NCJ Number
143778
Journal
Crime Commission Update Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 1-3
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Although drug control efforts in Nebraska have focused on metropolitan areas, there is a recognized but unattended drug problem throughout the State, including rural areas.
Abstract
The implementation of rural multijurisdictional task forces in 1987 has made the magnitude of the drug problem in rural Nebraska more evident. Enforcement and prosecution activities of these task forces have demonstrated that major marijuana growing and distribution operations and drug trafficking are common in rural areas. For example, a task force in western Nebraska seized drugs, cash, and vehicles worth about $135,000 and arrested three suspects on drug and weapon charges. Another major case resulted in the seizure of approximately 110 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $120,000, two vehicles, and $1,200 in cash. Factors contributing to the drug problem in both rural and metropolitan areas include accessibility to populated areas by interstate highways, major airports in Omaha and Lincoln, and small airfields throughout the State. Officers of the Nebraska State Patrol have become more involved in the detection and apprehension of individuals moving drugs by highway. Drug abuse and associated crime among economically deprived populations are also high in Nebraska. The illegal drug problem in metropolitan areas appears to revolve around six separate operations: street gangs importing and distributing crack cocaine, Hispanics importing and distributing powder cocaine, indoor and outdoor marijuana growing operations, street dealers dispensing small amounts of illegal drugs, out-of-town crack dealers infiltrating the drug market, and importing drugs through the U.S. mail. Links between Nebraska drug traffickers and those in other States are examined.