Right now here in the US, sales of illegal drugs run into the billions of dollars. Yet, who's in jail for it? Mostly the lower levels of society.
Living here in Florida for nearly three decades and living in communities where the drug trade thrives....look at our coast line! Look at all the small airports and homes on the intercoastal with speed boats.

Having lived or worked around some high rollers I can tell you it's all entertwined in our commerce down here. And those who go to jail, versus those who don't is POLITICIZED. Importers that remain safe have "connections" somewhere along the line, from corrupt politicians, judges, police departments, DEA "agents", etc ad nauseum and even on higher....things that cannot be spoken aloud in small communities lest you risk harrassment or recrimination.

And the good guys, those that take these guys down, by the time it gets to court, they're off already. And yes, illegal money is tax free and lends money to a corrupt political system. Just like energy or defense companies..... the "War on Drugs" is a big oxymoron, and the jokes on the little guy, usually poor or black that they incarcerate at great taxpayers' expense to give the community a sense that business is being take care of.

That's a laugh! The big guys walk!

And that's why they won't legalize marijuana, because if they give an inch....their whole game will start to erode. I remember Bill Bennet during a congressional hearing back in the late 70's, just as this "war" was gaining momentum. Of course, the CIA was exporting arms and returning the planes full of coke, there was no way they wanted anyone cutting into their new business. And deflect, deflect, deflect. The hypocrisy here in the US among the bandidtos who are making BIG BUCKS, and their paid lawmakers is truly disheartening.

But then again, on this planet. It never seems the good guys win. That was only back in the 50's, before things like nationalism and integrity got sold out the door by these political banditos who hide behind national security.