Outlook

Cocaine will remain the primary drug of abuse in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and other urban centers because of its ready availability. Mexican DTOs and criminal groups will likely remain the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of powdered cocaine. Street gangs will continue to dominate retail distribution of powdered and crack cocaine.

Methamphetamine abuse and availability will continue to increase. Methamphetamine produced outside the state will remain more prevalent, but local methamphetamine production will continue to increase, particularly as demand for the drug increases.

Heroin will continue to pose a threat to Minnesota, but not to the same extent as cocaine and methamphetamine. Availability is limited and treatment admissions and ED mentions indicate a small, slightly growing user population.

Marijuana will remain the most widely available and commonly abused drug in Minnesota. Cannabis will continue to be cultivated both indoors and outdoors throughout the state; however, marijuana from Mexico will remain the dominant type.

MDMA and GHB abuse will remain a problem, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Raves and dance clubs will remain the primary outlets for these drugs, but they will likely be sold at an increasing number of other venues. LSD and diverted pharmaceuticals will remain lower threats than other drugs in Minnesota; however, the threat posed by OxyContin may increase.

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