The relationship between drug addiction and crime and the role of law enforcement in crime reduction

This study examines the relationship between drug addiction and crime and the role of law enforcement in reducing crime. In addition to being a serious public health problem that negatively affects the psychological, social and economic situations of individuals, drug addiction also appears as a factor that increases the tendency to commit crime. Especially in countries such as Turkey, which have a strategic position in drug traffic, this problem gets deeper and leads to an increase in various crimes. In this study, thematic analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Thematic analysis is a technique that allows examining the qualitative data obtained from participants, grouping them under certain themes and drawing meaningful conclusions. Data were collected through open-ended questions that included participants' opinions on the relationship between substance addiction and crime. In the first stage of the research, the answers given by the participants were examined in detail and then distinct themes were identified. These themes were created by bringing together similar views. The main themes that emerged at the end of the coding process are presented with their frequencies. Each theme was analyzed in relation to the participants' statements. Among the themes, there were important headings such as "Potential to cause crime" and "The relationship between substance addiction and crime". This systematic approach not only enabled the data to be organized and the results presented clearly, but also allowed for in-depth analysis by qualitatively classifying the data and examining patterns. The research analyzes in depth the relationship between substance addiction and crime through the example of Sakarya province. The fact that Sakarya is located on Turkey's transition route to Europe is considered an important factor that increases substance traffic and addiction rates. In addition, the cosmopolitan structure of the city stands out as one of the factors affecting substance use. In the study, participants emphasized that there is a strong relationship between substance addiction and crimes such as theft, robbery, and intentional injury. These findings reveal the fact that drug addiction increases the potential for crime and threatens social security. Another important finding of the research is the role of law enforcement in the fight against drug addiction. The activities of the "General Directorate of Security (EGM)" in the fight against drugs were generally found sufficient and effective by the participants. However, it has been concluded that this struggle is not only the responsibility of the police forces, but also requires the active participation of other public institutions and local governments. It was emphasized that in order for EGM's activities to be more effective, legal regulations should be strengthened, narcotics police should be given special powers and preventive activities should be increased.