NCJ Number
203867
Date Published
May 2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report is an update to the Illinois Drug Threat Assessment; a strategic assessment of the status and outlook of the drug threat in the State of Illinois.
Abstract
The State of Illinois, particularly the Chicago area, is a national transportation hub and distribution center for illicit drugs with major drug trafficking organizations, and others supplying cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, as well as other drugs to drug markets within and outside the State. The most significant drug threat to Illinois is cocaine due to its availability throughout the State. In addition, it has been consistently linked to violent crime. The next greatest threat to the State is heroin. The heroin user population seems to be growing. Heroin is followed by marijuana and is viewed as the most commonly available and widely abused illicit drug in the State. Lastly, methamphetamine production and use have been growing in rural areas of the State, specifically the central and southern areas. Other dangerous drugs emerging as threats include: MDMA, GHB, ketamine, PCP, LSD, and diverted pharmaceuticals. Cocaine will likely remain the most significant drug threat to Illinois because of the high demand and the ready availability of the drug throughout the State. The level of violence associated with crack cocaine distribution and abuse will continue to contribute to the magnitude of the drug threat. Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTO's) and criminal groups will continue as the dominate suppliers and wholesale distributors of powdered cocaine, while street gangs will continue to dominate the retail distribution of powdered, as well as crack cocaine.