NCJ Number
205297
Date Published
April 2004
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This report is a drug threat assessment update on the status and outlook of the drug threat to the State of New Jersey.
Abstract
New Jersey has a well developed transportation infrastructure which is ideally suited for the movement of illicit goods; the proximity of New York City and Philadelphia leave New Jersey vulnerable to drug transportation from these cities. The rural areas of New Jersey, particularly in the southern and western areas, are conducive to cannabis cultivation. This report focuses on the drugs cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other dangerous drugs, such as MDMA, GHB, analogs, ketamine, khat, LSD, and PCP. Cocaine, specifically crack cocaine, is readily available throughout the State and the drug’s distribution and abuse are linked to more violent crime than any other illicit substance, making it the State’s primary drug threat. Heroin’s primarily low cost and high purity pose nearly as serious a threat as cocaine. Marijuana is the most widely available and commonly abused drug in the State. However, it poses a lower threat than cocaine and heroin due to its being less often associated with violent crime. The availability of the drug MDMA is particularly high with indications that organized criminal groups are becoming more involved in its distribution. There is a rapid emergence of the diversion of pharmaceuticals, such as OxyContin. However, the production and abuse of methamphetamine poses a low threat to the State. The outlook for the current assessed threat posed by these drugs is seen as remaining unchanged, except the distribution and abuse of heroin, primarily South American heroin, may soon become a more serious threat to New Jersey than the trafficking of cocaine.