Methamphetamine

National Drug Intelligence Center
Wisconsin Drug Threat Assessment Update
June 2002

The abuse of methamphetamine poses an increasingly serious threat to Wisconsin. Abuse largely is concentrated in the northwest, particularly in counties bordering Minnesota. However, law enforcement authorities and healthcare providers report that methamphetamine abuse is beginning to spread to southern and eastern Wisconsin. According to TEDS, methamphetamine-related treatment admissions to publicly funded facilities increased steadily from 40 in 1994 to 69 in 1998, then decreased in 1999 before increasing again to 70 in 2000. (See Table 1 in Cocaine section.)

Methamphetamine availability is increasing in Wisconsin. Methamphetamine produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern states is available throughout the state. Locally produced methamphetamine also is available. Methamphetamine seizures by state drug task forces increased from 1.6 kilograms in 1999 to 2.5 kilograms in 2000 and increased dramatically to 20.9 kilograms in 2001. USSC reports that methamphetamine-related federal sentences in Wisconsin decreased from 15 in FY1996 to 9 in FY1999, then increased again to 15 in FY2000. According to DEA, in the first quarter of FY2002, methamphetamine sold for $80 to $125 per gram and $700 to $1,500 per ounce.

Methamphetamine production appears to be increasing in Wisconsin. The number of methamphetamine laboratories seized in Wisconsin increased from 2 in 1999 to 52 in 2001. Local independent Caucasian males are the primary producers of methamphetamine within the state, and Mexican criminal groups dominate production outside the state.

High purity crystal methamphetamine known as ice is becoming more prevalent in the Superior area. Crystal methamphetamine is much more expensive than powdered methamphetamine and is distributed in small quantities at the retail level. A half-ounce of crystal methamphetamine sells for $900 to $950, and a half-gram sells for $50, according to local law enforcement.

Mexican DTOs and criminal groups are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of methamphetamine produced outside Wisconsin. These DTOs and criminal groups primarily supply outlaw motorcycle gangs, Hispanic street gangs, and Hispanic and Caucasian independent dealers with methamphetamine for retail distribution. Caucasian local independent producers typically distribute their product at the retail level.

To Top To Contents To Previous Page To Next Page

To Publications Page To Home Page