the drug problem (Briggs, 2009:195-196; McLaughlin &

Muncie, 2001:186; Muncie et al , 1996:206-212).

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5.5 Strain and social disorganisation theories

Strain and Social Disorganisation Theories are popular theories

to explain gang formation and individuals becoming drug dealers.

If one takes Relative Deprivation (DeKeseredy 1996:55; Siegel,

2011:153; Standing, 2006:122) into account one may argue that

most individuals strive for the same goals of wealth and success

but for many people this is blocked due to their circumstances.

Blocked opportunities lead to frustration where individuals may

turn to crime to achieve these goals. Drug dealing may seem as a

good opportunity to achieve these goals. Cultural Deviance

Theories may also explain why there are so many drug dealers

openly dealing drugs in impoverished communities and fairly

tolerated by the specific community (Briggs, 2009:190-192;

Siegel, 2010:182-198).

5.6 Labelling theory

The Labelling Theory could be an attractive theory to explain why

it may be difficult for drug dealers to be re-integrated back

into the community (Siegel, 2011:185-187). Drug dealers are

labelled as “bad” and “evil” by the public and their family

members and it is difficult for these individuals to rid

themselves of this label once they have stopped drug dealing. Due

to this label law-abiding citizens would not usually want to be

associated with these individuals and these individuals may be

marginalised back into a sub-culture.

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5.7 The Sub-culture theory

Drug dealers may be considered to be part of a sub-culture. Most

of the drug dealers come from marginalised impoverished

communities and being drug dealers they receive peer respect and

improved self-esteems (Briggs, 2009:192; Siegel, 2011:368-369).

6. Methodology6.1 Research design

Basic research was conducted as a foundation for knowledge and

understanding on drug dealers (de Vos et al, 2005:105). A mixed

methods approach was utilised with more emphasis on the

qualitative method. This research aims to be of an exploratory,

descriptive and explanatory nature aided by existing

Criminological theories.

6.2 Participants

All participants were current or former drug dealers. They were

all convenience sampled from Court orders to attend diversion or

undergo rehabilitation for drug related charges such as

possession of drugs or theft. Most of the participants were from

the Coloured community of the Westbury area, Johannesburg, while

three were from Benoni and Boksburg. The majority of the

respondents were under the age of twenty-five.

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This researcher has specifically chosen only participants send

from Court for rehabilitation due to the potential danger of

interviewing drug dealers on the streets or in their homes. This

decision was based on warnings from drug users, drug dealers,

police, community members, personal experience working with these

individuals in the past and consulting previous researchers’

methods (Ferrel & Hamm, 1998:1-11).

A total of twelve drug dealers participated in the study. Nine

participants were interviewed and nine participants completed the

questionnaires. Six of the participants who were interviewed also

filled in the questionnaires. Inmates and counsellors of the

Bible Centre, which totalled around thirty participants,

participated in a group discussion about their experiences of

drug dealers. Four members of the group were former drug dealers

but only two were willing to fill in the questionnaire.

Other sources of information in the present study were drug

addicts, friends and family of drug addicts, community members,

police officers and members of the Victim Empowerment Unit,

Sophiatown SAPS during a course of three years of fieldwork.

6.3 Instruments of data collection

The instruments for data collection were in-depth interviews,

data collected over nearly three years of experience working with

drug users and dealers and a questionnaire. The questionnaires

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consisted of open-ended and close-ended questions. (Blaxter et

al, 2006:181).

The questions in the questionnaire focussed on why the

participants became drug dealers, how it affected their lives,

their experiences as drug dealers and their perceptions on drug-

related issues. The full questionnaire is attached as Appendix A.

The purpose of the interviews was to gain a deeper understanding

of drug dealers, their personalities and their views.

6.4 Pilot study

A small scale informal pilot study (Blaxter, Hughes & Tight,

2006:41) was conducted to establish whether the study would be

possible regarding gaining access to respondents and whether they

would be willing to be part of the study. The aim of the pilot

study was also to find a focus for the study based on the

respondents initial interviews. Three respondents were found in a

relative short period of time and interviewed. Based on the

answers of these respondents, a meeting with Sophiatown SAPS’

Station Commander and interviews with four community members the

final questionnaire was drawn up. The questionnaire was presented

for assessment to a prominent drug dealer, a former undercover

police officer and the co-ordinator of the Victim Empowerment

Unit. Following review by these individuals only one extra

question was added to the questionnaire. The drug dealer has

stated that the right questions were asked.

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6.5 Procedure

Questionnaires were either given to the participants at the

Victim Empowerment office or e-mailed to a Bible Centre where

drug addicts and alcoholics stay to recover from their

addictions. The Bible Centre agreed to allow this researcher

access to their inmates. Questionnaires were handed to the

participants after they were explained the purpose of the study

and their permission granted to use the information given for

research purposes. Four of the questionnaires were completed at

the Bible Centre and six at the Sophiatown Police Station.

The research question and focus was finalised after data analysis

and editing of this paper. The editors were instrumental in

focussing the research question due to their discomfort of the

findings of the study.

7. Analysis of FindingsThe results of the close-ended questions are presented in the

following table and the results of the open-ended questions and

interviews as well as the analysis of data are discussed in the

next section.

