The C. C. P. are using drugs as the weapon of war for weakening its enemy, so that it is rendered easy pickings for when it eventually confronts it in a battle of arms.

ALL WAR IS PRIMARILY PREDICATED UPON DECEPTION OF THE ENEMY. FIGHTING ON THE BATTLEFIELD IS THE MOST PRIMITIVE FORM OF WAGING WAR. THE SUPREME ART OF WAR IS TO WIN THE BATTLE WITHOUT A FIGHT ― BY UNDERMINING EVERYTHING OF VALUE IN YOUR ENEMY'S COUNTRY.

~ Sun Tzu, The Art of War (III. Laying Plans, 18)