Drugs and Deception: Undercover Infiltration and Dramaturgical Theory

Abstract

This paper addresses interactional strategies used by undercover narcotics agents during covert drug transactions. Specific emphasis is given to the extent to which these strategies depend on particular drugs involved. In this regard, four narcotics are examined: marijuana, LSD, crack cocaine, and heroin. Discussion revolves around the concept of "interaction as infiltration," a new reading of dramaturgical theory which considers the relationship between structural (extent of group closure) and qualitative (extent of verbal and nonverbal machination needed to deceive) aspects of role performances. Data for this paper were drawn primarily from ethnograpahic interviews with 35 undercover narcotics agents located in a moderate-sized midwestern (U.S.) municipality.