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Table 1: Drug dealers’ perceptions and experiences

1. Has drug dealing improved your life? Yes No Yes & no3 5 1

2. Do you give back some of your profits to the community or family? Yes No

5 43. Do you have any fears as a drug dealer? Yes No

6 34. Have you ever been threatened while being a drug

dealer? Yes No

8 15. Who has threatened you?Responden

tDrug

dealersDrugusers Family Friends Police Community Other

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

✓-✓-✓✓✓✓✓

-✓✓--✓✓--

✓-✓--✓--✓

-----✓---

✓✓✓--✓-✓-

--✓--✓---

--

--✓✓✓-

6. Have you ever threatened anybody while being adrug dealer? Yes No

7 27. Have you ever threatened anybody while being a drug dealer?Responden

tDrug

dealersDrugusers Family Friends Police Community Other

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

✓✓✓--✓✓✓-

✓✓✓-✓✓✓✓-

✓----✓-✓-

✓-✓--✓---

✓-✓--✓---

-----✓✓--

------✓--

8. Have you ever been injured/assaulted because youwere a drug dealer?

Yes No6 3

9. How were you injured?Responden

tFirearm Knife Hands &

feetOther

19

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

-----✓-✓-

-----✓✓✓-

-✓✓-✓✓✓✓-

---------

10. Have you ever assaulted anybody in your line ofwork as a drug dealer?

Yes No

5 411. What type of assault?Responden

t Murder Attemptedmurder

Assaultwith GBH

CommonAssault

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

-----✓---

-----✓---

--✓-✓✓---

-✓✓--✓✓--

12. What type of weapon was used?Responden

t Firearm Knife Hands andfeet Other

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

--✓--✓✓--

----✓✓✓--

-✓✓--✓---

-----✓---

13. Do you experience any guilt or regrets being a drug dealer? Yes No

6 3

14. Does drug dealing make you happy? Yes No Yes andno

4 3 215. Do you have many friends because you are a drug

dealer? Yes No Yes andno

5 3 116. Who are the people you are the closest to? Responden

t Dealers Friends Family Partner Children Other

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1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

✓----✓-✓-

--✓-✓-✓✓-

---✓-----

✓✓---✓✓✓✓

✓✓-------

--✓---✓--

According to the findings of Table 1 drug dealing improved the

majority of the respondents’ lives as well as gave them a sense

of happiness. The majority of the respondents had guilt and

regret being drug dealers. Just over fifty percent of the

respondents claim to have given some of their profits back to the

community. Five of respondents had many friends because they were

drug dealers but the majority of those questioned has indicated

that they are closer to their partner such as a girlfriend or

wife (Table 1).

The majority of the respondents had fears as a consequence of

their chosen profession (Table 1).

Nearly all the respondents were threatened mainly by other drug

dealers. The police scored a second ranking followed by family

and drug users who have threatened some the respondents. The

majority of the respondents have threatened people and the group

they have threatened the most were drug users followed by drug

dealers (Table 1).

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The majority of the respondents were injured during their line of

work and most of the injuries were sustained by individuals

beating or kicking them (Table 1). Just over fifty percent of the

respondents have assaulted others during their line of work

(Table 1). It should be noted that one respondent was not willing

to admit assault in the questionnaire but has admitted it during

the interview. Most of the assaults were assault common followed

by assault GBH. There was only one attempted murder and one

murder committed by the same respondent. The respondents did not

have any weapon preference and the use of a firearm, knife and

fists and feet scored equal (Table 1).

7.1 Reasons for becoming drug dealers

All the respondents of the study admitted that they became drug

dealers because of financial reasons. Some added that it was also

for the power, thrill and acceptance.

Some stated that they became dealers because they were drug users

themselves and needed the money to sustain their habit, others

said that it was the only way to support their families. One

respondent explained that he was living on the streets and drug

dealing became the only way for him to survive. Another

respondent said that “life has dealt me a certain hand and I had

to do with what I had access to in order to take care of my

family”. This respondent became very rich and powerful because of

drug dealing; he was able to travel the world, meet influential

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people and learn different languages. He also added that because

of his background and the area he came from he never would have

had those opportunities if it was not for drug dealing. He added

that he wanted to use the money he made for investment in

legitimate business but will go back to dealing drugs if the need

arises.

These findings correspond with the reasons why individuals become

drug dealers in the USA, which are economic depravation,

unemployment, racial inequalities and a lack of educational

opportunities. There is a further premise that individuals may

become drug dealers due to a sensual attraction in doing crime,

which may provide them with a sense of power, excitement or

social status which may arguably not be achieved through legal

means. Some drug users in the USA studies gave the reason that

they became drug dealers to sustain their habit (Highland &

Dabney, 2009:110; Ryan, 1997:6).

7.2 Drug dealing and quality of life

The respondents were asked to elaborate on the question whether

drug dealing has improved their lives (Table 1). One respondent

admitted that he ended up in prison due to drug dealing. Another

respondent added that drug dealing is an unsustainable lifestyle

that could cost one one’s life one way or another. A third

respondent stated that drug dealing caused him internal damage

and made him known to the criminal underworld. A fourth

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respondent said that “secretly, always denying the truth, always

lying about where the money comes from”. A fifth respondent

stated that drug dealing improved his life with more money but

the negative side was that it made him “a harder person to the

human race”. A sixth respondent admitted that his drug dealing

did not improve his life as his drug dealing had a detrimental

effect on other people’s lives.

