620 Journal of the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies N. 5 / 2015 From the point of view of intelligence analysis, we should point out the complexity of the task facing police forces, greater, for example, than is the case with the measures applied in the fight against terrorism. In this instance, these are particularly opaque activities, which are bound up in turbulent processes of financial and technological engineering and for that very reason demand a high degree of specialisation, with sufficient financial backing. Such activities, on occasion, are directed and supported by elements very close to the institutional powers, and as a result of this very complicity place obstacles in the way of any possible investigation. The fight against drug trafficking, as one of the most salient manifestations of organised transnational crime, is a battle that is being lost right now. The Director of UNODC has stressed the minimal changes that have taken place with regard to the phenomenon in recent years, while several countries have pointed to failures at a meeting that took place in Vienna in March of this year. John Collins, coordinator of the London School of Economics (LSE) International Drug Policy Project emphasised that “the current strategy has been a disaster. It has not achieved its main objectives, and in fact has produced many negative consequences and counter-productive effects. To continue in the same vein would therefore no longer be justified”, in a report endorsed by four Nobel Prize-winning economists, and by leading personalities such as Nick Clegg, Javier Solana and George Shultz. Is there a formula for turning the situation around? Currently work is being carried out on early warning systems, better training and resources; but, despite all of this criminal activity is not on the decrease. A totally resilient threat, capable of permanent adaptability. A global threat that does not face the contribution of preventive action beyond regional scope. Finally, Saviano’s conclusion deserves consideration for what it is worth. When a measure fails, it is logical to seek other alternatives. There are an increasing number of voices in favour of legalisation. Would it be a solution? In what conditions? The debate is out there. http://revista.ieee.es/index.php/ieee
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