NCJ Number
212598
Date Published
March 2005
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This report outlines the threat that methamphetamine trafficking and abuse posed to the United States through 2004.
Abstract
Drawing on data from the National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System (NCLSS), the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), and the National Drug Threat Survey (NDTS), this report presents trends in the availability, demand, production, transportation, and distribution of methamphetamine in the United States. State and local law enforcement data confirm that the threat posed by methamphetamine has increased markedly since 2002, particularly in the Northeast, and now exceeds the threat of any other drug in the United States. Criminal activity has risen concurrently with the rise in the overall threat posed by methamphetamine traffic and abuse. Data from NCLSS indicate that methamphetamine laboratory seizures increased in the Northeast from 94 in 2002 to 143 in 2003. Local law enforcement information suggests that the increase in the availability of the methamphetamine in the Northeast is due to the increased wholesale distribution by Mexican criminal groups. While powder methamphetamine continues to dominate the market, the availability of ice methamphetamine has increased during the past year due mainly to an increase in ice production and distribution by Mexican criminal groups. Methamphetamine smuggling from Mexico into the United States via Arizona has increased dramatically since 2001, with Arizona seizures at ports of entry during 2003 exceeding those of California and Texas. The threat assessment outlook indicates that methamphetamine production and availability should continue to rise. Tables, figures, sources