Illicit drug related crime profile in Bursa between the years 1974-2003

Abstract

Objective: It was aimed in this study to draw the illicit drug profile of our region by collecting the data of the last 30 years regarding the illicit drug related crimes in Bursa and its vicinity.Method: The universe of the study comprised of drug related crime facts (crime fact is the drug related crime committed by a criminal who is arrested by the narcotic bureau) in the archives of Narcotic Bureau of Bursa Police Department between the years 1974-2003. A special form was prepared for the study and this form was completed for each registered drugs crime fact.Results: In the result of criminal record screening, 3.664 drug related crime facts were analyzed. The average age of drug production crime was significantly higher than the average age of dealing, possession and using drug crimes. Ratio of males was higher in the total of each crime type. 53,5% of drug related crimes committed by females and 35,1% of drug related crimes committed by males was associated with dealing crimes. A statistically significant difference was found between the distribution of the type of drugs and the type of crime.Discussion and Conclusion: It was found out that the majority of drug related crimes are committed by males with a lower socio-cultural and economical level, who are young or in their mids, born and living in Bursa, and that the committed drug related crimes are to a very great extent associated with cannabis.