NCJ Number
203918
Date Published
June 2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This report presents a brief update to the Minnesota Drug Threat Assessment produced in August 2001.
Abstract
Following a brief overview, the drug threats presented to Minnesota by cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, MDMA, GHB, LSD, and diverted pharmaceuticals are enumerated. Most drugs arrive in Minnesota from Mexico and southwestern States, although marijuana and MDMA are also smuggled across the United States-Canada border. Cocaine poses a serious threat to Minnesota because of its wide availability and its association with violent crime. Approximately 90 percent of violent crime in Minneapolis is drug-related and much of it is attributed to the distribution and abuse of cocaine. Mexican and other drug trafficking groups typically transport cocaine into the State from southwestern States, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Methamphetamine represents the second most significant drug threat to Minnesota, and its use in the State is increasing. Methamphetamine-related emergency department mentions have increased since 1998 and the number of methamphetamine laboratories seized in Minnesota has dramatically increased from 21 in 1997 to 232 in 2001. The distribution and abuse of heroin in Minnesota is becoming an increasing problem. Heroin is available throughout the State and heroin-related treatment admissions more than doubled since 1994. Mexican and Nigerian drug trafficking and other criminal groups supply most of the heroin available in Minnesota, while African-American and Hispanic street gangs are the primary retail distributors. Marijuana remains the most widely available and commonly abused drug in Minnesota. Mexican drug trafficking and other criminal groups supply street gangs with marijuana for retail distribution. The use of other dangerous drugs is increasing, especially among Minnesota’s youth. MDMA, GHB, LSD, and diverted pharmaceuticals all pose threats to the State. Future predictions for the drug threat to Minnesota indicate that cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana will continue to pose significant threats to the State, while LSD and diverted pharmaceuticals will pose less of a threat. The use of MDMA, GHB, and OxyContin may increase, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Table