NCJ Number
177745
Date Published
February 1998
Length
35 pages
Annotation
After discussing national trends in heroin trafficking and use, this report analyzes heroin trafficking and use within the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (W/B HIDTA), followed by a discussion of treatment programs available to heroin abusers in this region.
Abstract
The W/B HIDTA encompasses 13 jurisdictions with a population of 5.9 million people and is one of the highest concentrations of wealth in the United States. Based on information derived from various law enforcement, health, and administrative agencies, as well as personal interviews with local police and treatment providers, this report concludes that there are positive signs of law enforcement efforts to counter the increased heroin threat in the region. The Drug Enforcement Administration in Baltimore has an entire enforcement group composed of both Federal agents and Baltimore Police Department detectives dedicated to heroin enforcement efforts. All law enforcement agencies in the W/B HIDTA recognize and agree that heroin trafficking is a substantial problem that requires a coordinated response by all law enforcement agencies in the region. Treatment programs throughout the W/B HIDTA provide limited assistance to the heroin abuser. The availability of these services varies by jurisdiction. In some cases, those who seek specific treatment must travel to another county or city to receive treatment. There are four basic treatment approaches used for heroin dependency, and all are available in the W/B HIDTA. These treatment approaches are detoxification, residential services that include therapeutic communities, outpatient drug-free programs, and methadone maintenance. 9 charts and tables and 81 footnotes