Qualitative study reveals marked hierarchical segmentation and heightened violence in open-air drug transactions, highlighting the need for community care and safer environments.
Key Points
To examine the socio-spatial organization and internal hierarchy of an urban illicit drug market through the perspectives of individuals who use and sell drugs.
Conducted qualitative interviews with 23 people who used drugs, 17 of whom had experience selling drugs, in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
Applied thematic analysis to interview transcripts to categorize market structures, dealer roles, and risk dynamics.
Identified four distinct market tiers: street-based transactions, hotel dealing, front shops, and dial-a-dope delivery services.
Open street-based segments exhibited elevated violence, lower-quality drugs, and heightened risk profiles compared to closed segments characterized by trust and secrecy.
Hierarchical positions and exploitative internal dynamics amplified power imbalances and socioeconomic vulnerability among retail-level sellers.