Drug War

by Peter Walsh
Drug War cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Investigative Journalism
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Waterstones
Paperback • £11.99
Amazon
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  • ID: 2840
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781908479945
  • Publisher: Milo Books Ltd
  • Published: 2018-11-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Drug War is a landmark modern history that delves into the United Kingdom's fight against the illegal importation of drugs. Packed with remarkable revelations and thrilling anecdotes, it tells the story of the high-level traffickers who drugged Britain and the secretive Investigation Division of HM Customs and Excise that tried to stop them. The book chronicles the fifty-year battle to stem the tide of cannabis, cocaine, and heroin, and to track, arrest, and prosecute the smuggling gangs that turned an amateur pastime into a multi-billion-pound trade. Based on over 100 unique interviews, many with insiders who have never spoken publicly, Drug War provides a ground-breaking account of one of the most vital subjects of our times. It begins with the UN Single Convention of 1961 and traces the insidious effect of drug trafficking on key areas of British life, including airport baggage and freight handlers, dockers, and even the Drug Squad at New Scotland Yard. The book concludes with the series of mishaps and scandals that ushered in the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

Reviews
Waterstones · 2020-07-16
Intriguing 4.75

The book is well-structured and provides incredible detail spanning many years. It outlines the history of the lucrative drugs trade with remarkable clarity.

This book is highly regarded for its well-organized structure and the extensive detail it provides on the history of drug trafficking. Readers are impressed by the author's ability to present a complex subject in a clear and engaging manner. The book's focus on the high-level traffickers and the efforts to stop them adds a layer of intrigue that keeps readers hooked. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the secret history of the drug trade.

Quick quotes

    Incredible detail spanning many years.

    This is a really well structured book, outlining the history of the lucrative drugs trade over a number of years.

    It tells the story of the high-level traffickers who drugged Britain, and the elite agents who tried to stop them.

Goodreads · 2020-01-01
Engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its gripping narrative and detailed account of the UK's war on drugs. It highlights the intricate web of high-level traffickers and the efforts to combat them.

This book offers a comprehensive look into the history of drug trafficking in the UK. Readers appreciate the depth of research and the engaging storytelling, which brings to life the complex nature of the drug trade. The author's ability to weave together various perspectives makes it a compelling read. However, some might find the sheer amount of detail overwhelming, but it's a small price to pay for such an in-depth exploration.

Quick quotes

    A landmark modern history of United Kingdom's War on Drugs.

    The gripping story of the men who drugged Britain, and of the elite agents who tried to stop them.

    It tells how the secretive Investigation Division tried to bring down the traffickers.

Barnes & Noble · 2018-01-01
Remarkable 4.50

The book is packed with remarkable revelations and thrilling anecdotes. It provides a unique perspective on the high-level traffickers and the agents who fought against them.

Readers are captivated by the remarkable revelations and thrilling anecdotes presented in this book. The author's ability to tell the story of the high-level traffickers and the agents who tried to stop them is both informative and entertaining. The book's focus on the secret history of the drug trade makes it a standout in the genre. While some might find the subject matter heavy, the engaging narrative style makes it accessible and enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    Packed with remarkable revelations and thrilling anecdotes.

    It tells for the first time the story of the high-level traffickers who drugged Britain, and the elite agents who tried to stop them.

    A landmark modern history: the first ever full account of the United Kingdom's fight against the illegal importation of drugs.

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