Title:

Minnesota Drug Threat Assessment Update

Publication Date: June 2002
Original Publication: August 2001

Document ID: 2002-S0382MN-001

Archived on: January 1, 2006. This document may contain dated information. It remains available to provide access to historical materials.

This report is a brief update to the Minnesota Drug Threat Assessment, which is a strategic assessment of the status and outlook of the drug threat to Minnesota. Analytical judgment determined the threat posed by each drug type or category, taking into account the most current quantitative and qualitative information on availability, demand, production or cultivation, transportation, and distribution, as well as the effects of a particular drug on abusers and society as a whole. While NDIC sought to incorporate the latest available information, a time lag often exists between collection and publication of data. NDIC anticipates that this update will be useful to policymakers, law enforcement personnel, and treatment providers at the federal, state, and local levels.

The Minnesota Drug Threat Assessment was produced in August 2001 and is available on NDIC's web site www.usdoj.gov/ndic or by contacting the NDIC dissemination line at 814-532-4541.

Your questions, comments, and suggestions for future subjects are welcome at any time. Addresses are provided at the end of the page.
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Overview

Cocaine

Methamphetamine

Heroin

Marijuana

Other Dangerous Drugs
MDMA
GHB
LSD
Diverted Pharmaceuticals

Outlook

List of Tables

Table 1. Drug-Related Treatment Admissions to Publicly Funded Facilities, Minnesota, 1994-2000

Overview

The distribution and abuse of illicit drugs pose a serious threat to the safety and welfare of Minnesota residents. Illicit drugs are transported into Minnesota for distribution and through the state for distribution in other areas. While most of the illicit drugs available in Minnesota are transported from Mexico and southwestern states, Minnesota also is vulnerable to drugs smuggled across the U.S.-Canada border, particularly marijuana and MDMA. Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), criminal groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs), street gangs, and local independent dealers distribute drugs within the state.

Cocaine, which is readily available and frequently abused, poses the most serious illicit drug threat to Minnesota. Methamphetamine, the next greatest drug threat, is increasingly available and its production is expanding throughout the state. The abuse of heroin abuse poses an increasing threat. Marijuana is the most widely available and commonly abused drug in Minnesota. Other dangerous drugs such as MDMA, GHB, LSD, and diverted pharmaceuticals are emerging threats to the state.