NCJ Number
111482
Date Published
1988
Length
90 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the availability and sources of major drug groups during 1987 and compares them with previous years.
Abstract
Marijuana was readily available, both from Mexico and Columbia and from domestic sources, despite eradication efforts. Successful eradication efforts in Jamaica and Belize decreased supplies from these countries. Cocaine also remained readily available. Columbian trafficking groups remained the principle producers and distributors. Wholesale prices were the lowest ever reported and purity remained high, indicating widespread availability. Crack continued to be a serious problem. All phencyclidine (PCP) and most methamphetamine came from domestic clandestine laboratories. PCP abuse was a major concern in several metropolitan areas, especially Washington, D.C. Methamphetamine manufacture and distribution continued to increase, despite record high seizures of clandestine laboratories. Heroin was generally available in most metropolitan areas, with Mexican heroin predominating. There also were indications that Southeast Asian heroin increased in availability in 1987. Southeast Asia was the leading opium producer. Opium production increased in Mexico, Burma, Thailand, and Laos. Southern Florida, California, New York, the Southwest, Panama, and the Cayman Islands were major areas for laundering of drug money. Assets valued at over $500 million were seized from traffickers by the Drug Enforcement Administration during 1987. 17 figures.