Homicides and drug trafficking in Metropolitan São Paulo

Abstract

This paper compares the methodology of criminal data from the police department and epidemiological data on homicides, and analyzes violence, poverty and drugs trafficking in Metropolitan São Paulo. Homicide rates and/or their evolution are not related to poverty and there is no empirical evidence that current homicide rates in Metropolitan Sao Paulo are derived from interpersonal conflicts. Although it cannot be shown that drug trafficking is responsible for the increase of homicide rates in Metropolitan Sao Paulo, it is known that drug trafficking is responsible for many homicides that have their origin in: (a) the “criminal code” that kills off young drug dealers in poor areas; (b) the bloodthirsty competition among drug dealers due to the extraordinary profits obtained in this illicit market; and (c) confrontations with the police, in some cases with corrupt police agents who demand shares in profits.