PROHIBITION AND MASS INCARCERATION IN BRAZIL: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF DRUG POLICY

Abstract

This article critically analyzes the impact of Brazil's prohibitionist drug policy on mass incarceration. It adopts a descriptive methodology, with a bibliographic and documentary review, using a qualitative and quantitative approach. In fact, based on the results obtained through the deductive approach, it is concluded that prohibitionism in Brazil is inefficient and has generated more serious consequences than drug use itself, resulting in repression against the poorest segment of society, the empowerment of criminal factions, as well as overcrowding in the country's prisons. The research adopts a mixed methodology, combining documentary analysis, literature review and statistical data to understand the characteristics of the incarcerated population and the impacts of repression on the use of illicit substances in the Brazilian penitentiary system. It is concluded that drug repression, in addition to being ineffective in reducing consumption, worsens social inequalities, strengthens organized crime and overloads the prison system.