Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine abuse poses another significant drug threat throughout the state, particularly in southwestern Ohio. According to ODADAS, the number of amphetamine-related treatment admissions including those for methamphetamine increased from 160 in SFY2000 to 217 in SFY2001. (See Table 1 in Cocaine section.) Federal, state, and local law enforcement reporting confirms that methamphetamine abuse is spreading from southwestern Ohio to urban areas in the northeastern part of the state.

Methamphetamine produced locally as well as in Mexico, California, and southwestern states is available in Ohio. Locally produced methamphetamine is the primary type available, particularly in rural areas of southwestern Ohio. According to the DEA Detroit Division, methamphetamine sold for $100 per gram and for $700 to $1,500 per ounce during the first quarter of FY2002.

Methamphetamine production is spreading throughout Ohio, particularly from southwest to northeast. This has resulted in a substantial increase in laboratory seizures from 7 in 1997 to 87 in 2001 (see Chart 1). Local independent Caucasian males are the primary producers of methamphetamine in the state. They generally produce the drug using the Birch reduction method, which utilizes anhydrous ammonia, a common agricultural fertilizer. Law enforcement officials throughout rural areas of Ohio are reporting increased thefts of anhydrous ammonia that they attribute to increased methamphetamine production in their areas.

Chart 1. Methamphetamine Laboratory Seizures, Ohio, 1997-2001
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Source: El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC).

Independent producers, primarily using private vehicles, transport locally produced methamphetamine. The drug typically is not transported far from laboratory sites. Mexican criminal groups transport methamphetamine produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern states into Ohio in commercial and private vehicles.

Locally produced methamphetamine is not produced in quantities large enough to support wholesale distribution. Local independent producers distribute the drug at the retail level. Limited law enforcement reporting reveals that outlaw motorcycle gangs also may be distributing locally produced methamphetamine at the retail level. Mexican criminal groups are the primary wholesale distributors of methamphetamine produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern states. They generally sell wholesale quantities to local independent dealers for retail distribution.

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