terrence is based on the assumption that people will fear being caught and punished by authorities and by their peers (Sycamnias 2000). However, it appears that deterrence may not be as effective as first hoped. Low risk of apprehension, as well as potential rewards seemingly outweighing risks appears to have significantly reduced the likeliness of individuals being deterred from illicit drug use (Graycar, Nelson & Palmer 1999, p.5). This claim raises several important issues concerning the effectiveness of prohibition, which require elaboration, but before doing so the objectives of prohibition must first be clarified.
             Prohibition has many objectives. Law enforcement efforts aimed at drug control are based on deterrence, drug market disruption, supply side and demand side, as well as punishing those who offend against laws and against morals in society (S.A Police 2002). The lack of success of deterrence has been discussed previously, and efforts to reduce the supply of drugs by targeting high-level drug traffickers appear to have had little effect (James & Sutton 1996, p.149). However Mirron (2001, p.3) argues that even though prohibition does not eliminate drugs, it probably raises the costs of supplying, implying increased prices, reduced availability and lower consumption. ." However, Graycar, McGregor and Makkai (2001, p.5) point out, there are significant holes in out knowledge base that hinder positive law enforcement efforts within the current prohibition system. Namely, we do not kno
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