NCJ Number
229092
Date Published
2009
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This report assesses the current status of illicit drug use in the United States, and predicts future trends and challenges in 2009 and 2010.
Abstract
Findings show that the existing drug problems that officials, agencies and Congressional members or staff are attempting to address include: on the supply side, all issues related to the southwest border of the United States, such as smuggling, violence, firearms, gang, prosecution guidelines; and on the demand side, expanding treatment, such as early intervention, diversion, drug court emphasis, and prison reform. This does not include marijuana. The emerging drug enforcement problems are methamphetamine and prescription drug abuse. Model legislation addressing the scheduling of pseudoephedrine, real time methamphetamine tracking, mandatory electronic reporting by retailers, and prescription drug monitoring programs would be helpful in addressing the existing or emerging drug problems. Suggestions for efforts to address existing or emerging drug problems in a non-financial manner include: national efforts to schedule or ban pseudoephedrine products; amend the Combat Meth Act to require real time tracking systems and require electronic reporting in a timely manner; continue pressure on the border; continue support of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) in regulating foreign shipments; begin discussions with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding prescription drug advertising; reschedule hydrocodone (to schedule II); implement national prescription drug take back programs; adopt new laws regulating drug company representatives; and resolve the "conflict of law" issue that exists between a number of States and the Federal Government. Data were collected from key law enforcement officers and Federal officials.