Some respondents maintain that drug dealing did improve their

lives. One respondent who became a dealer after living on the

streets stated that he did not have to live on the streets

anymore, could move into his own house, and own a car, phone and

other necessities. Another respondent said that he had more money

and fewer problems. A third respondent stated that he got his

desires fulfilled.

All the former drug dealers interviewed had nothing left of the

money they earned as dealers. They lost it all through drug use

themselves and an extravagant lifestyle. They have never saved or

invested any of the money. Only one respondent had a legitimate

job to fall back on.

7.3 Positive and negative aspects of drug dealing

Respondents were also asked during interviews what were the best

and worst things that happened to them while dealing drugs.

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All the respondents except two have stated that the best part of

drug dealing was the money. Many have added that they enjoyed the

lifestyle that went with dealing such as the parties, being

noticed, respected and accepted. They met people from other

socio-economic backgrounds they would not have otherwise met.

They stated that they always had money and access to drugs for

personal use and that they could spoil their families. One

respondent said that the only good thing that has happened to him

as a former drug dealer is the fact that he has the opportunity

now to help others.

The respondents had a variety of answers to the worst things that

have happened to them as drug dealers. Some said that the worst

part was losing respect and support from their loved ones as well

as hurting them. One respondent’s worst experience when his

girlfriend was kept hostage due his drug dealing and status. Some

have been assaulted and nearly lost their lives while others were

forced to hand over their merchandise. One dealer’s worst

experience was nearly getting caught for dealing. Another

respondent has described his worst experience as getting addicted

to drugs and always trying to find a way to get others addicted

to drugs in order for him to have more customers and money.

The respondents were asked to elaborate on feelings of guilt or

regrets (Table 1). Those who had no regrets stated that the

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“money made everyone happy” and another respondent answered that

he “did not really think about it and did not really care”.

The respondents who did have guilt or regrets (Table 1) all but

one said that they regret that they have ruined people’s lives,

especially children’s and families, and killing people slowly

with drugs. One respondent remarked that in the end it was still

the user’s choice to buy drugs. Another respondent discovered

that drug dealing wasted his time in getting somewhere in life. A

respondent regretted the “horrible things” he has seen. None of

the respondents mentioned guilt over violent acts they may have

committed.

7.4 Drug dealers’ perception on drug users

The drug dealers had mixed opinions on drug users (Appendix 1).

Over 50% of the drug dealers felt sorry for drug addicts. One

dealer responded that he felt sorry for some and hated others but

that he could relate to drug addicts.

Approximately 50% of the dealers thought drug users were

“stupid”. One respondent has stated that drug users were weak,

mislead people. Another respondent has added that drug addicts

are people “who got themselves into a situation where drugs have

taken over their lives.” A respondent remarked that “drug addicts

are curious people who will do things to the extreme. In the end

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dangerous, because you will do anything for your fix”. One former

dealer said that drug users are bad for the community.

During the interviews the respondents would make jokes at how

they ripped off the drug users and ways of making extra money out

of them. One respondent only sold fake drugs (baby powder and

ground fire lighters) and would then be amused at the way him and

his friends used to fool the drug users, especially the new ones

on the scene.

Drug dealers are blamed in the community for causing people to

become drug addicts and ruining people’s lives. However, one drug

dealer explained “they (drug users) come to us for drugs; we do

not go to them (drug users)”, and a former dealer said that he

would just wait in his car for customers to come to him.

Drug users have told this researcher during the course of

volunteering at the Victim Empowerment Unit that they are not

afraid of drug dealers. They have explained that the dealers are

simply there for business and as long as one does not cross the

dealers they will be civil. Many had good, friendly relationships

with the dealers.

7.5 Drug dealers’ perception of drug dealers

In the questionnaire (Appendix 1) the respondents were asked

“people see drug dealers as evil, what do you think of this

statement?”

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More than fifty percent of the respondents agreed with this

statement. One has added that sometimes people grow up in such an

environment and do not see drug dealing as a socially harmful or

criminal act.

Those who have disagreed with the statement have stated that many

choose to deal because of circumstances. Another has added that

drug dealers are just salesmen who are making fast money. A third

stated that he did not see himself as bad as he was just a person

getting money to live.

7.6 Drug dealers’ perception on the rising drug problem

All the respondents were in agreement that there is a rising drug

problem in South Africa. One drug lord was particularly concerned

about the excessive use of Crystal Meth.

Fifty percent of the respondents have stated that the rising drug

problem may be due to the current economic situation where there

are not enough jobs, people have money problems and can not

support their families and drug dealing is seen as a business

where one can make money quickly.

The other fifty percent of the respondents stated that the drug

problem may be due to peer pressure, people are being influenced

by the wrong people and that the youth see the use of drugs as

more acceptable. One respondent explained that everywhere in his

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community there are drugs, the users of drugs and drug dealers

are on every corner.

Both of these views are substantiated by this researcher’s

experience in the field, especially the latter. Members of the

community, police, parents and the youth themselves state that

individuals become influenced by the wrong people. This

researcher has found during the weekly Juvenile Delinquency group

sessions that the youth particularly does not view dagga as a

drug and can not understand why it is illegal and alcohol not.

They view the use of dagga as an acceptable practise. Previous

research conducted in Atteridgeville among school children found

that one of the main causes for drug abuse was peer pressure and

acceptance by friends (Dube, 2007:iv).

