Loose Structure and Trust Bias: Exploring Chinese Civil Illicit Drug Trafficking Networks and Organisational Relationships

Describing and navigating the organizational networks and relationships of drug trafficking can significantly enhance the scientific and efficient enforcement of the law. This study employs a Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach to compile and analyze 70 model trafficking cases published by the Supreme People's Court of China between 2016 and 2022, supplemented by validation from 450 cases in 2021 at China Judgements Online. This study explores the organizational dynamics and trust-based practices of civil illicit drug trafficking networks in China. Two predominant types of networks emerge among trade-type drug trafficking groups in China (excluding drug lords): star-shaped and polyhedral structures. The former primarily focuses on distribution and transportation links, while the latter encompasses both manufacturing and trafficking. An analysis of centrality, location, and directional variables reveals significant differences between these network types. However, both networks are still trapped in loose organizational structures, making them vulnerable to infiltration and confessions. As a potential answer integrating Chinese culture, trust bias interprets how leaders form high-risk networks while balancing efficiency and security. The typology and structural analysis of drug trafficking networks in this study aims to assist law enforcement agencies in devising more effective strategies for combating these networks.