the motives and mechanics of operating an illegal drug enterprise

This article examines the structure and process of illicit drug-dealing activities.Motives,mechanics of operations, and strategies used to avoid detection and to identify law enforcement are allexamined, providing a clearer picture of the lifestyles lead by drug dealers. On the basis of qualitative interviews conducted with participants in a drug court diversion program in a mid-sized, midwestern city, the means by which drug dealers initiate and maintain a career in drug dealing, how deals are transacted, and how law enforcement is avoided are explored.