The Crack Epidemic

Brandon Lopez, Valley High School

Gov’t Response
Origin -Congress successful in controlling
-Cocaine was a major cash crop in drug paraphernalia (1988)
Latin America -Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986
-Was not viewed as a public health ● $4 billion dollars- most went to
law enforcement
threat -Harsher punishment for crack (100:1)
● Viewed as a "Safe drug" and -Omnibus Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988
was fairly expensive ● 5 year min 20 yr max sentencing
-Began being imported in larger 1981 50k jailed, by 2007, 450k
● By 1995 1 in 3 adult black
quantities men(20-29), were in jail or on
● Prices and profit fell probation or on parole
● Dealers resorted to additives ● In 2003, 80% of defendants were
African American while whites
only made up 7.8% of defendants.

Reflection

● The main challenge that arose was doing the crises justice as it is a very complex issue in which many were affected.
● This investigation taught me the impact legislation can have on my life, and aimed at certain groups.