Trust in the Chinese drug trade

The illegal nature of the drug trade creates a high-risk, uncertain environment where trust is essential. This study, based on interviews with 174 participants in the Chinese drug trade, examines the role of trust in enabling criminal cooperation in the Chinese drug economy. Findings show that drug transactions in China largely occur within fixed social networks, where strong interpersonal relationships are vital. Both retail and wholesale markets rely on established connections, often requiring familiarity or referrals to facilitate transactions. Intermediaries thus play a key role by bridging gaps in these networks, providing trust and security critical to this clandestine market.