NCJ Number
204351
Date Published
April 2002
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the status and outlook of the drug threat to the State of New Hampshire.
Abstract
The distribution and abuse of illegal drugs and the diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals pose serious threats to this State. Heroin has emerged as the most significant drug threat because of the availability and abuse of high purity, low cost South American heroin. The number of heroin-related treatment admissions to publicly funded facilities increased steadily from 1996 to 1999. Heroin was a factor in over 50 percent of the 30 drug-related deaths reported in the State. Heroin abuse among young people is a particular concern. Cocaine remains a serious threat, and crack cocaine abuse is increasing. The high levels of violence associated with crack cocaine distribution and abuse are causing concern among law enforcement officials. Local independent Caucasian dealers and abusers are the principal transporters of powdered cocaine. Crack cocaine is transported by local independent African-American dealers and New Hampshire-based Dominican criminal groups and dealers. Marijuana is the most readily available and commonly abused drug; however, it poses less of a threat than heroin or cocaine because its effects are less debilitating and it is not commonly associated with violent crime. Mexican criminal groups in Mexico and Southern California, Arizona, and Texas produce most of the marijuana that is available in New Hampshire. Other dangerous drugs, including MDMA, LSD, and diverted pharmaceuticals, currently represent minor threats to the State. Teenagers and young adults frequently distribute and abuse these drugs on college campuses and at raves, rave clubs, concerts, and nightclubs. The threat posed by methamphetamine is low, but there are indications that abuse and availability are increasing, particularly in the seacoast region. Mexican criminal groups transport most of the methamphetamine available in New Hampshire from California using package delivery services. Methamphetamine is also produced in the State.