Outlook

Mexican criminal groups, the most significant criminal threat to the state, will continue to dominate the transportation and wholesale distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana into and throughout North Dakota.

Methamphetamine distribution and abuse will remain the most significant drug threat to North Dakota, and in-state methamphetamine production will continue to increase. The ready availability of anhydrous ammonia--a precursor used in the Birch reduction method--will facilitate increased methamphetamine production. The proximity to Canada also provides a possible source of pseudoephedrine and likely will contribute to an increase in local production in the state. As methamphetamine production expands throughout the state, toxic and hazardous waste will increase, taxing federal, state, and local resources involved in methamphetamine laboratory site cleanup.

There will continue to be a strong demand for Mexico-produced marijuana. The cultivation of cannabis in indoor operations will continue to increase, supporting rising demand in North Dakota. Growing techniques that can produce marijuana with THC levels well above 10 percent will potentially lead to an increase in marijuana's popularity and the number of growers lured by prospective profits. The availability of Canada-produced marijuana will also increase in all likelihood.

Abuse of powdered and crack cocaine will remain stable at low levels. Mexican criminal groups will continue to be the primary transporters of cocaine into the state, and sales will continue to be arranged through individual contacts and by word of mouth. The limited amount of crack that is available will continue to be converted locally by retail distributors. Powdered and crack cocaine will continue to present lower threats to the state than methamphetamine and marijuana.

The demand for other dangerous drugs will continue to increase throughout North Dakota. MDMA abuse is increasing in North Dakota, and high school and college age Caucasians will continue to be the primary abusers. The abuse of diverted pharmaceuticals will pose a growing threat to North Dakota.

Heroin availability and abuse will remain stable at very low levels. This drug will continue to present a lower threat to North Dakota than methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, or other dangerous drugs.

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