During interviews the participants blamed the rising drug

problem, including drug dealing, on capitalism. There is too much

strain on individuals to have material goods in order to be

somebody in today’s society. People are exposed everyday by the

media and their surroundings to have material goods they do not

need. Capitalism has created a society of ”haves and have nots”.

This view may be supported by the criminological theory of Left

Realism which includes the idea of relative deprivation in

today’s society. As part of Critical Criminology Left Realists

see oppression in society, especially between the rich and poor.

Left Realists state that the poor are oppressed by capitalist

29

forces and are victimized by having to live in neighbourhoods

with high levels of crime (Briggs 2009:214). Left Realist Theory

adds that the working class is a victim of crime from all

directions. When people are vulnerable socially and economically

it is more likely that they will be victimized by both white

collar and working class/street crime (Lilly et al 2007:191;

Schwartz & DeKeseredy 1991:234). Crime is seen as a potent symbol

of the antisocial nature of capitalism. Crime is the most

immediate way in which people would experience other problems

such as unemployment, poverty or competitive individualism

(Schwartz & DeKeseredy 1991:234). Due to these circumstances

people may feel that dealing drugs may be the only option of

survival.

One former drug dealer has summarised the drug problem reflecting

that “people do not feel great, the things that you are doing are

not giving you satisfaction”. He has explained that poverty and

that the fact that people have nothing to do to keep themselves

busy and entertained lead to the use of drugs where people feel

better and give them a feeling of satisfaction.

7.7 Drug dealers’ perception on combating the rising drug problem

Drug dealers were asked what actions or programmes they would

like to see from government or their local community structures

to address the growing drug problem in their area (Appendix 1).

30

Fifty percent of the respondents stated that many police

officials are corrupt and take bribes. They would like to see an

end to this practise. A report by The Institute for Security

Studies (Ryan, 1997:7) high-lighted the problem of police

corruption in combating drug trafficking and hampering police

investigations.

Twenty percent of the respondents were of the opinion that there

is “too much talk and no action”. This researcher has found from

experience that this to be case, there are many groups formed or

interested parties who may have regular meetings and discussions

initially but usually nothing practical comes from these due to

excuses of lack of interest, time and funding.

7.8 Reasons for termination of drug dealing

Most of the respondents have stopped dealing drugs but one can be

certain how many of them actually have, due to the fact that all

of them have criminal charges for possession against them and

were court ordered to seek help and rehabilitation for their drug

use. Thus, for some abstaining from drug dealing was not

voluntary.

Many of the respondents said that they want to or have stopped

because of their family and the harm it was causing their

families. One did not want his son to follow in his footsteps.

Other reasons that were given were the danger and threats

especially against family members, getting arrested, financial

31

security and realising the harm they were causing others

including families. One respondent stated that he wanted to pin

the drug cookers. Another respondent has found religion and

considers drug dealing to be a sin and that is why he has

stopped.

During the interviews as well there was a strong motivation for

discontinuing due to their families. The lies and lifestyle

affected their relationships with their families and in order to

protect the family and re-establish strong family ties were the

strongest motivations for suspending drug dealing.

Many drug dealers find it difficult to stop dealing drugs

permanently. Respondents have stated that legitimate employment

would never give them the opportunities and income illegitimate

employment would, that is if they could find employment. They

have also been marginalised and labelled into a subculture and it

is difficulty for them to be accepted back into conventional

society again. One notorious drug lord who was infamous for his

violent behaviour has stopped dealing drugs for a while. He tried

to become involved in community work and spoke to this researcher

about the guilt he had over his former lifestyle, at that moment

he was a broken individual as a result of his past. Currently he

is still struggling to abstain from a life in drug dealing and

undergoing spiritual anguish regarding his religion.

32

7.9 Personality profile and characteristics of drug dealers

Information for a personality profile on drug dealers was gained

from interviews, the questionnaire, as well as descriptive

reports from drug users, police officers and members of the

community.

Some general characteristics that stood out were that drug

dealers tend to be charismatic, intelligent, street smart and

manipulative. They also have a good sense of humour, are good

conversationalists and have a natural feel for business and

sales. Many appeared to be egocentric but this feature may be

partly attributed to the specific drugs they were using such as

Crystal Meth and Cat which causes an elevated sense of

superiority.

The son of a former drug dealer has described how his father

would always make sure that his son does the right thing and was

very strict. His father was also very generous and made sure that

he put enough of the money he made away so that his son could

study overseas when he has completed his matriculation. The son’s

friend has observed that the father was always making jokes and

has commented that he probably was always joking in order not to

face the reality of the bad things he has done when he was a drug

dealer.

33

During interviews this researcher noticed that drug dealers have

a keen sense of observation and know how to read people. This

characteristic may be attributed to an already existing

personality trait elevated by their experiences as dealers or

they may have acquired this skill as a survival mechanism in the

business and the dangerous lives they were living as drug

dealers. One drug dealer explained during an interview that drug

dealing has enabled him “to get to know people really well and

the different types of people.”

An interesting observation was that a large number of drug

dealers had a sense of compassion, support and generosity.

Reports from the community and drug users stated that many drug

dealers assist the community financially. The dealers would give

substantial sums of money to the local churches and community

projects as well as assist impoverished families with food and

school fees. One may argue that the dealers are buying the

community’s loyalty and silence. Based on reports from community

members and police officers it may be true in certain cases that

individuals are paid to hide drugs or for their silence but in

other cases not. One influential dealer has stated during an

interview that he cared deeply for his community and has pushed

vast sums back into the community in order to uplift them from

their circumstances.

