Title:

Oklahoma Drug Threat Assessment

Publication Date: October 2002

Document ID: 2002-S0387OK-001

Archived on:  January 1, 2006. This document may contain dated information. It remains available to provide access to historical materials.

This report is a strategic assessment that addresses the status and outlook of the drug threat to Oklahoma. Analytical judgment determined the threat posed by each drug type or category, taking into account the most current quantitative and qualitative information on availability, demand, production or cultivation, transportation, and distribution, as well as the effects of a particular drug on abusers and society as a whole. While NDIC sought to incorporate the latest available information, a time lag often exists between collection and publication of data, particularly demand-related data sets. NDIC anticipates that this drug threat assessment will be useful to policymakers, law enforcement personnel, and treatment providers at the federal, state, and local levels because it draws upon a broad range of information sources to describe and analyze the drug threat to Oklahoma.

Your questions, comments, and suggestions for future subjects are welcome at any time.  Addresses are provided at the end of the page.
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Contents

Executive Summary

Overview
 Fast Facts

Methamphetamine
  Abuse
  Availability
  Violence
  Production
  Transportation
  Distribution

Cocaine
  Abuse
  Availability
  Violence
  Production
  Transportation
  Distribution

Marijuana
  Abuse
  Availability
  Violence
  Production
  Transportation
  Distribution

Heroin
  Abuse
  Availability
  Violence
  Production
  Transportation
  Distribution

Other Dangerous Drugs
  Club Drugs
  Diverted Pharmaceuticals
  Other

Outlook

Sources

Chart 1. Methamphetamine Laboratory Seizures, Oklahoma, 1995-2001.

Executive Summary

Oklahoma is a destination and transit area for shipments of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. Located in the south central United States, Oklahoma is transected by numerous interstate highways and roads that support a high volume of traffic. Drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups use these highways to transport illicit drugs into and through the state from Mexico, California, and southwestern states.

Methamphetamine, the greatest drug threat to Oklahoma, is available throughout the state, and abuse of the drug is increasing. Violence associated with the production, distribution, and abuse of methamphetamine poses a significant threat to the safety of Oklahoma's residents. Methamphetamine production is increasing in the state, and laboratory seizures increased dramatically from 1995 through 2001. In addition to being produced in the state, methamphetamine is transported into and through Oklahoma by Mexican drug trafficking organizations and Mexican criminal groups. They transport the drug from producers in Mexico, California, and Arizona. These Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups are also the primary wholesale distributors of the drug within the state. Mexican criminal groups, Caucasian criminal groups, street gangs, independent dealers and, to a lesser extent, outlaw motorcycle gangs distribute methamphetamine at the retail level.

Cocaine continues to pose a significant threat to Oklahoma. Cocaine abuse is prevalent in the state, and abuse among young people is a particular concern. Cocaine is available throughout Oklahoma, and its distribution frequently is associated with violence. The primary transporters and wholesale distributors of powdered cocaine are Mexican drug trafficking organizations and Mexican criminal groups; the latter also are involved in the midlevel and retail distribution of powdered cocaine. Street gangs, primarily Hispanic and African American, and independent dealers also distribute powdered cocaine at the retail level. African American criminal groups and African American street gangs are the primary distributors of crack cocaine at the retail level. Independent dealers and Hispanic street gangs also distribute crack cocaine at the retail level.

Marijuana is readily available and commonly abused throughout Oklahoma. Most of the marijuana available in the state is produced in Mexico; however, locally grown, higher-potency marijuana also is available. Mexican drug trafficking organizations, the primary suppliers to Oklahoma, produce marijuana in Mexico and transport it into the state. Mexican drug trafficking organizations use Oklahoma as a transshipment point for marijuana because of the state's central location, well-developed transportation infrastructure, and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexican drug trafficking organizations and Mexican criminal groups distribute Mexico-produced marijuana at the wholesale level. Mexican criminal groups, African American criminal groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and street gangs distribute Mexico-produced marijuana at the retail level. Caucasian independent dealers and Caucasian criminal groups produce and distribute most of the locally produced marijuana.

Heroin is available in Oklahoma, primarily in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and the abuse of heroin poses a concern for law enforcement and healthcare professionals. Mexican black tar heroin is the most prevalent and abused type in Oklahoma. Mexican brown powdered heroin is available to a lesser extent. Mexican drug trafficking organizations and Mexican criminal groups are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of Mexican black tar and brown powdered heroin. Hispanic and African American street gangs conduct most of the retail distribution that occurs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Other dangerous drugs include club drugs, hallucinogens, inhalants, steroids, and diverted pharmaceuticals. Club drugs are synthetic drugs such as MDMA, Rohypnol, GHB and its analogs, LSD, and ketamine. Club drugs are used most frequently by teenagers and young adults at nightclubs and rave parties. The abuse of these drugs, along with the abuse of other hallucinogens, inhalants, and steroids, is a growing problem. The diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals also pose a particular concern for law enforcement and healthcare professionals.

Addresses

National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown, PA 15901

Tel. (814) 532-4601
FAX (814) 532-4690
E-mail NDIC.Contacts@usdoj.gov

Tel. (703) 556-8970
FAX (703) 556-7807

Web Addresses

ADNET:  http://ndicosa 
      DOJ:  http://www.usdoj.gov/archive/ndic/
      LEO:  home.leo.gov/lesig/archive/ndic/ 

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