The Effects of Narcotics on La Cosa Nostra

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how entering into the narcotics business helped cause the downfall of the Italian Mafia, La Cosa Nostra. It explains how the drug or narcotics industry led the Mafia to a lower prestige, and began its downward spiral. The paper shows how it is no longer the respectable, honorable organization it once was, and is now viewed as little better than your normal street gangs.

From the Paper:

"As a society we face many problems, two of which are drugs and organized crime. Drugs, which were once considered just to be for hoodlums and never a mainstream problem, are associated with organized crime, especially La Cosa Nostra, the Italian Mafia. La Cosa Nostra was once a much-revered organization that was comprised of select Italian people who sometimes defied the laws to obtain things for themselves, and other people. La Cosa Nostra, also known as the Mob, the (Secret) Society, Organized Crime, the Confederation, the Outfit, and the Underworld, is comprised of different families with a don, or boss, running each family and a consigliere, advisor, aiding him, and a couple of capos, or captains, who help run the operations with 10 foot soldiers under him. La Cosa Nostra makes its money by getting involved in legitimate operations such as casinos, labor unions, strip clubs, and restaurants as well as illegal rackets like prostitution, loan-sharking, and narcotics. Narcotics have been popular since the late 1960's and early 1970's among the mobsters. The drug racket has only one good thing about it; it makes a lot of money quickly. Narcotics have caused many bad things to happen to the Mafia, and have caused the downward spiral of La Cosa Nostra."

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