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Drug Situation: Cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine are the primary drug threats in the state of Ohio. The most violent crimes in the state are attributed to cocaine and crack cocaine distribution and abuse. Cocaine is transported from the Southwest Border to cities throughout Ohio as well as to Detroit, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois, where it is then distributed to Ohio cities. The rising availability of high-purity, low cost heroin is creating a large user population with a greater physical risk to users, who are younger than ever before. In the northern Ohio region, South American and Mexican black tar heroin are prevalent, while in the southern Ohio region, Mexican black tar heroin is predominant. Mexican brown powder heroin also appears in both regions. Dominican criminal groups control the distribution of South American heroin, while Mexican criminal groups control the distribution of Mexican black tar heroin in Southern Ohio. At the retail-level, Dominican, Mexican, and inner-city criminal groups distribute heroin. Marijuana is the most abused drug in the state. Ohio is a source area for marijuana cultivation, as well as a distribution point, for Mexican marijuana from the Southwest Border. The rural areas of southern Ohio provide an adequate environment for marijuana outdoor cultivation. The use of hydroponics and other sophisticated indoor growing techniques produce sinsemilla with a high THC content continues to increase.

Cocaine: Cocaine is transported into Ohio from the Southwest Border. Detroit, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois, also serve as transshipment points and distribution centers for cocaine shipped from the Southwest Border. Mexican criminal groups and, to a lesser extent, other ethnic criminal groups are the principal transporters and distributors of wholesale multi-kilogram quantities in Ohio. Availability of cocaine in Ohio has decreased in 2008 and the regional whole-sale prices of kilograms sales remain higher than normal.

Heroin: South American and Mexican black tar heroin are prevalent in the northern Ohio region and Mexican black tar heroin dominates the illegal opiode market in the southern Ohio region. Heroin is transported from the Southwest Border to cities throughout Ohio as well as to Detroit, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois. Dominican criminal groups control the distribution of South American heroin, while Mexican criminal groups control the distribution of Mexican black tar heroin. At the retail-level, Dominican, Mexican, and inner-city criminal groups distribute heroin. Heroin wholesale traffickers utilize major Ohio cities, such as Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo as distribution centers for surrounding areas.

Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine manufacturing has stabilized due to recent pseudoephedrine sales restrictions and a new computerized database to track pseudoephedrine sales at Ohio pharmacies. Small “Mom and Pop” and “One Pot” operators continue to manufacture methamphetamine in small one to two ounce quantities for personal use and for distribution at the local level. Primary suppliers of large quantities of methamphetamine are Mexican drug trafficking organizations. In Southern Ohio, Mexican methamphetamine is becoming more prevalent. Methamphetamine coming from Mexico in the form of “Ice” is readily available throughout Ohio.

MDMA and other Club Drugs The Northern Border in Detroit serves as a transshipment point for predatory and club drugs, such as MDMA, GHB, Ketamine, and LSD. Laboratories in the Netherlands and Belgium are transported to Ohio through the distribution centers located in Canada. Club drugs are popular among young adults and juveniles, particularly in the urban areas of the state. Most MDMA traffickers are loosely-knit independent entrepreneurs. Retail dealers are typically suburban teenagers that are high school or college students.

Marijuana: The rural areas of Ohio provide an ample environment for outdoor cultivation, predominantly in southern Ohio. The use of hydroponics and other sophisticated indoor growing techniques produce sinsemilla with a high THC content continues to increase. Marijuana transported into Ohio from the Southwest Border is primarily distributed by Mexican and inner-city criminal groups.

Other Drugs: The diversion and abuse of OxyContin represent a significant drug threat in Ohio. OxyContin, a powerful pain reliever whose effects are the same as other opiate derivatives, is obtained legally through prescriptions as well as illegally on the street. Formerly seen as a drug of abuse primarily among the Caucasian population, law enforcement officials in Ohio report increasing abuse among African Americans. According to the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, youth abusers of OxyContin have begun abusing heroin since they can no longer obtain or afford OxyContin. Continued incidents of overdoses and drug-related deaths were reported throughout the state during 2006. Also, a direct connection between abuse of this drug and drug-related robberies has been established.

Pharmaceutical Diversion: The abuse and diversion of oxycodone, hydrocodone, benzodiazepines (Valium and Xanax) and the generic equivalent, alprazolam, are increasing throughout the state. Abuse of pharmaceutical tranquilizers with alcohol and marijuana help a user come down from a crack high. The abuse of Suboxone, a drug intended for use in the treatment of opiod dependence, is increasing in Ohio. The availability of Suboxone has reduced its street price from $20 USC per eight-milligram tablet to $5 to $10 USC. Primary methods of diversion are illegal sales and distribution by health care professionals and workers, “doctor shopping, and robberies. According to the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, youth abusers of OxyContin will begin abusing heroin when they can no longer obtain or afford OxyContin. Abuse of Oxycodone and drug-related robberies Also, a direct connection between abuse of this drug and drug-related robberies has been established.

More information about the Detroit Division Office.

Sources

Factsheet last updated: 3/2009

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