NCJ Number
204707
Date Published
February 2003
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This report describes the status and outlook of the drug threat to Washington.
Abstract
Washington is susceptible to drug smuggling and production because of its topography and location at the Canadian border. The vast national parks and forests are used for cover for smuggling drugs and for cultivating cannabis and operating methamphetamine laboratories. Among the most prevalent drugs in Washington are methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Following an executive summary and an overview of the drug threat to Washington, each chapter presents an overview of the five most salient drug threats to the State, offering information on the rate of local abuse; local availability; violence associated with the drug; and the production, transportation, and distribution of the drug. Methamphetamine presents the most significant threat to Washington, particularly because of its availability throughout the State and its correlation to violence and environmental harm. Caucasian criminal groups are responsible for the production of most of the methamphetamine in the State. The number of methamphetamine-related treatment admissions increased from 980 in 1994 to 5,700 in 2001. One of the most serious concerns of law enforcement is the potential for methamphetamine-related violence. Both its use and its distribution create opportunities for violence. Marijuana is the most widely available and most frequently abused drug in the State. Violence is usually not associated with the abuse of marijuana, however, violence has been linked to its production and distribution in Washington. Most marijuana available in Washington is produced in Washington, Canada, and Mexico. Cocaine represents another significant threat to Washington; powdered cocaine is readily available throughout the State and crack cocaine is available in urban areas. Crack cocaine is associated with violence in Washington, mainly attributed to the numerous street gangs that distribute the drug. The number of treatment admissions for cocaine-related emergencies decreased from 3,854 in 1999 to 3,575 in 2001. Heroin poses a significant threat to Washington, particularly in the larger cities. In 1997, there were 6,118 treatment admissions for heroin-related emergencies and 5,965 in 2001. The violence associated with heroin distribution and abuse is a concern for law enforcement. Other dangerous drugs posing a threat to Washington include MDMA, GHB, and diverted pharmaceuticals. Predictions on the future outlook for the drug threat to Washington are offered. Map, sources