Drug Dealers: Loyal Or Unfaithful?

Drug dealers are often portrayed on TV and in movies as ruthless, violent, and untrustworthy. But how accurate is this portrayal? Are drug dealers really the heartless criminals that they're made out to be, or is there more to the story? This question has sparked curiosity among researchers, who have set out to uncover the truth about drug dealers and their dealings.

In one study, over 240 self-identified drug dealers were surveyed to gain insight into their motivations, experiences, and thoughts on their line of work. The results paint a complex picture, revealing that drug dealers are driven primarily by financial gain and a desire for popularity. While most dealers don't rip off their customers, some do engage in scams, targeting inexperienced tourists or those with limited contacts.

Drug dealers also employ various strategies to build and maintain trust with their clients, creating a dynamic of 'supply and demand'. They work hard to appear friendly and gain their clients' trust, but this friendly demeanour can slip away quickly if payments are missed, often leading to violent consequences.

So, what is the reality? Are drug dealers faithful to their clients, or do they simply use them for their own gain? The answer may lie somewhere in between. While some dealers value their clientele and work to maintain their trust, others are more than willing to take advantage of vulnerable individuals for their own profit.

Drug dealers and their portrayal in popular culture

Drug dealers have been portrayed in popular culture as both glamorous and dangerous individuals. They are often depicted as having a lot of money, power, and influence, which can be attractive to some people. This portrayal has been criticised for glamorising drug use and not showing the negative consequences.

Television shows and films such as "Breaking Bad", "Weeds", and "Scarface" have all portrayed drug dealers in a variety of ways. In "Breaking Bad", for example, the main character Walter White is a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking methamphetamine to provide for his family after being diagnosed with cancer. He starts out small-time, but as the show progresses, he becomes more ruthless and powerful, eventually becoming a drug lord. "Weeds" depicts a suburban mum, Nancy Botwin, who starts dealing marijuana to support her family after her husband's death. She also becomes increasingly ruthless and successful in the drug trade.

On the other hand, the 1983 film "Scarface" portrays a drug dealer, Tony Montana, in a more negative light. Montana is a Cuban refugee who becomes a drug kingpin in 1980s Miami. The film shows the extreme violence, paranoia, and isolation that come with the drug trade.

In reality, drug dealers come from all walks of life and can be anyone from a stay-at-home mum to a powerful cartel boss. They may deal drugs for a variety of reasons, including financial gain, the desire for power or influence, or simply to support their own drug habit.

The portrayal of drug dealers in popular culture has been criticised for glorifying drug use and not showing the negative consequences. It is argued that this can influence people, especially young people, to see drug use and dealing as glamorous and exciting. This can lead to higher rates of drug use and abuse, as well as normalising drug culture.

However, it is important to note that drug dealers are often portrayed negatively as well, with their lives shown to be filled with violence, paranoia, and isolation. This can also serve as a warning to people about the dangers of drug use and dealing.

Why drug dealers scam their customers

While most drug dealers don't scam their customers, as it's bad for business and dealers want to build a steady base of repeat buyers, some dealers do scam their customers for various reasons, including poverty, revenge, or simply because they can. Drug dealers who scam their customers are often referred to as "swindlers" or "con artists." Here are some common reasons and methods used by dealers who choose to scam their clients:

• Lack of Knowledge: Dealers often target customers who are inexperienced and lack knowledge about the product. These customers are less likely to re-weigh the product or verify its quality, making it easier for dealers to get away with selling inferior or counterfeit substances.
• Financial Gain: Some dealers, like Nathan in the Vice article, scam customers to fund their own drug habits or simply out of greed. They may sell counterfeit drugs, like flour instead of cocaine, or dilute the product, such as adding confectioner's sugar to cocaine, to increase their profits.
• Ease of Deception: Dealers may choose to scam customers who are physically weaker, younger, or from different social circles, as these individuals are less likely to confront the dealer or seek retribution. Dealers also take advantage of the element of anonymity in transactions with strangers, especially those conducted online or in public places.
• Revenge: Some dealers, like Serena in the Vice article, scam their customers out of revenge for being scammed themselves when they were starting out. They take advantage of the lawlessness and lack of rules in the drug trafficking world to get back at others.
• Annoyance: In some cases, dealers may scam customers who annoy or harass them. For example, Philippe from the Vice article cheated a customer who kept bothering him even after being told no.
• Online Scams: With the rise of social media, drug dealers have expanded their reach to platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Telegram. They create fake accounts with enticing pictures of drugs and scam unsuspecting buyers by taking their money without delivering the promised goods. These scams often target young and inexperienced individuals.

The role of a 'go-between' in the drug trade

The role of a "go-between" in the drug trade is critical to the success of ethnographic research on drug dealers and their families. A "go-between" is a trusted associate of a drug dealer who acts as a liaison between the dealer and other parties, such as buyers or researchers. They are essential in facilitating transactions, especially those involving large quantities of drugs, and perform various roles while helping dealers avoid risks.

