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Drug Situation: : Mexican drug trafficking organizations trafficking in methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine are the greatest threat to the state. Crystal methamphetamine has replaced methamphetamine HCL in popularity in Idaho. The northern portion of the Idaho panhandle shares a border with Canada, and this area has been the subject of seizures of BC Bud marijuana being smuggled from Canada to the United States. Mexican nationals have made inroads into the large scale outdoor production of marijuana on private, state, and federal lands. Cocaine is becoming more popular in Idaho, although crack cocaine is not considered a significant threat. Club drugs are mainly a part of rave parties, with MDMA (street name Ecstasy) being the most available. Drug trafficking organizations in Idaho primarily smuggle bulk currency drug proceeds back to their Sources of Supply. The Idaho drug trafficking organizations also use other varieties of money laundering to legitimize and reposition illicit proceeds.

Cocaine: During the past year, in the DEA Boise Area of Responsibility, the price of cocaine HCL has diminished. The use of cocaine has also tripled during the same period. This is due to the increased law enforcement activities by Mexican law enforcement authorities against precursor chemicals and methamphetamine production in that country. Mexican drug trafficking organizations are the predominate groups directing the importation and distribution of cocaine within Idaho. Crack cocaine is encountered infrequently and is not considered a major drug threat. Cocaine distribution in Idaho is obtained by Mexican organizations from sources in Mexico, Arizona, California, and other Southwest Border states.

Heroin: Mexican black tar is the predominate form of heroin available in Idaho, with brown heroin encountered sporadically. Mexican drug trafficking organizations are the main groups responsible for the importation and distribution of heroin in Idaho. Mexican black tar heroin is produced in Mexico and obtained by organizations from sources in Mexico or other Mexican drug trafficking organizations in Arizona, California or other Southwest Border states.

Methamphetamine: Crystal Methamphetamine (ice) is a widely abused drug in Idaho, and continues to impact al elements of society. Idaho has experienced a dramatic decrease in methamphetamine labs as Mexican organizations turn to methamphetamine produced in Mexico. During the past year, there has been a marked decrease in the quality and quantity of methamphetamine in Idaho. During this same period, there has also been an increase in the price of methamphetamine in Idaho. All of this is the result of aggressive domestic law enforcement targeting and a crack down by Mexican law enforcement on the importation of precursor chemicals, and methamphetamine labs in that country.

Club Drugs: Club drugs, particularly MDMA (street name Ecstasy) (4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) continues to be popular among young adults, and most often is found at rave venues. MDMA encountered for sale in Idaho is believed to originate in Canada, which is then smuggled into the United States through the State of Washington. Steroids are also available in Idaho, and are mainly acquired through Internet purchases.

Marijuana: Marijuana is one of the most highly abused drugs in Idaho. Some marijuana is produced in indoor grow operations. Marijuana is produced primarily on local properties, and state and federal forest lands. The large outdoor cultivation plots are largely controlled by Mexican nationals. Marijuana that is smuggled from Mexico into Idaho is available, but is less desirable. BC Bud marijuana from Canada is not as widely available for sale in Idaho; however, along the Idaho panhandle area which borders Canada, there have been seizures of BC Bud marijuana attempting to be smuggled into the United States.

Pharmaceutical Diversion: In Idaho, prescription drugs are largely abused. The primary methods of diversion of legitimate pharmaceuticals continue to be illegal dispensing and prescribing by physicians, prescription forgery, doctor shopping, and drug thefts from pharmacies and hospitals. Pharmacy burglaries are prevalent throughout the state. Diversion Investigators are also encountering pharmaceuticals that have been purchased via the Internet. The abuse and trafficking of oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), methadone, and anabolic steroids continues to be a concern.

DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams: This cooperative program with state and local law enforcement counterparts was conceived in 1995 in response to the overwhelming problem of drug-related violent crime in towns and cities across the nation. The Seattle MET has assisted law enforcement agencies in the following Idaho cities: Nampa, Caldwell, and Lewiston.

More information about the Seattle Division Office.

Sources

Factsheet last updated: 1/2008

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