Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Taryn Eddy, Sophomore
Lead Presenter's Name
Taryn Eddy
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Ibrahim Kocaman
Abstract
Drug trafficking into the United States remains a significant homeland security challenge, shaped by transportation infrastructure, border dynamics, and community vulnerability. This study conducts a spatial analysis of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drug seizure activity in relation to major transportation entry points and county-level social vulnerability. Using ArcGIS Pro, drug seizure data are mapped by CBP Field Office and overlaid with key infrastructure layers, including land ports of entry, international airports, seaports, and interstate highway corridors. County-level Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) data from the CDC/ATSDR are incorporated to assess whether areas experiencing high seizure activity are also characterized by elevated socioeconomic vulnerability. Spatial techniques, including hotspot analysis and spatial joins, are used to identify statistically significant clustering and geographic overlap. Preliminary findings suggest strong concentrations of seizure activity along the Southwest border and major metropolitan hubs, with notable overlap in regions exhibiting higher social vulnerability. By integrating enforcement, infrastructure, and socioeconomic data, this study demonstrates how a multi-layered GIS approach can enhance understanding of drug trafficking patterns and inform homeland security resource allocation and public health planning.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Social Policy Commons
Drug Seizures, Entry Points, and Social Vulnerability in the US
Drug trafficking into the United States remains a significant homeland security challenge, shaped by transportation infrastructure, border dynamics, and community vulnerability. This study conducts a spatial analysis of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drug seizure activity in relation to major transportation entry points and county-level social vulnerability. Using ArcGIS Pro, drug seizure data are mapped by CBP Field Office and overlaid with key infrastructure layers, including land ports of entry, international airports, seaports, and interstate highway corridors. County-level Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) data from the CDC/ATSDR are incorporated to assess whether areas experiencing high seizure activity are also characterized by elevated socioeconomic vulnerability. Spatial techniques, including hotspot analysis and spatial joins, are used to identify statistically significant clustering and geographic overlap. Preliminary findings suggest strong concentrations of seizure activity along the Southwest border and major metropolitan hubs, with notable overlap in regions exhibiting higher social vulnerability. By integrating enforcement, infrastructure, and socioeconomic data, this study demonstrates how a multi-layered GIS approach can enhance understanding of drug trafficking patterns and inform homeland security resource allocation and public health planning.