Citation

Huang K, Liu J, Zhao R, Zhao G, Friday PC. Int. J. Offender Ther. Comp. Criminol. 2012; 56(1): 134-152.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0306624X10389776

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Questions of existence of the "China Route" for drug smuggling and trafficking have been important in the literature. The profile of the offenders, particularly whether they are primarily members of traditional criminal organization, is a hotly debated issue. Much qualitative evidence has been collected and it provides important insights into these questions. However, little quantitative data has ever been collected and analyzed to provide a broader picture of these issues. The present study involves the systematical collection of data from court sentencing files from seven high courts whose jurisdictions cover the China Route. The findings provide valuable information that sheds light on the debated questions. Some evidence consistent with the China Route arguments is found. No evidence supports the idea that traditional organized criminal syndicates are behind most offenses. Logistic regression results reveal interesting associations between offender characteristics and types of offenses.