RACE AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF DRUG DELIVERY LAWS IN ...

users: “Persons at almost all levels of drug use distribute drugs, that is, sell or
share them.” This tendency is particularly pronounced among frequent drug
users, although “occasional users may distribute small amounts as part of
sharing drugs or obtaining them for their own use and often do not classify their
activities as dealing or selling.” 35
In addition, researchers have consistently found that many frequent drug users
participate in some aspect of the drug distribution system in order to support
their drug habit and/or generate income. 36 Such services include working as a
runner, courier, or lookout for drug dealers; selling small amounts of drugs;
injecting others; and preparing drugs for sale on the street. Users who participate
in the drug distribution system to support their drug habit are especially likely to
participate in the lower end of the distribution system, particularly street sales.
Indeed, active involvement in the lower end of the drug distribution system
among addicts and frequent drug users is consistently reported in the research
literature. Based on her comprehensive review of the literature, Hunt concluded
that because many frequent drug users distribute or sell drugs or provide “drug
services,” drug dealing is “endemic” among frequent users. 37 In Seattle, too, local
health experts and police officers have observed that many drug users obtain
their drugs by providing services for drug dealers or selling small amounts of
drugs. 38
In short, research suggests that most frequent drug users knowingly transfer—
i.e. deliver—illegal drugs in the course of their drug-using activities; many also
engage in or facilitate drug sales or distribution. Data pertaining to the racial
composition of Seattle residents who use serious illegal drugs is thus relevant to
a complete assessment of the racial composition of those who deliver those drugs
in Seattle.
Data sources that identify the drugs most commonly used and abused by Seattle
residents, as well as the race/ethnicity of those who use and deliver them, are
discussed next in Part I.A. These data sources indicate that a variety of serious
drugs—including powder cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and other opiates,
amphetamines (including methamphetamine) and crack cocaine—are widely
35
Hunt 1990: 166.
36 Bourgois 1995; Dunlap, Johnson and Maher 1997; Hagedorn 1994; Maher and Daly 1996; Preble
and Casey 1998; Sterk 1999.
37 Hunt 1990: 174-9.
38
Klement and Siggins 2001: 17.
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