Double Standards in the Drug Trade: How European Nations Escape Sanctions While Senegal May Bear the Burden

The focus of international drug control policies on sanctioning transit countries like Senegal for drug trafficking overlooks the significant role played by drug-consuming nations such as France and Spain. Despite a notable decrease in local drug consumption due to democratic progress and strong religious roots, Senegal remains a major transit hub for narcotics destined for Europe. This Comment argues that drug-consuming countries are equally culpable under international law and should face comparable sanctions to effectively address the global drug trade. This Comment highlights the imbalance in sanction implementation and advocates for a more equitable approach, recommending minimal sanctions for Senegal while imposing harsher penalties on France and Spain. By targeting both supply and demand sides, the international community can create a more effective and balanced strategy to combat the global drug trade, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971).