From Streets to Stats: A Statistical Analysis of the Quantity of Illegal Narcotics Seized in the United States

Authors

Zachary T. Strickland, Harding UniversityFollow

Publication Date

2024

Subject Area

Section 4: Kings, Courts, and Crime

Abstract

This study aims to determine how seven different variables affect the total quantity of illegal narcotics seized. These seven variables include four dichotomous and three continuous variables, each striving to teach readers how they relate to the quantity of narcotics seized across specific states. My goal for this project is to figure out if there is any relationship to help law enforcement fight the war on drugs. With the continuing apparent rise of this war, this study is crucial in determining potential relationships between a state's characteristics and the quantity of illegal narcotics they forcibly take possession of. I further develop this research by looking at multiple characteristics of states instead of just a singular variable. After running my OLS regression, I discovered that both the total number of overdose deaths and the estimated population of the state are statistically significant. Although these two variables are the only ones that were significant, my study still gives readers useful information through the other variables.

About the Author

Zach Strickland graduated with his political science degree along with a criminal justice minor in December 2023. During his time at Harding he played linebacker for the football team, where he won numerous individual on field awards, as well as contributing to the 2023 National Championship winning Bisons. His plans are to work in federal law enforcement as a special agent.