March 4, 2022

The $150 Billion Drug Market: A Dive Into the Economics of Cartels

Thee Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control held a hearing entitled, “The $150 Billion Drug Market: A Dive into the Economics of Cartels,” in Room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The hearing examined how drug cartels have adapted their production, trafficking, and finance schemes for the 21st century.

The hearing transcript is available here.

Opening Statements

CHAIRMAN (D - RI)

Sheldon Whitehouse

Sen. Whitehouse’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery.

CO-CHAIR (R - IA)

Chuck Grassley

Sen. Grassely’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery.

Witnesses

Celina Realuyo

Adjunct Professor of Practice, The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs

Michael McDaniel

President, National HIDTA Director’s Association and Director, Houston HIDTA

Lakshmi Kumar

Policy Director, Global Financial Integrity

Erica Hanichak

Government Affairs Director, Financial Accountability and Corporation Transparency (FACT) Coalition