NCJ Number
204698
Date Published
July 2003
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This report is a strategic assessment that addresses the status and outlook of the drug threat to the State of Rhode Island.
Abstract
Posing a serious threat to the State of Rhode Island is the distribution and abuse of illicit drugs. Specifically, the city of Providence has emerged as a regional transshipment city from which criminal groups ship heroin, as well as cocaine to areas throughout the State and the New England region. The primary means of transporting illicit drugs into and through the State are private, commercial, and rental vehicles via the various interstates. This report, conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Drug Intelligence Center, describes and analyzes the drug threat to the State of Rhode Island. An analytical judgment determines the threat posed by each drug type or category (i.e. heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs), taking into account the most quantitative and qualitative information on availability, demand, production or cultivation, and transportation and distribution, as well as the effects of a particular drug on abusers and society. Heroin, which is readily available throughout the State, is seen as a significant drug threat. The heroin abuse levels are high, and the availability of low cost, high purity South American heroin attracts a new, younger abuser. Cocaine, particularly crack, poses a serious drug threat to Rhode Island. It is readily available, commonly abused, and more frequently associated with violent crime than any other illicit drug in the State. The most widely available and commonly abused illicit drug in the State is marijuana. However, this drug is viewed as a lower threat than heroin and cocaine because it is less often associated with violent crime. Posing an increasing threat to the State are the club drugs, such as MDMA, GHB and its analogs, LSD, and ketamine. These drugs are often sold and readily available at nightclubs, raves, or techno parties. Lastly, methamphetamine is infrequently available and abused in Rhode Island and not considered a significant drug threat. This assessment is intended to be useful to policymakers, law enforcement personnel, and treatment providers at the Federal, State, and local levels.