NCJ Number
203908
Date Published
August 2002
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This report presents an assessment addressing the status and outlook of the drug threat to the State of Maryland.
Abstract
The distribution and abuse of illegal drugs constitute a significant threat to Maryland. Heroin, the most frequently abused drug in Baltimore, poses a primary threat to the State and accounted for more deaths, treatment admissions, and emergency department mentions in 1999. Marijuana is the most readily available, commonly abused illicit drug in Maryland with most being produced in Mexico. Constituting a significant and increasing threat to Maryland are the stimulants MDMA, LSD, Ketamine, GHB, and diverted pharmaceuticals. Teenagers and young adults are the primary abusers of these drugs except diverted pharmaceuticals. The abuse of methamphetamine in Maryland is limited and infrequently available. Violent crime is seldom associated with methamphetamine abuse. The dominant distributors of the drug are outlaw motorcycle gangs and local dependent dealers. The report is divided into five major chapters: (1) heroin; (2) cocaine; (3) marijuana; (4) other dangerous drugs; and (5) methamphetamine. Information presented on each of these drugs include: abuse, availability, violence, production, transportation and distribution. Charts and tables