In the context of ethnographic research, the "go-between" plays a crucial role in establishing initial contact and building rapport with drug dealers. They introduce the ethnographer to the dealer, explain the ethnographer's role, and help arrange the first meeting. This introduction is critical because drug dealers typically limit their interactions to a small circle of trusted associates and workers, maintaining anonymity and hiding their activities from outsiders.

The "go-between" is chosen carefully and advised by the ethnographer. Former schoolmates, jail inmates, or former drug dealing associates can be suitable candidates as they have good contacts and are known in the drug business.

The "go-between" is also essential in the drug trade itself, where they act as intermediaries between dealers and buyers. They may be involved in transporting drugs and money, buffering the dealer from direct involvement in risky transactions.

Overall, the "go-between" plays a pivotal role in both ethnographic research and the drug trade, facilitating connections, maintaining anonymity, and helping dealers avoid risks.

The importance of confidentiality in ethnographic research on drug dealers

Confidentiality is of paramount importance in ethnographic research on drug dealers. This is because the nature of the drug trade is illicit, and the people involved are often suspicious of outsiders. Ethnographers must therefore take great care to protect the identities of their subjects and maintain the confidentiality of their data.

In their research, ethnographers may encounter drug dealers who are involved in other illegal activities, such as violence or theft. They may also witness drug dealers engaging in these activities. In such cases, ethnographers face ethical dilemmas about whether to report these activities to the authorities. While some argue that researchers have a duty to report serious crimes, others contend that drug dealing itself is not grounds for reporting to the police.

To gain access to drug dealers and build trust, ethnographers often have to rely on intermediaries known as "go-betweens". These individuals are trusted associates of drug dealers who facilitate introductions and help to establish initial contact. The use of go-betweens is critical to the success of ethnographic research on drug dealers, as dealers are typically wary of outsiders and limit their interactions to a small circle of trusted people.

Ethnographers also need to be mindful of their own safety when conducting research on drug dealers. While physical harm is rare, ethnographers may encounter threats of violence or sexual harassment. It is important for researchers to have a plan in place to ensure their safety and the safety of others involved in the research.

In terms of payment, there is no consensus among ethnographers about whether to compensate drug dealers for their participation in research. Some argue that payment is necessary to show respect for the dealer's time and expertise, while others believe that offering money may create an awkward or transactional dynamic. Ultimately, the decision to pay or not pay drug dealers is situational and depends on the nature of the research and the relationship between the ethnographer and the dealer.

Finally, the use of audio recorders during interviews is another area of debate among ethnographers. Some argue that recording interviews disrupts rapport and creates a formal atmosphere, while others find it essential for capturing the specific words and rhythm of the dealer's speech. Again, the decision to record or not record depends on the nature of the research and the level of trust between the ethnographer and the dealer.

The physical appearance of drug dealers

Drug dealers come in all shapes and sizes, and their physical appearance can vary depending on the type of drugs they sell, their gender, and other factors. Here are some insights into the physical appearance of drug dealers based on surveys and research:

Heroin Dealers

The average heroin dealer is often portrayed in media as tall, with a fair complexion and light hair. However, in reality, they tend to be shorter, with longer, darker hair, a more pointed jawline, and more facial hair.

Methamphetamine Dealers

Shows like "Breaking Bad" have influenced the public's perception of methamphetamine dealers, who are often imagined as having an exceptionally fair complexion, clean-cut hair, or a bald head. In reality, meth dealers tend to have a more youthful appearance, with fashionable hairstyles, a slightly tanned skin tone, and a less shaved look.

Ecstasy Dealers

Ecstasy dealers are often envisioned as having matted or braided hair, a deep tan complexion, and a tall stature. However, in reality, they are more likely to have light or blonde hair, be slightly shorter, and sport a fuller beard.

Marijuana Dealers

With the changing legal landscape surrounding marijuana, the public perception of marijuana dealers has also shifted. While many people envision a marijuana dealer as having a darker complexion, facial tattoos, and an unshaven appearance, the reality is quite different. Marijuana dealers are more likely to have a fairer skin tone, be clean-shaven, and sport short brown hair.

Cocaine Dealers

Cocaine dealers are often associated with a particular ethnic stereotype. However, in reality, cocaine dealers can have varying appearances. They are often described as caucasian, with a fair complexion, and blonde hair styled in a slicked-back manner. They tend to have a slightly shorter build and a buzzed haircut. Their complexion is often tanner than expected, with freckles and a thinner waistline.

Gender Differences

While drug dealing is predominantly a male-dominated field, there are also female drug dealers who employ unique strategies to navigate this space. Female dealers may use their gender as an advantage, employing behaviours such as flirting or dressing up to appear inconspicuous while also adopting typically masculine behaviours to coexist in the male-dominated culture.

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