The socio-spatial organization of the illicit drug market in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver (Canada)

Background Studying the social structures of drug markets is crucial for understanding the extent to which they generate social costs, symbolic and tangible benefits, or how drug policies are received by market actors. We examined the socio-spatial organization of the drug market in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), Canada, the country’s largest open-air drug market, giving a voice to the actors involved in the drug market.Methods We conducted qualitative interviews with 23 individuals in the DTES, all of whom used drugs and 17 of whom had experience selling drugs. We employed thematic analysis to analyze the data.Results Findings revealed a complex, partly hierarchical drug market system categorized into street-based transactions, hotel dealing, front shops, and dial-a-dope segments. Open ‘street-based’ markets, reliant on violence, had inferior products (drugs) and generally higher risks, while closed market segments emphasized trust, secrecy, and better quality. Hierarchical roles and exploitative relationships exacerbated power imbalances among actors, socioeconomic marginalization, and vulnerability, especially for dealers working at the retail level.Conclusion Fostering a sense of community-mindedness and social care among people using and selling drugs can contribute to creating safer spaces, promote prosocial resources, and support the socioeconomic inclusion of marginalized populations.