How cocaine hooked the world

Among the middle classes and the affluent, cocaine is the recreational drug of choice. In the aftermath of this week’s trial in Cork Allan Prosser looks at its history, its place in popular culture, and the threat it poses to society.

IT IS one of the most famous scenes in cinema history: An up-and-coming gangster — Virgil “The Turk” Sollozo — is seeking protection from five New York Mafia families so he can trade illicit drugs on a massive scale in the inner city.

Patriarchal Don Corleone is opposed. He says that the judges, lawyers, and corrupt policemen on his payroll will shy away from a dirty business. He has old world values — vice, alcohol and protection are “legitimate” areas of enterprise.