34

Drug dealers can be supportive of others which may be illustrated

,for instance, by a report from a recovering drug addict. She

mentioned that she lived next to two drug dealers who were

complimenting and supporting her in her rehabilitation from

drugs.

This researcher has found during interviews and questionnaires

that many of the dealers were deeply religious. One respondent

was going through a spiritual crisis due to his life style and

did not want to re-establish his religious ties until he managed

to enter legitimate business. He did not want to attend church as

he felt like a hypocrite.

Fairlie (2002:540) observed that drug dealers may be good

candidates for self-employment due the likelihood that they may

be more risk aversive, have an entrepreneurial ability and a

preference for autonomy. By taking into consideration drug

dealers’ skills, experience and characteristics one may be able

to place them in skills development programmes as part of

rehabilitation that is suited to their needs and personalities.

Further in-depth research is required to establish which

personality types combined with background are more likely to

become drug dealers. Statistical data is also needed to establish

how many may have a personality disorder such as psychopathy

compared to those who became dealers due to, for instance,

35

circumstances. More research is needed to establish whether, and

how much, drug dealing could change a person’s personality and

attitude.

7.10 Quality of product

This researcher has found from working in the field and

administering urine drug tests that some dealers would cut their

product with other drugs or chemicals and other dealers would

sell a more pure product. Reports from drug dealers, drug users

and members of SAPS have also stated that some dealers would cut

their product with rat poison, aspirin, sugar, fire lighters,

Ecstasy or CAT. Sophiatown SAPS had a case in 2011 where a teen

girl was sold ground glass in stead of Crystal Meth and she died

as a result of sniffing the glass.

This phenomenon led to this researcher enquiring from the

respondents during interviews if all drug dealers engage in this

behaviour and why. The respondents agreed that this is the case

for only a portion of dealers. The respondents themselves said

that they would not sell drugs that they would not use themselves

and would rather sell a better quality product to attract and

keep customers. They speculated that dealers who would sell a

tainted product are those who may be desperate for money, want to

make a quick buck and those who are so deep into drug dealing

36

that they are not concerned about the consequences of their

actions.

One respondent has explained to this researcher during an

interview that some drug dealers have a cut-off point of what

types of drugs they would sell and would draw the line at selling

Crystal Meth and Heroin. Other dealers would not be concerned

which types of drugs they sell.

This study seems to indicate that there are drug dealers who are

not concerned whether their tainted product harms the user. Other

dealers would rather sell a good quality product as they view

themselves as businessmen and a poor quality product may harm

their business and reputation. These initial findings require

further research in order to possibly categorise drug dealers

based on their moral and business reasoning towards the quality

of their product and the types of drugs they are willing to sell.

Statistical figures would also be required to establish how many

drug dealers would sell a tainted product and why.

7.11 Consequences of drug dealing

7.11.1 Fear and mistrust

Strong features that stood out from the effects of drug dealing

are fear and mistrust. This fear and mistrust would often lead to

paranoia.

37

The majority of the respondents admitted that they had fears

while dealing drugs (Table 1). These fears were listed (Appendix

1) as a fear of being caught leading to family disappointment,

going to prison and getting shot or killed. One respondent added

the fear of having someone else’s blood on his hands which in the

end happened causing him many sleepless nights and not forgiving

himself. Another respondent stated that his only fear was the K9

unit but not the police officers themselves.

For many there is also the fear of being considered to be an

informant. One respondent was arrested for possession of drugs

and was fearful that someone would see the police arresting him

as others would them label him as an informant. This would place

his life at risk with other drug dealers.

Respondents were also fearful regarding the interviews and

filling in the questionnaires. Their fears were mainly that other

dealers would find out and they refused to distribute the

questionnaires among even dealers who were close friends. One

dealer stated that if anybody would find the questionnaire in his

possession he would be dead. The respondents also added that the

other dealers did not know this researcher and would view this

researcher with mistrust. Once the respondents were given a

secure location for the interviews and questionnaires they were

willing to be part of the study.

38

7.11.2 Violence

One of the aspects and consequences of drug dealing is excessive

violence. The respondents explained that it is “all about the

money, it is a money problem”. One respondent added that there is

always too little or too much money associated with drug dealing.

The respondents have also explained that drug dealing is a

territorial business. They would loose income if some other

dealer would come into their territory to sell drugs or steal

their stock. A respondent has summarised what some other dealers

have mentioned during interviews by stating that there is so much

money involved with drug dealing and being a drug dealer one has

no protection from the police or anyone else. He has stated that

the only protection he had was from his supplier and himself.

Some dealers who went higher up in the ranks of dealing have

admitted that they had others who acted as bodyguards for them.

All the respondents described the situation of individuals, such

as drug users, owing them money by buying drugs on credit. The

dealers then have to resort to violence to get their money back

or teach the person a lesson. One respondent thought that “drugs

tend to play with people’s emotions and thoughts leading them to

make stupid decisions, e.g. stabbing someone over a stupid

argument”.

39

These reports are confirmed by Standing’s (2006:100) in that

violence or the threat of violence is a way of enforcing these

contracts and agreements made on credit. He also found that the

system of distribution relies heavily on the use of credit as

well as trust and familiarity between parties and one must be

considered reliable in order to receive credit. Goldstein

(Reuter, 2009:1-3; Ryan, 1997:4-6) considered this violence among

drug dealers to be systemic violence, which is characteristic to

the lifestyles and business methods of drug dealers. It is argued

that systemic violence is a direct result of drug dealing being

an illegal economic activity and creating a black market.

