This illegal underground economy fell into the hands of organized gangs who over powered most of the authorities. Most of these gangsters, secured their businesses by bribing a large amount of city officials. Their targets included government agents and people with high political status such as: Mayors, Judges, Police Chiefs, Senators and Governors. To some surprise, the consumption of liquor in the years before prohibition, was actually very lower then that of the years throughout prohibition. As a result of this new law, a new social problem arose. "Seldom has law been more flagrantly violated. Not only did Americans continue to manufacture, barter, and possess alcohol; they drank more of it." Americans who supported prohibition, argued that if drinking alcohol was illegal, the public would recognize and respect the law, and in turn, would give it up. During the start of prohibition, it appeared as though it was working. However, this was a misconception. Since the transportation and production of alcohol was not allowed, bootleggers had to find ways to do it without being caught. The price of beer rose, because it had to be transported in large barrels, which was more difficult. As a result, people started drinking more potent hard liquor. Americans could drink this potent liquor and get drunk quicker, for less money. Unfortunately, the liquor had no standards. The rate of alcohol related deaths due to poisoning drastically increased from 1,064 in 1920, to 4,154 in 1925. .
Prohibition also initiated several economic problems. Alcohol consumption was wide spread throughout the U.S before Prohibition. The banning of alcohol resulted in less revenue from taxation. Every cent the bootlegger made, went into their pockets or was used to bribe city officials and pay their own thugs. The government didn't collect a single red penny from the illegal sells of alcohol. Instead, they were busy at work spending taxpayer's money on programs to enforce this law.
