NCJ Number
204069
Date Published
December 2003
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This strategic assessment of the status and outlook of the drug threat to Arizona considers the threat posed by each drug type or category, taking into account the most current quantitative and qualitative information on availability, demand, production or cultivation, and transportation and distribution, as well as the effects of a particular drug on abusers and society as a whole.
Abstract
Arizona is a gateway to the United States for a large percentage of the illicit drugs available in drug markets throughout the Nation. Large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana are smuggled into the State from Mexico for distribution within Arizona or for eventual transport to drug markets in other cities throughout the country. Methamphetamine is a primary drug threat to Arizona. High purity, low-cost methamphetamine is readily available, and the drug is abused throughout the State. Cocaine is also a significant drug threat to the State. Powdered cocaine and crack cocaine are widely available and frequently abused throughout the State; however, crack cocaine is more readily available in larger metropolitan areas. Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups dominate the transportation of cocaine into Arizona through and between ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. Heroin poses a considerable threat to Arizona as well. Mexican black-tar heroin is the predominant type available in the State; Mexican brown powdered heroin is becoming increasingly available. Mexican criminal groups, Hispanic street gangs, prison gangs, and local independent dealers dominate retail heroin distribution in Arizona. Marijuana is a significant drug threat to Arizona. Marijuana produced in Mexico is the predominant type available throughout the State. Other dangerous drugs available in Arizona include club drugs such as MDMA, GHB and its analogs, ketamine, the hallucinogens LSD and PCP, and Rohypnol. Inhalants and diverted pharmaceuticals are also abused in the State. The general outlook for the future is that Arizona will continue to be a destination and transshipment point for illicit drugs, with Mexican drug trafficking organizations remaining the greatest threat. Methamphetamine, both powdered and crystal, will continue to be the principal drug threat. A listing of 62 sources of information for this report