How will socioeconomic conditions improve if traffickers are caught in less developed countries?

Question

By less developed countries, I mean countries with high poverty levels and high unemployment rates.

Answer 1

It is more tricky than it appears.

Of course we can argue that smugglers and traffickers encourage violence and insecurity so that it costs more to the Nation-state to re-create a peaceful and enabling environment. This safe climate allows private sector activities to flourish and socio-economic conditions can be improved.

We should however balance that with the return of drug industry. Two examples: Jamaica, which had its agricultural subsidies cut, jumped in the marijuana growing so now a large part of its population enjoy significant revenues that could not be gained with other "crops" at least at short-term. Same situation in Afghanistan with opium.

In the long run, if trafficks are stopped, that can re-create basis for a good and healthy development. This is currently experienced in Haiti where are passing 10% of the cocaine traded in US.

Answer 2

Basically, people will see that crime doesn't pay as a profession, and they will see that they need to work rather than do illegal activities.

It will eventually put more money and time into legal activities if traffickers are caught.