Methamphetamine

The abuse of methamphetamine, the second greatest drug threat to the state, is increasing. According to TEDS, the number of methamphetamine-related treatment admissions to publicly funded facilities in 2000 (1,698) exceeded the number in 1994 (478). (See Table 1 in Cocaine section.) In Minneapolis, methamphetamine-related ED mentions increased from 109 in 1998 to 153 in 2000, according to DAWN. Mortality data from DAWN indicate that in Minneapolis-St. Paul, the number of deaths in which methamphetamine was a factor increased from 5 in 1999 to 8 in 2000.

Methamphetamine is readily available throughout Minnesota. The number of methamphetamine-related federal sentences in the state increased dramatically from 18 in FY1996 to 85 in FY2000, according to USSC data. According to DEA, in the first quarter of FY2002, methamphetamine sold for $80 to $150 per gram, $600 to $1,500 per ounce, and $6,000 to $14,000 per pound. Retail purity is low; in 2001 the Minneapolis Public Health Laboratory reported that the purity of methamphetamine submitted to the laboratory for testing averaged 13.9 percent. Higher purity, crystal methamphetamine known as ice is becoming increasingly available in the state. Crystal methamphetamine is more expensive than powdered methamphetamine, selling for $800 per quarter-ounce in the Minneapolis area.

Most of the methamphetamine available in Minnesota is produced in California, southwestern states, and Mexico by Mexican DTOs. However, locally produced methamphetamine is becoming increasingly available throughout the state. The number of methamphetamine laboratories seized in Minnesota increased dramatically from 21 in 1997 to 232 in 2001. In Minnesota, local independent Caucasian males are the primary methamphetamine producers.

Mexican DTOs and criminal groups, primarily using private vehicles, are the principal transporters and wholesale distributors of methamphetamine produced outside Minnesota. They supply Hispanic and African American street gangs, independent Caucasian dealers, and OMGs with methamphetamine for retail distribution.

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