ABSTRACT
When one examines transnational crime closely, it is readily apparent that only a small portion of it is random crime. The vast majority is highly structured organized crime. At Interpol we have defined organized crime as 'any enterprise or group of persons engaged in a continuing illegal activity which has as its primary purpose the generation of profits irrespective of national boundaries'. Succinctly, the aim of each and every organized criminal group is the realization of large financial profits through any means, as quickly as possible. Financial profit is derived from every possible source of illegal activity, including trafficking in securities, arms deals, smuggling, the theft and fencing of stolen property, corruption, prostitution, gambling and, in particular, trafficking in and distribution of drugs.
