NCJ Number
203919
Date Published
July 2003
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This report describes the status and outlook of the drug threat to Nebraska.
Abstract
The production, distribution, and abuse of illicit drugs pose significant problems for Nebraska. Among the most prevalent drugs in Nebraska are methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Following an executive summary and an overview of the drug threat to Nebraska, each chapter presents an overview of the five most salient drug threats to the State, offering information on the rate of local abuse; local availability; violence associated with the drug; and the production, transportation, and distribution of the drug. Methamphetamine presents the most significant threat to Kansas, particularly because of its availability throughout the State and its correlation with violence and environmental harm. The number of methamphetamine-related treatment admissions increased from 567 in 1997 to 1,294 in 2001. One of the most serious concerns of law enforcement is the potential for methamphetamine-related violence. Mexican criminal groups, street gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and local independent dealers distribute methamphetamine throughout the State and sometimes commit violent crimes to protect their territory. Cocaine represents another significant threat to Nebraska because of its highly addictive nature, widespread availability, and its associations with violence. Powdered cocaine is readily available throughout the State and crack cocaine is available in urban areas. Crack cocaine is the drug most often associated with violence in Nebraska; users commit crimes to support their addictions and distributors use violence to protect their territory. The number of treatment admissions for cocaine-related emergencies increased from 537 in 1997 to 757 in 2001. Marijuana is the most widely available and most frequently abused drug in the State. The number of marijuana treatment admissions decreased from 1,004 in 1997 to 862 in 2001. Violence has been associated with the abuse and distribution of marijuana in Nebraska; 40 percent of males arrested for violent crimes in Omaha in 2000 tested positive for marijuana. Other dangerous drugs posing a threat to Nebraska include club drugs, hallucinogens, and diverted pharmaceuticals. These other drugs are becoming increasingly available in cities with colleges and at raves, nightclubs, and bars. Heroin poses a low threat to Nebraska, with its availability in the State decreasing. Predictions on the future outlook for the drug threat to Nebraska are offered. Tables, figures, sources