NCJ Number
165206
Date Published
1993
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This publication is based on information submitted by multijurisdictional drug task forces in Montana that received grant funds under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986.
Abstract
When the Anti-Drug Abuse Act made Federal money available to State and local drug task forces, one of the requirements for receiving funds was the submission of certain statistical data. Because Montana had no historical data with which to compare current statistics, it was necessary to develop task force data over a period of time between 1987 and 1992 in order to do an evaluation. Multijurisdictional drug task forces began in 1987, and significant changes occurred in the drug community between 1987 and 1992. While still being the secondary drug of choice behind marijuana, cocaine appeared to have diminished considerably in popularity. This was apparent in both cocaine- related arrests and cocaine removal statistics. It also appeared that arrest patterns changed, possibly due to pressure applied by task forces. Sale and distribution arrests decreased while misdemeanor arrests increased, indicating the goals to target street-level dealers and to increase pressure on users in order to reduce the demand for drugs were working. Data are tabulated on task force arrests, drug removal, and asset seizure and forfeiture. Additional information on task force operations is appended. Tables and figures