NCJ Number
228257
Date Published
2009
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This 2009 report assesses the illicit drug situation in the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NY/NJ HIDTA) including the 17 counties of this region.
Abstract
The NY/NJ HIDTA region is a national distribution center for illicit drugs, primarily cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Wholesale quantities entering the area from Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the Southwest Border area are divided into smaller quantities for distribution within the region and throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest. Data regarding illicit drugs is gained from seizures in the area, indicating that cocaine and heroin pose the most significant threat. Colombian drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) dominate the area, although Dominican, Mexican, and Asian DTOs are expanding their operations. Drug distribution is the primary source of revenue for street gangs in the region, resulting in an increase in gang related violence. The number of gang-related arrests has increased, as has the drug related violent crime. Heroin trafficking and abuse is expected to increase as cocaine shortages continue and crystal methamphetamine abuse continues to spread, perpetrated by the Mexican DTOs. Tables, figures, appendixes, and list of sources