Outlook

Cocaine will remain a significant drug threat to Ohio due to its widespread abuse and availability. The level of violence associated with crack cocaine distribution and abuse will continue to contribute to the magnitude of the threat. Mexican and Dominican criminal groups have well-established transportation networks in Ohio and will likely remain the primary transporters of powdered cocaine throughout the state. Street gangs, ethnic criminal groups, and local independent groups will maintain control of the retail distribution of both powdered cocaine and crack.

Heroin will continue to pose a considerable threat to the state. The drug is widely available, and its abuse will likely increase, particularly among younger users.

Marijuana will inevitably remain the most widely available and frequently abused illicit drug in Ohio. Cannabis will continue to be cultivated at indoor and outdoor grow sites throughout the state; however, marijuana from Mexico will remain the dominant type available.

Methamphetamine abuse and availability will likely increase, particularly as methamphetamine production in the state continues to escalate. The user population also will likely increase, spreading from rural to urban areas.

The abuse of MDMA, GHB, and its analogs will continue to be 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. Ketamine, LSD, PCP, and diverted pharmaceuticals will remain lower threats than other illicit drugs in Ohio.

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