NCJ Number
133905
Date Published
1990
Length
107 pages
Annotation
Based on the best data currently available and on the combined expertise of NNICC (National Narcotics Intelligence Consumers Committee) member agencies, this report to the Federal Government is a comprehensive assessment of the illicit production and distribution of controlled substances impacting the United States.
Abstract
Despite record seizures during 1989, cocaine continued to be readily and widely available throughout the United States. During September through December, there was an increase in the wholesale price of cocaine in some cities. This increase was probably due to intensified law enforcement efforts in Latin America and to price gouging by mid to low-level wholesalers. Apparently the escalation in cocaine abuse during the past 10 years is abating, based on hospital statistics and a survey of drug use among high school seniors. Heroin also continued to be readily available at the retail level in 1989 in many major metropolitan areas. Generally, heroin-abuse indicators reflected a stabilization, but at the high levels reached the previous year. Heroin seizures continued to rise. In 1989 as in past years, marijuana was the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. According to the National Household Survey, however, marijuana use declined from 18 million users in 1985 to 12 million in 1988. Despite decline in demand and significant enforcement successes, the availability of methamphetamine and amphetamine remained at high levels in the West and Southwest. The Drug Enforcement Administration seized over $970 million of drug traffickers' assets in fiscal year 1989. 16 tables