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Drug Situation: Marijuana, domestic and imported, is the most widely abused drug in the State of Vermont. High-purity level heroin is available throughout the state. Cocaine is also a significant problem throughout the state, particularly in urban areas. Law enforcement officials report minimal availability of methamphetamine. Vermont’s two interstate highways, I-89 and I-91, terminate at the U.S./Canada border, providing drug traffickers easy access to metropolitan areas in Canada and the United States.
In addition to marijuana transported to Vermont, marijuana continues to be grown within the state. In the past, local growers maintained large-scale outdoor cultivation operations. However, the current trend of local marijuana cultivation has changed to small outdoor plots which can be difficult to detect. Indoor grows and hydroponic systems are maintained on a small scale.
Pharmaceutical Diversion: Current investigations indicate that diversion of oxycodone products such as OxyContin® continues to be a problem in Vermont. Primary methods of diversion being reported are illegal sale and distribution by health care professionals and workers, “doctor shopping” (going to a number of doctors to obtain prescriptions for a controlled pharmaceutical), forged prescriptions, employee theft, pharmacy theft, and the Internet. Methadone and Vicodin® were also identified as being among the most commonly abused and diverted pharmaceuticals in Vermont. 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. Since the inception of the MET Program, a total of 436 deployments have been completed nationwide, resulting in 18,318 arrests. There have been no MET deployments in the State of Vermont. DEA Regional Enforcement Teams: This program was designed to augment existing DEA division resources by targeting drug organizations operating in the United States where there is a lack of sufficient local drug law enforcement. This program was conceived in 1999 in response to the threat posed by drug trafficking organizations that have established networks of cells to conduct drug trafficking operations in smaller, non-traditional trafficking locations in the United States. As of January 31, 2005, there have been 27 deployments nationwide, and one deployment in the U.S. Virgin Islands, resulting in 671 arrests. There have been no RET deployments in the State of Vermont. Special Topics: U.S./Canada Border: Vermont shares approximately 95 miles of border with Canada. The cross-border terrain is remote with no large cities and few inhabitants providing an ideal situation for cross-border illicit activities. Several large-scale international investigations have stemmed from seizures of illicit substances, primarily, hydroponically grown marijuana. Following the events of September 11, 2001, border law enforcement activity has increased which has led to an increase in drug and money seizures. Treatment Centers: The Vermont Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs (ADAP) provides alcohol and drug treatment services with contracted nonprofit agencies. According to ADAP, use of marijuana/hashish accounted for 17% of the clients in treatment (primary substance of abuse), other opiates/synthetics 15 % of clients in treatment, heroin seven percent of clients in treatment, cocaine/crack seven percent of clients in treatment and non-prescription methadone one percent of clients in treatment during Vermont fiscal year 2007 (July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007). More information about the Boston Division Office. Factsheet last updated: 3/2008 |