Outlook

Cocaine will remain the most significant drug threat to Delaware. The drug is readily available, frequently abused, and the distribution and abuse of cocaine, particularly crack, are more often associated with violent crime in the state than any other illicit drug. Dominican criminal groups, African American and Caucasian local independent dealers, and local street gangs such as Bloods, Latin Kings, and Hilltop Hustlers will remain the primary transporters and distributors of cocaine in Delaware.

South American heroin will continue to pose a serious threat to Delaware. The drug is readily available and commonly abused. Treatment and mortality data reflect the magnitude of the threat, and there are no indications that the threat will decrease in the near future. African American and Caucasian local independent dealers, Dominican criminal groups, and local street gangs will continue to dominate heroin transportation and distribution in the state.

Marijuana will remain the most readily available and widely abused illicit drug in Delaware. Mexico-produced marijuana will continue to be the most prevalent type available in the state; however, locally produced marijuana also will continue to be available.

MDMA will remain the most widely distributed and abused ODD in Delaware. Dominican criminal groups are now distributing MDMA, which could lead to increased availability because of these groups' established drug distribution networks. Diverted pharmaceuticals, particularly OxyContin, Ritalin, Vicodin, and Xanax, are becoming increasingly available and abused, thus presenting a growing threat to the state.

Methamphetamine will continue to pose a low drug threat to Delaware because the production, distribution, and abuse of the drug have remained low for several years, and there are no indications that this will change.

To Top      To Contents     To Previous Page     To Sources

To Publications Page     To Home Page