Consumers and suppliers in such a black market where market

competition is intense are denied access to legal institutions to

resolve disputes and quality control resulting in a high

incidence of violence to overcome and control these disputes. The

systemic violence model can be applied to the drug dealers of

Johannesburg based on the respondents reports regarding violent

behaviour consistent with drug dealing.

The respondents were asked to describe the violent situations

such as threats and assaults they may have found themselves in.

Only one respondent declared that he has never been threatened,

but this may be due to the fact that he was not a dealer for very

long.

40

The reasons for being threatened varied. The dealers were

threatened by other dealers for reasons of being short of money,

some were deterred from running away with the money and product,

some were a threat to other dealers and going into their

territory. The drug users would threaten the dealers to obtain

free product. The police would threaten the dealers to assure

arrests or to encourage them to plead guilty on charges. Family

members would threaten to leave the respondents or have them

arrested. Community members threatened the respondents because

the members stated that the dealers were ruining people’s lives

and destroying the community. While working as a fieldworker

community members would inform this researcher that it is a

practice in the community by community members to blackmail the

drug dealers for their silence in order to obtain, for instance,

food, stationary and school fees for their children. The

respondents added that the drug dealers in that area buys the

community’s loyalty and are generous with their money to sustain

the community with food, clothes and other necessities.

During interviews and in the questionnaires the respondents were

asked why they committed violent acts against others. The

respondents explained that the reasons for these assaults were

that people owed them money or failed to collect pawned items,

gave information to the police, was a threat to them, to cover

themselves and other dealers stealing their customers. One dealer

41

gave the reason for his aggressive behaviour as that his victims

wanted to make him look like a fool and to impress other people

at his expense. One respondent described how his friend was shot

dead next to him by other dealers while he was the actual target.

A member of the community of the Sophiatown precinct who’s

brother was a drug addict maintained that the rising drug problem

is causing a lot of conflict and violence among the dealers and

users. The respondent said that dealers would not stand together

but has a constant battle for street corners and runners and

would shoot at each other. Fear would make the high-ranking

dealers hide away and use others to sell for them. Their fear

would make them aggressive and violence would be a way for the

dealers to resolve their frustrations. Community members declared

that they are not afraid of the dealers in their area as the

dealers do not bother them.

It cannot be assumed, however, that all drug dealers are violent

by nature. Due to the nature of drug dealing they are placed in

situations where they believe violence is the only option

available to protect themselves and their income. Studies on

violence among drug dealers have only sparked researchers’

interest recently to formulate theories of the drug-violence

relationship. Distinctions were made between wholesale

distributors and street-level dealers. Findings from local and

international studies support the present researcher’s findings

42

that street-level dealers may use violence to enforce discipline

within the organization or to resolve business disputes (De la

Rosa, Lambert & Gropper, 1990:8; Leggert, 2002:2; Reuter, 2009:

1-10; Ryan, 1997:1-8). The other disputes may be over territory

or over drugs between the user and seller. These studies echo the

respondents’ statements in this study that there are no laws to

protect these individuals’ business thus disputes are settled by

economic reprisal or violence. Previous studies have also found

that the social milieu of drug buying and selling plays a strong

role in creating opportunities for violent behaviour. This milieu

may be found in areas where crime and victimisation is a common-

place occurrence such as the impoverished area of Westbury,

Johannesburg, where there are already high crime-rates (De la

Rosa et al, 1990:8-9).

Fagan and Chin (De la Rosa et al, 1990:9) have speculated that the

violent nature of drug-dealing may deter certain individuals to

become involved in drug dealing and only those who would not be

adverse to violence may become drug dealers. This researcher has

asked drug addicts why they have not turned to dealing drugs

instead of stealing or finding other sources for money for their

drug habit. They said that they did not want to deal drugs due to

the violence, stigma associated with the drug trade, shame on

their families and that would draw them too deep into the world

of drugs and crime. Not all the drug dealers of this study were

43

prone to violence but felt they had no choice in order to protect

themselves and their business and were, by their own admission,

not violent by nature.

Some drug dealers do exhibit levels of violence and cruelty,

which is not only aimed at their rivals or other parties but at

family members as well. There are a few drug dealers in the

Westbury and Rosettenville area for instance, both male and

female, who are feared by the community, other drug dealers and

drug users due to their violent behaviour.

Based on the observation and analysis of drug dealers during

interviews and counselling sessions this researcher has noticed

that most, if not all, drug dealers may suffer from Post

Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The trauma therapist, Elaine

Kramers, of Sophiatown SAPS Victim Empowerment Unit has stated

that this may be more than likely to be the case. PTSD may be

attributed to the experiences they had as drug dealers and acts

they felt they had to commit.

7.11.3 Drug dealing and drug abuse

Distinct patterns of drug use emerged during interviews, the

focus group session and working in the field for a period of time

as a counsellor.

The few drug dealers who made it up the ranks of dealing and

became successful as dealers and manufacturers of drugs tended to

44

use less drugs compared to their consumption in the past. A

former street dealer who was a drug addict during the time of the

interview asserted that if he continued dealing drugs and became

successful he would have used less drugs and most probably have

stopped using drugs altogether. A noteworthy feature is that a

proportion of those who have made it up the ranks and have lost

their status and money due to a variety of events tend to suffer

from severe drug addiction. They also have difficulty re-

establishing family ties and re-integration back into the

community.

