Network Characteristics and Organizational Structure of Chinese Drug Trafficking Groups

Unlike previous studies of drug trafficking groups that focused on the characteristics of individual members, this study examined the demographic and socioeconomic composition of drug trafficking groups and the types of relationships binding criminal networks. Through an analysis of 144 drug trafficking groups adjudicated in the intermediate and high courts in several provinces of China, this study found a high level of homogeneity in demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status among the offenders who formed the Chinese drug trafficking networks. Results also showed that most Chinese drug trafficking groups were small and lacked a vertical role structure. The concentration of men was associated with a higher likelihood of having a hierarchical role structure in the trafficking group.