Heroin

The increasing availability and abuse of heroin pose a threat to Wisconsin. According to TEDS, methamphetamine-related treatment admissions to publicly funded facilities increased dramatically from 42 in 1994 to 277 in 2000. (See Table 1 in Cocaine section.) In Milwaukee County heroin was a factor in 23 deaths in 2000--more than any other illicit drug except cocaine, according to DAWN mortality data.

Heroin availability is increasing, particularly in Milwaukee and Madison. The Milwaukee HIDTA reported an increase in the amount of heroin seized, from 741 grams in 2000 to approximately 3 kilograms in 2001. South American and Southeast Asian heroin are most prevalent. Heroin purity averages 60 percent, according to the Milwaukee HIDTA. According to DEA, heroin sold for $100 to $300 per gram and $2,000 to $4,000 per ounce in the first quarter of FY2002. Kilogram prices were not available.

Dominican DTOs and criminal groups are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of South American heroin, and Nigerian DTOs are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of Southeast Asian heroin. South American heroin is transported primarily from New York, and Southeast Asian heroin is transported primarily from Chicago. Both South American and Southeast Asian heroin typically are transported into Wisconsin in private or rental vehicles.

Retail heroin distribution in Milwaukee is conducted by street gangs and independent dealers. African American street gangs and independent dealers distribute Southeast Asian heroin, particularly on the city's north side, while Hispanic gangs and independent dealers distribute South American heroin, primarily on the south side of Milwaukee.

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