NCJ Number
201820
Date Published
July 2003
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This report on the status and outlook of the drug threat to Florida focuses on the threat posed by each drug type or category, taking into account the most current quantitative and qualitative information on availability, demand, production or cultivation, transportation, and distribution, as well as the effects of a particular drug on abusers and society as a whole.
Abstract
The report notes that Florida, particularly South Florida, is a national transportation hub and distribution center for illicit drugs. The State's well-developed transportation infrastructure and proximity to source countries make it well-suited for the movement of licit and illicit goods. Drugs transported by private vehicle, commercial truck, aircraft, maritime vessel, railcar, and package delivery services have an excellent chance of reaching their destinations because of the volume of traffic moving to and through the State daily. Both powdered and crack cocaine pose a serious threat to Florida, since the drug is readily available and commonly abused. Its distribution and abuse are more often associated with violent crime than any other illicit drug in the State. Heroin also poses a threat to Florida, since it is readily available, frequently abused, and associated with violent crimes such as assault, drive-by shooting, and homicide. Methamphetamine likewise poses a serious and increasing threat to the State; it is a major public health problem in some areas of the State. The drug is readily available and abused in rural areas, and its availability and abuse is increasing in suburban and metropolitan areas. Methamphetamine production, distribution, and abuse are often associated with violent crime. Marijuana is the most widely available and frequently abused illicit drug in the State. MDMA, also known as ecstasy, is widely accessible and abused in Florida, being most prevalent in or near large metropolitan areas. Other dangerous drugs such as GHB, LSD, ketamine, and diverted pharmaceuticals are available and abused in Florida, but to a lesser extent than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and MDMA; however, most Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials report that the rate of abuse of these dangerous drugs, particularly pharmaceuticals, is increasing more rapidly than for any other type of drug, with oxycodone being the most commonly diverted pharmaceutical in Florida. 3 tables and a list of 115 sources of information