All the street dealers in this study were drug users. The drugs

they used were mainly dagga, crystal meth and CAT. Due to the

rising use of Crystal Meth in Johannesburg and specifically the

Coloured community of Westbury, Newlands and New Clare the

majority of the dealers were using Crystal Meth as the drug of

choice. It gave them an elevated sense of self-esteem but the

main reason for using amphetamines was to keep them awake while

dealing drugs. The street dealers have reported that they often

had to work for twenty-four hours a day for three days or more,

thus the use of Crystal Meth and CAT assisted them in staying

awake. Due to sleep deprivation and the effects of continuous

amphetamine use one may attribute some of the paranoia and

aggressive behaviour of drug dealers to these factors (Briggs,

2009:187). A report by the Institute for Security Studies (Ryan,

45

1997:2) found that individuals under the influence of drugs may

react in a violent or irrational manner, while it was also found

that drugs are used to minimise nervousness and fear and boost

self-confidence while committing illegal acts.

A study conducted among Mexican-American drug dealers found that

it is not uncommon for drug users to become drug dealers

themselves to sustain their habits. This type of dealer would

either be paid with drugs or money (Valdez & Sifaneck, 2004:86).

The same tendency was found among the addict-dealers of this

Johannesburg study. Further research needs to be conducted to

ascertain whether there is a higher tendency of drug abuse among

Johannesburg drug dealers compared to international trends.

7.11.4 The impact of drug dealing on dealers’ personal life

a. Social relationships

One of the aims of this study was to establish whether drug

dealing had any impact on the dealers’ personal life. Some

respondents stated that they kept their friends and some declared

that the friends or acquaintances they made due to drug dealing

were “fake” as they were only after the money and life styles of

the dealers. Some of the respondents said during interviews that

their friends would sit or stand with them at their corners and

thus drug dealing did not have a negative impact on their social

life. A former dealer told this researcher that the more

successful he became the more popular he was at clubs and social

46

events. He described how people would part the way for him when

he entered a room or club. People were always buying him drinks,

food and drugs to be in his presence. Due to his influence and

connections he became well acquainted with organised crime and

became even more popular. He developed a serious drug addiction

and lost all his money and influence. He told this researcher

that when he lost all his money and started looking physically

unwell due to his addiction nobody paid him attention anymore and

he nearly lost his family as well.

b. Family relationships

During interviews the respondents admitted that they tried to

keep their drug dealing a secret from their families and would

not tell them where the money comes from. In the end the families

would find out one way or another about the drug dealing. The

respondents affirmed that it affected their family negatively.

There would be many arguments, ultimatums and hurt. Some barely

saw their families and it made the one dealer’s child very

insecure. One respondent was imprisoned for drug dealing which

caused his family distress.

During interviews this researcher noticed that the respondents

seemed to be very protective of their families, whether it was

their parents or siblings, wives, girlfriends or children. They

tried to protect these individuals from the reality of what they

47

were doing or going through even when they knew or suspected that

the respondents were drug dealers. For many their main motivation

to relinquish drug dealing or actually leaving drug dealing is

mainly for their children, if their partners’ lives are in danger

or if the partner wants to leave the relationship.

8. Discussion8.1 Drug dealing as a victimless crime

From field experience this researcher has observed that both drug

users and drug dealers are victimisers and victims. Based on the

findings of the present study drug dealers engage in acts of

violence among themselves and the drug user; informants and

possibly the police. Bystanders may be injured or killed if they

get caught in the cross-fire between drug dealers’ disputes. Drug

dealers would usually steal from each other or the drug user.

Drug dealers who are high up in the chain of drug trafficking may

engage in other forms of organised crime as well. Drug users, on

the other hand, engage in a variety of drug-related crimes

ranging from violence, domestic violence, theft, robbery,

juvenile delinquency and child abuse (de Wet, 2003:168-169; Reiss

& Roth, 1994:377-405; Siegel, 2010:449-450).

One may argue that the victim pool and effects are far larger and

far-reaching from a single drug user’s criminal behaviour than

that of a drug dealer. The other side of the argument may be that

48

drug dealers are the cause of the drug user’s criminal behaviour

as it is the drug dealer who is supplying the drugs.

8.2 Combating drug dealing

In all the studies and reports on drug dealers the focus is on

punishment as a way to combat drug dealing. A few studies mention

some of the causes of drug dealing and some effects such as

violence but none address these causes and effects as a focus to

combat drug dealing.

All previous studies as well as the findings of this study have

found that individuals turn to drug dealing due to economic need,

such as a drug addiction, or poverty and unemployment. Harsher

punishments do not address the causes and individuals may turn to

other forms of crime such as theft to make a living. Current

treatment programmes only address drug addiction but not drug

dealing and its effects. A more holistic approach should be

implemented in prevention, intervention and re-integration back

into the community aimed specifically at drug dealers. This study

has indicated that drug dealers undergo various traumatic

experiences and these individuals struggle with issues such as

guilt, shame, drug addiction and possible Post Traumatic Stress

Disorder. Person-based treatment programmes, including skills

training, may assist in re-integrating these individuals back

into the community and prevent them from going back to drug

dealing or turn to other forms of crime. Another problem is that

49

many of these individuals have criminal records or are known in

the community as criminals and thus it is very difficult for them

to find sustainable employment or thus inhibiting them from

completing their education (Kennedy & Wong, 2009:10). High point

Police Department in North Carolina in The USA has developed a

strategy to eliminate the drug market in that area with

considerable success which has been adopted by other cities in

the USA They have created swift consequences for existing drug

cases, addressed the racial conflict between the community and

law enforcement, created strong community and family standards

against dealing and involved the dealers’ family members. By

offering, as well, education, job training, job placement and

other social services enabled that police department to close

down the local drug market (Kennedy & Wong, 2009:5).

