NCJ Number
204363
Date Published
July 2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This document provides the status and outlook of the drug threat in the State Ohio.
Abstract
The distribution and abuse of illicit drugs pose a serious threat in Ohio. The State’s transportation infrastructure, its proximity to the United States-Canada border, and its location halfway between Chicago and New York City -- two distribution centers for illicit drugs -- are conducive to all levels of drug trafficking. Ohio’s well-developed network of highways connects New York City, Cleveland, Toledo, and Chicago, thereby facilitating the transportation of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs to drug markets within and outside the State. Cocaine is a significant drug threat. It is readily available throughout the State, and its distribution and abuse consistently have been linked to violent crime. There were 11,023 cocaine-related treatment admissions in State fiscal year 2001, a slight decrease from 2000. Cocaine abuse remains the second leading cause of treatment admissions for substance abuse among adults in the State. Heroin is widely available and poses another serious drug threat to the State. The heroin user population is growing and includes an increasing number of young people. Heroin is transported to drug markets within the State by Mexican, Dominican, Colombian, and Jamaican criminal groups. Marijuana is the most widely available and commonly abused illicit drug. It is also the most commonly reported substance of abuse in drug-related treatment admissions. Mexican groups supply most of the marijuana available in the State. Methamphetamine production and abuse are expanding throughout the State. Other dangerous drugs such as MDMA, GHB, ketamine, LSD, PCP, and diverted pharmaceuticals are emerging threats.