Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

This research focuses on the linguistic terms used by drug dealers to refer to the selling and consumption of illicit drugs as well as the significance of these terms in influencing the fight against illicit drugs. The illicit sale of drugs and the language used by drug dealers are complicated subjects that have significant implications on security in the context of the war against drugs. By adopting a qualitative approach involving interviews and non-participant observation with members of the illicit trade, the study established that the linguistic terms used by the drug dealers and their associates are constantly evolving and are privy to individuals involved in the illicit trade especially drug dealers and consumers. In other words, there is a secret language code that is known by individuals involved in this illicit activity. They generally refer to everything related to the illicit trade from sellers, buyers, the drug itself (Appearance, use, packaging, or effects on the consumers) and everything in between. Consequently, it is this myriad and obscure terminology associated with the illicit drug trade that not only contributes towards their proliferation but also undermines the state’s efforts to curtail their use.