A pertinent feature that emerged from this study is that

communities, especially impoverished and minority communities

tend to tolerate drug dealers and criminality. As this study has

high lighted, the drug dealers would financially support the

community and dealers would achieve status. This tendency was

also found to be the case in the Western Cape (Standing, 2006)

and the USA (Kennedy & Wong, 2009:16). By implementing programmes

to address the root cause for this mindset as well as

Braithwhite’s theory of Reintegrative Shaming aimed at drug

50

dealers law enforcement may gain community support and assistance

in combating the drug problem (Webb, 2003:1-327).

9. ConclusionThis study has revealed that most drug dealers may not conform to

the stereotype assigned to them. These individuals would

typically only behave in a violent or threatening manner when

their business interests or lives are threatened. Based on

Zimbaro’s (2007) Stanford Prison experiment and his research

conducted on the behaviour of the American officers in Abu Ghraib

prison one may argue that drug dealers are placed in a situation

due to either circumstances or personal choice where they would

behave in a way they would not normally do. The longer they are

in the sub-culture of drug dealing the more likely that they

would become desensitised to violent behaviour and the personal

and social effects of their products. This would exclude those

dealers who may have personality disorders and be prone to

violence and exploitive behaviour in all areas of their lives.

This study has also indicated the need for more in-depth research

into the personality profiles of drug dealers and how drug

dealing has affected and changed them as individuals. It has

high-lighted that drug dealing has a negative impact

psychologically, physically and socially on dealers and they

themselves may become victims of crime due to their profession.

51

By being aware of this impact on these individuals effective

rehabilitation programmes may be developed for the use by

Correctional Services, SAPS, health professionals and drug

rehabilitation centres.

By paying more attention to drug dealers as role players in the

victimless crime of substance abuse it may assist in a more

effective legislation and combating the rising drug problem world

wide. It may also provide more realistic information for the

debate of decriminalising drug abuse.

A former drug lord said “we all thought that we were doing it for

the money but we were just fooling ourselves”.

52

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APPENDIX 1

DRUG DEALER QUESTIONNAIRE

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This questionnaire is part of a university research article to better understand drug dealers as people, their experiences as drug dealers and how it has affected them. This study is approached from a completely objective point of view with no judgement on the identity or life styles of the respondents. The respondents will stay anonymous to protect their identity for security reasons. This information CAN NOT be used as evidence inpolice investigations or court hearings etc under any circumstances.

If you do not feel comfortable answering some of the questions you may skip them.

1. Why did you start dealing drugs?

_________________________________________________________________________________

2.1 Has drug dealing improved your life? YES/NO

2.2 Please state why:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.1 Do you give back some of your profits to the community or your family? YES/NO

3.2 Please state why:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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4.1 Do you have any fears as a drug dealer? YES/NO

4.2 If you have any fears please say what fears you have and howit has affected you as a person?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5 Why do you think there is such a rising drug problem?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6 People describe drug dealers as evil, what do you think of this statement?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7 Why is there so much violence associated with drug dealing?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8.1 Have you ever been threatened while being a drug dealer? YES/NO

8.2 If YES who has threatened you? (Please make a cross next to relevant answer)

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Other drug dealers Drug users Family Friends Police Community members Other

8.3 Why were you threatened?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9.1 Have you ever threatened anybody while being a drug dealer? YES/NO

9.2 If YES who did you threaten? (Please make a cross next to therelevant answer)

Other drug dealers Drug users Family Friends Police Community members Other

9.3 Why did you threaten the person/s?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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10.1 Have you ever been injured/assaulted because you were a drugdealer? YES/NO

10.2 If YES how were you injured?

Gun Knife Beaten Other

11.1 Have you ever assaulted anybody in your line of work as drugdealer? YES/NO

11.2 If YES please make a cross next to relevant answer

Murder Attempted murder Assault GBH Assault common

11.3 What type of weapon was used?

Gun Knife Fists and feet Other

11.4 Why did you injure the person/s?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. What do you think of drug users/addicts?

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. If you would want to stop drug dealing what would be your reason for stopping?

_________________________________________________________________________________

14. What actions or programmes would you like to see from government or local community structures to address the growing drug problem in your area?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. What is the best thing that has happened to you while dealing drugs?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. What is the worst thing that has happened to you while dealing drugs?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17.1 Do you have any guilt or regrets as a drug dealer? YES/NO

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17.2 Please state why.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18 Does drug dealing make you happy? YES/NO19 How has drug dealing affected your family life?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20 Do you have many friends because you are a drug dealer? YES/NO

21 Who are the people you are the closest to? (Please make a cross next to the relevant answer)

Other dealers Friends Family Husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend Your children Other

Thank you for participating in this research project, your input is of great value.

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