The phenomenon of psycho-active drugs, and our reactions to them, is one of the most fascinating topics of the social history of mankind. Starting with an analysis of the 'policy of fear' in which law enforcement is 'haunted' by drug money, Drugs and Money offers a radical reconsideration of this highly contentious issue.

In this intriguing book, Petrus C. van Duyne and Michael Levi expose an ever-unfolding series of problems:

• the proliferation of mind-influencing substances


• the complications of international drug regulation


• the interaction between markets and economic actors, with the consequent amassing of huge amounts of crime-money.

The social, cultural and economic aspects of this crime-money are explored, alongside the ongoing threat it poses to the legitimate economy and the state.