NCJ Number
203920
Date Published
May 2001
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This report describes the status and outlook of the drug threat to New Hampshire.
Abstract
In 1999, drug arrests in New Hampshire increased, which is an indicator of drug availability in the State. Most drug users in New Hampshire cross the border into Massachusetts to purchase drugs. Drug users then transport them back to New Hampshire to use and distribute. Among the most prevalent drugs in New Hampshire are powdered and crack cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. Following an executive summary and an overview of the drug threat to New Hampshire, 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. Powdered and crack cocaine present the most significant threat to New Hampshire. Powdered cocaine is readily available throughout the State and crack cocaine is moderately available. Crack cocaine is the drug most often associated with violence in New Hampshire. Dominican criminal groups transport most of the cocaine into the State mainly from New York and Massachusetts. Marijuana is the most widely available and most frequently abused drug in the State, mainly because many communities do not stigmatize its use. Marijuana is cultivated indoors and outdoors by local dealers. Moderate amounts of marijuana are also transported in by Mexican criminal groups or loosely organized Caucasian groups mainly from California, Arizona, and Canada. Marijuana was the number one treatment admission mention in New Hampshire. Heroin is emerging as a new threat to New Hampshire, with treatment admissions for heroin increasing from 124 in 1997 to 166 in 1998. Heroin from South America and Mexico is available at the street level at purity levels that exceed the national average. Other dangerous drugs posing a threat to New Hampshire include MDMA, ketamine, LSD, DXM, and diverted pharmaceuticals. These other drugs, particularly the “club” drugs like MDMA, are becoming increasingly available at all-night parties, called raves, throughout southern areas of New Hampshire. LSD and diverted pharmaceuticals pose increasing threats to New Hampshire. Predictions on the future outlook for the drug threat to New Hampshire are offered. Figures, tables, sources