NCJ Number
204354
Date Published
August 2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This document presents the status and outlook of the drug threat to the State of New Jersey.
Abstract
New Jersey, particularly metropolitan areas such as Newark and Camden, is a regional transportation hub and distribution center for illicit drugs. Its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia and well-developed transportation infrastructure make it ideally suited for the movement of licit and illicit goods. Drugs transported by truck, private vehicle, railcar, maritime vessel, aircraft, and parcel delivery service have an excellent chance of reaching their destinations because of the volume of traffic moving into and through the State daily. The rural areas have a prosperous agricultural industry that attracts a significant number of illegal aliens. Some of these individuals cultivate cannabis and engage in other drug-related criminal activities. Cocaine is readily available throughout the State, and its distribution and abuse are linked to more violent crime than any other illicit substance, making cocaine a significant drug threat. Low cost, high purity heroin is nearly as serious a threat. Younger individuals are abusing high purity heroin at an increasing rate, and the higher purity levels increase the risk of overdose. The distribution and abuse of heroin may become more significant than that of cocaine; it already has in some metropolitan areas of the State. Marijuana is the most widely available illicit drug, and the rate of abuse is high, particularly among teenagers and young adults. The availability of other dangerous drugs, particularly MDMA, is high, and there are indications that MDMA abuse is increasing rapidly. Diversion of pharmaceutical drugs such as OxyContin is an emerging threat to the State. The production and abuse of methamphetamine pose a low threat to New Jersey.