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Indiana: Drug Threat Assessment

NCJ Number
203868
Date Published
April 2001
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This report describes the status and outlook of the drug threat to Indiana.
Abstract
The production, distribution, and abuse of illicit drugs are significant problems for Indiana. Its close proximity to Chicago makes it the ideal drug transportation and distribution center. Especially prevalent are cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin. Following an overview of the drug threat to Indiana, each chapter presents an overview of the five most salient drug threats to the State, offering information on the drug’s local abuse statistics; local availability; violence associated with the drug; and the production, transportation, and distribution of the drug. Powdered cocaine and marijuana present the most significant drug threats to Indiana. Although crack cocaine is also a threat, it is not as prevalent as powered cocaine. Cocaine is associated with violence mainly because its distributors resort to violence to protect their operations. Methamphetamine presents another significant drug threat to Indiana and is readily available throughout the State, mainly being transported in from the Southwest Border, California, and Chicago. One of the most serious concerns of law enforcement is the potential for methamphetamine-related violence. Police departments throughout the State report a direct correlation between methamphetamine distribution and violence. Furthermore, although the use of methamphetamine in Indiana is not as widespread as powdered cocaine, there has been a substantial increase in the number of methamphetamine laboratory seizures, indicating the problem is growing. Marijuana is the most widely available and most frequently abused drug in the State. Most arrestees in Indiana test positive for marijuana. Law enforcement reports the escalating problem of cannabis cultivation in their State; approximately 25 to 30 percent of the marijuana in Indiana is grown locally. The threat to Indiana posed by heroin, while historically low, is increasing, especially in urban areas. Despite its increasing prevalence and use in the State, law enforcement report no significant increases in crime or violence as a direct result of heroin abuse. Other drugs posing a threat to Indiana include MDMA, LSD, and ketamine, GHB, and GBL. Predictions on the future outlook for the drug threat to Indiana are offered. Map, charts, sources