CMY3702 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 – Due March 2026

CMY3702 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026

Transnational organised crime, especially drug trafficking, is observed as a universal security threat (Mnguni 2020). Experts have contended that this specific phenomenon lies fundamentally within the global political and economic context. Global narcotics trafficking comprises of the production and distribution of psychoactive substances that are internationally banned by regulatory authorities and states because of its impact on governance, violence and individual health (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2017:5). These substances include LSD, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, as well as an increasing number of synthetic drugs (Kan 2016:3) South Africa has seen a slow but steady increase in the availability of illicit drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide, amphetamines, and ecstasy since the early 1990’s. Illicit drugs were first introduced by utilising the European route as well as various other sea routes coming in from Latin America (Kumar 2015:1). Statistical data indicate that South Africa is one of the main transit routes in Africa for drugs such as cocaine (from South America) and heroin (from Afghanistan and East Asia), primarily destined for Southern African and European markets (Van Heerden & Minnaar, 2016:16). South Africa is one of the most developed countries in Africa and faces the issue of drug abuse and trafficking (UNODC 2015:1). Countries in this region (Africa) face a number of diverse issues with regard to drugs and crime. Illicit drug trafficking is one of those challenges. One dimension of the organised drug trade is the use of female couriers, popularly known as “drug mules” to smuggle drugs in and out of South Africa. The transportation of illicit substances across the borders of a country is a criminal offense that conveys serious punishment and consequences. It has become a norm in South Africa to encounter headlines that involved South African women trafficking drugs, such as South African Airways (SAA) cabin crew employees (male and female) who were arrested in Hong Kong for smuggling cocaine worth more than R45 million (Anon 2019:na). Critically discuss the use of females as drug mules during smuggling of drugs. Transnational organised crime, especially drug trafficking, is observed as a universal security threat (Mnguni 2020). Experts have contended that this specific phenomenon lies fundamentally within the global political and economic context. Global narcotics trafficking comprises of the production