Becoming a Drug Dealer in Turkey

Abstract

One of the major actors of ever-increasing drug crimes is the drug dealer. Turkey is a key country in the delivery of drugs due to its geographical location. In this research, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 drug dealers who were formerly convicted in Turkey’s Diyarbakır province. Drug dealers are classified as drug smugglers, growers/manufacturers, shippers, wholesalers, and street vendors called “corner dealer.” In this context, how drug dealers entered the drug trade, their reasons for entering it, and their previous criminal experiences were discussed. Important information has been gathered from the perspective of drug dealers on the process of being a criminal in the drug business. It is believed that the information provided will shed light on the problems of countries struggling with drugs.