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Drug Situation: : Mexican drug trafficking organizations trafficking in methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine are the greatest threat to the state. Crystal methamphetamine is quickly replacing methamphetamine HCl in popularity throughout Idaho. The northern portion of the Idaho panhandle shares a border with Canada and this area has been the subject of seizures of BC Bud marijuana being smuggled from Canada to the United States. Mexican nationals have made inroads into the large scale outdoor production of marijuana on private, state, and federal lands. Cocaine is available in Idaho however crack cocaine is not considered a significant threat. Club drugs are mainly a part of rave parties, with MDMA (street name Ecstasy) being the most available. Drug trafficking organizations in Idaho engage in money laundering, using a variety of methods to legitimize and reposition illicit proceeds.

Cocaine: Cocaine is readily available throughout Idaho. Mexican drug trafficking organizations are the predominate groups directing the importation and distribution of cocaine within Idaho. Crack cocaine is encountered infrequently and is not considered a major drug threat. Cocaine distributed in Idaho is obtained by Mexican organizations from sources in Mexico, California, and other Southwest Border states.

Heroin: Mexican black tar is the predominate form of heroin available in Idaho, with brown heroin encountered sporadically. Mexican drug trafficking organizations are the main groups responsible for the importation and distribution of heroin in Idaho. Mexican black tar heroin is produced in Mexico and obtained by organizations from sources in Mexico or other Mexican drug trafficking organizations in California or other Southwest Border states.

Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine is a widely abused drug in Idaho and continues to impact all elements of society. Idaho has experienced a dramatic decrease in methamphetamine labs as Mexican organizations turn to methamphetamine produced in Mexico. This shift from local production to methamphetamine produced in Mexico is partially attributed to the increased control of precursor chemicals within Idaho. Throughout the state the popularity of crystal methamphetamine (aka “ice”) continues to grow, replacing methamphetamine HCl.

Club Drugs: Club drugs, particularly MDMA (4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and Ketamine continue to be popular among young adults and most often are found at rave venues. MDMA encountered for sale in Idaho is believed to originate in Canada, which is then smuggled to the United States. AMT (4-bromo-2, 5-methoxy-alphamethyltryptamine), known as 5-MeO-AMT, has been encountered in Idaho. AMT was most recently obtained from an Internet source. Other synthetic drugs such as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), and steroids are available.

Marijuana: Marijuana is one of the most highly abused drugs in Idaho. Marijuana is produced locally in indoor growing operations and outdoors on private property and state and federal forest lands. Large outdoor cultivation plots are largely controlled by Mexican nationals. Marijuana smuggled from Mexico and ultimately to Idaho, is also available but is less desirable. BC Bud marijuana from Canada is not as widely available for sale in Idaho; however, along the Idaho panhandle area which borders Canada there have been seizures of BC Bud marijuana attempting to be smuggled into the United States.

Pharmaceutical Diversion: In the United States, prescription drugs are the second most abused drug by youth. The primary methods of diversion of legitimate pharmaceuticals continues to be illegal dispensing and prescribing by physicians, illegal distribution by pharmacists, prescription forgery, doctor shopping, and drug thefts from pharmacies, nursing homes, and hospitals. Pharmacy burglaries are prevalent throughout the state and Diversion Investigators are also encountering pharmaceuticals that have been purchased via the Internet without a doctor's prescription. The abuse and trafficking of oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet, Percodan), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), methadone, and anabolic steroids continues to be a concern.

DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams: This cooperative program with state and local law enforcement counterparts was conceived in 1995 in response to the overwhelming problem of drug-related violent crime in towns and cities across the nation. The Seattle MET has assisted law enforcement agencies in the following Idaho cities: Nampa, Caldwell, and Lewiston.

More information about the Seattle Division Office.

Sources

Factsheet last updated: 2/2007