National Drug Intelligence
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Significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, black tar heroin, and marijuana are distributed fro the Central Valley HIDTA. Mexican DTOs and criminal groups control most drug distribution from the area, supplying drug distributors in markets in every region of the country.
Unlike in previous years, law enforcement officials throughout the Central Valley HIDTA region report that while methamphetamine is still widely available, it takes longer for dealers to procure multipound quantities of the drug. Dealers commonly tell undercover officers that they will need extra time to procure quantities because they are dealing with multiple suppliers rather than a single source. Moreover, law enforcement agencies, including the Fresno and Modesto Police Departments and the Sacramento Sheriff's Office, report that because of the high cost of methamphetamine in the region ($19,000 to $21,000 per pound), wholesale undercover buys of methamphetamine are often cost-prohibitive and occur less frequently than in previous years.
Constantly changing factors that contribute to the strength of drug distribution groups, such as access to weapons and consistent drug supplies, have prevented any single group or gang from dominating midlevel or retail drug distribution in the Central Valley HIDTA for an extended period. Rather, midlevel and retail drug sales are carried out by numerous groups and individuals, in a variety of locations. These groups often sell multiple drugs or shift from one drug type to another as availability, demand, and sources of supply fluctuate. For example, according to the Fresno Police Department, over the past year, an increasing number of crack dealers have begun distributing methamphetamine because of higher profits associated with methamphetamine distribution.
Criminal groups and independent dealers that distribute drugs at the retail level vary greatly in their preferred distribution points, the types of buyers that they will sell to, and their methods of communication. Drug sales in metropolitan areas often occur in open-air markets (located on streets and in parking lots) as well as in clubs and bars; distributors sell to both new, unfamiliar customers as well as to well-known, repeat customers. Drug sales in rural areas usually occur at prearranged locations and typically are conducted between a dealer and known or referred customers. Law enforcement reporting indicates that distributors use cell phones, satellite phones, pagers, and other personal communication devices to communicate with sources and customers. Distributors also often use text messages that consist of code words that allow them to communicate with reduced risk of detection.
High levels of violent and property crime in the Central Valley HIDTA often are associated with the distribution and abuse of illicit drugs, particularly methamphetamine. In fact, 20 of the 24 state and local law enforcement agencies that responded to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) National Drug Threat Survey (NDTS) 2007 reported that methamphetamine was the drug that most contributes to property crime and violent crime in their areas. Most methamphetamine-related property crime, such as burglary, identity theft, and property theft, is committed by methamphetamine abusers. Most methamphetamine-related violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, and homicide, is perpetrated by members of DTOs, criminal groups, and street gangs in the course of their drug trafficking operations.
Protection of cannabis plots is a significant concern in the CVC HIDTA because of the violence that often is associated with plot tenders guarding their grow sites. The methods that cultivators use to protect outdoor cannabis grow sites vary; however, according to law enforcement officials, the use of armed guards is most common among Mexican DTOs. Law enforcement and intelligence sources report that the presence of armed individuals guarding Mexican DTO-operated grow sites in the HIDTA region and confrontations--including shootings--between armed guards and law enforcement officers have increased since 2003. According to the CVMIT, over the past year grow site workers have begun to camp near the grow site rather than directly at the site. Typically, these offsite locations are located in a position that allows the tenders, who also provide armed security for the site, a clear view of the approaches to the site. Furthermore, camping at offsite locations enables growers a rapid egress if law enforcement officials are approaching the area. Reporting from the CVMIT further indicates that most workers at Mexican-operated grow sites in the region are illegal immigrants who originate or are recruited from Mexico, particularly the state of Michoacán.
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