Between 1987 and 1990, the number of individuals committed for drug offenses more than doubled, from 5,106 in 1987 to 10,784 in 1990. Of the 10,784 offenders committed in 1990, 6,285 were second felony offenders, 4,475 were first felony offenders, and 24 were persistent felons. In 1990, first felony offenders accounted for 90.3 percent of class A- II drug commitments and 78.2 percent of class B drug commitments. In comparison, second felony offenders dominated admissions for the lowest levels of drug felonies, class D (90.7 percent) and class E (94.7 percent) offenses. Overall, 70.4 percent of drug offenders in 1990 were admitted for the sale of a controlled substance, while 29.6 percent were admitted for the possession of a controlled substance. Among drug offenders committed in 1990, 41.1 percent stated their offense resulted from the sale or possession of cocaine, and an almost equal proportion reported crack. Another 17 percent said their drug offense involved some type of opiate. Drug commitments involving cocaine decreased from 50 percent in 1988 to 41.1 percent in 1990; conversely, commitments for crack offenses rose from 33.1 percent in 1988 to 40.8 percent in 1990. The average minimum sentence for drug offenders decreased from a high of 31.7 months in 1987 to a low of 29.4 months in 1989. As of December 31, 1990, 18,425 drug offenders were in custody. The average total time served by drug offenders first released to parole supervision in 1990 was 22.2 months. About 90 percent of drug offenders in 1990 served less than 36 months before first release to parole. An appendix lists the range of minimum and maximum sentences by felony class category. Tables and figures