The symbiotic evolution of anti-doping and supply chains of doping substances: how criminal networks may benefit from anti-doping policy

Title
The symbiotic evolution of anti-doping and supply chains of doping substances: how criminal networks may benefit from anti-doping policy
Publication Date
2015-09
Author(s)
Fincoeur, Bertrand
van de Ven, Katinka
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3026-9978
Email: kvandeve@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:kvandeve
Mulrooney, Kyle J D
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1457-274X
Email: kmulroon@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:kmulroon
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Springer New York LLC
Place of publication
United States of America
DOI
10.1007/s12117-014-9235-7
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/27006
Abstract
Doping in sport has been explored predominantly from a user-perspective, widely neglecting an analysis of the supply-side of the market for doping products. In this article, we aim to fill a gap in the existing literature by demonstrating that the supply chains of doping substances have evolved over the course of the past two decades, not least due to the zero tolerance approach of anti-doping policy. Specifically, adopting the case studies of (elite) cycling and recreational weight-training (RWT) and bodybuilding (BB), we outline how the supply chains for performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) have shifted away from “culturally embedded dealers” and into new organizational structures independent from these sub-cultures. We maintain that the evolution of doping supply mirrors the evolution of doping use; whereas doping was previously the result of a socialization process, and PIED suppliers were a cultural product, consumption is now often a secretive practice and “social suppliers” are no longer prepared to take risks in (openly) supplying doping products. Consequently, the increasingly clandestine nature of doping practices has led consumers to increasingly consider the “black market” as a potential source for PIEDs. Most importantly, this shift in doping supply chains has led to greater inequality among athletes, increased health risks and the rise of suppliers devoid of sociocultural characteristics. We suggest that as the current anti-doping regime, focused predominantly on punishment and control, continues unabated these unintended negative consequences are likely to increase. As several countries have begun to rethink their position on the criminalization of drugs and drug users, it is time to rethink our approach to curbing the problem of doping in sports.
Link
Citation
Trends in Organized Crime, 18(3), p. 229-250
ISSN
1936-4830
1084-4791
Start page
229
End page
250

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