NCJ Number
204704
Date Published
May 2003
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This document presents information on the status and outlook of the drug threat to the State of Vermont.
Abstract
The distribution and abuse of illegal drugs pose a serious threat to Vermont. Illicit drugs available in the State typically are transported from metropolitan areas in neighboring States, including New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, primarily via private and rental vehicles but also by buses, trains, commercial aircraft, and package delivery services. Smaller amounts of drugs are transported into the State from Canada by similar conveyances as well as by couriers on foot, snowmobiles, or all-terrain vehicles. Most of the drugs transported into Vermont are abused within the State and are not transshipped to other locations. Heroin, mostly high purity South American heroin, poses the most serious drug threat to the State. Heroin was a factor in more drug deaths in 2001 than any other illicit drug, and the number of heroin-related treatment admissions surpassed the number of treatment admissions for every other illicit drug except marijuana in that year. Cocaine, both powdered and crack, also poses a significant threat because it is readily available, frequently abused, and often associated with violent crime. Marijuana is the most widely available and frequently abused illicit drug. The availability and abuse of other dangerous drugs, mostly diverted pharmaceuticals and MDMA, pose an increasing threat to the State. Limited amounts of the hallucinogen LSD are available and abused. The threat posed by methamphetamine production, distribution, and abuse is low.