NCJ Number
204706
Date Published
June 2003
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This June 2003 report presents a brief update to the status and outlook of the drug threat to Virginia.
Abstract
The distribution and abuse of illicit drugs pose significant problems for Virginia. Cocaine presents the most significant threat to Virginia, particularly because of its widespread availability throughout the State and its correlation to violence. The number of powdered and crack cocaine-related treatment admissions increased from 3,539 in 2001 to 3,891 in 2002 and law enforcement officials seized 86.3 kilograms of cocaine. New York City-based Dominican and Columbian criminal networks are the primary transporters of powdered cocaine into Virginia. Marijuana is the most widely available and most frequently abused drug in the State. The number of marijuana treatment admissions increased from 3,781 in 2001 to 4,677 in 2002, which represents the largest increase in drug-related treatment admissions for all illicit drugs. Most of the marijuana available in Virginia is transported from southwestern States, although cannabis cultivation in Virginia is widespread. Heroin also poses a serious threat to Virginia. Heroin-related treatment admissions increased from 1,314 in 2001 to 1,635 in 2002. A reported 250 of the 1,137 drug-related deaths in the State involved heroin and Virginia law enforcement officials seized 5.3 kilograms of heroin in 2002. Heroin prices and transportation routes are described. Methamphetamine poses a low but increasing threat to Virginia. There was an increase in treatment admissions for methamphetamine from 119 in 2001 to 184 in 2002. Federal law enforcement officials seized 18.6 kilograms of methamphetamine in Virginia during 2002. Five methamphetamine laboratories were also seized in Virginia in 2002. Other dangerous drugs posing a threat to Virginia include MDMA, PCP, and diverted pharmaceuticals. Predictions on the future outlook for the drug threat to Virginia are offered. Map, sources