Production

Illicit drug production in the PC HIDTA region is limited mainly to crack conversion (which typically occurs in urban areas) and, to a lesser extent, methamphetamine and marijuana production. The production of synthetic drugs other than methamphetamine, such as GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and MDMA, is at low levels and is not considered by law enforcement officials to be a serious threat.

Crack cocaine conversion by retail-level distributors occurs throughout the PC HIDTA region, particularly in the urban areas of Philadelphia and Camden. African American street gangs and independent dealers convert powder cocaine to crack in residential settings, usually in the vicinity of the intended market.

Powder methamphetamine production poses a moderate and slowly rising problem in the PC HIDTA region; production appears to be concentrated in rural areas outside Philadelphia. Although laboratory seizure data indicate that only a few laboratories have been seized over the past several years, law enforcement intelligence and investigative information suggest that production is slowly increasing, particularly in rural areas outside the HIDTA region, such as the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania. Rural areas within the region are the most common sites for clandestine laboratories as a result of the reduced risk of detection and the likelihood of a lesser law enforcement presence. Some small-scale laboratories are operating in locations such as private residences and motel rooms. Most clandestine methamphetamine laboratories in and near the PC HIDTA region are operated by OMGs, particularly Pagan's and Warlocks, which typically produce only retail quantities of the drug; local independent Caucasian producers also produce limited amounts of methamphetamine, mostly for personal use.

Limited cannabis cultivation is conducted within the PC HIDTA region, both at indoor and outdoor grow sites, by local independent dealers and criminal groups. Indoor grow sites usually contain only a few cannabis plants that are cultivated by an independent grower for personal use. However, larger-scale indoor hydroponic cannabis grow sites may soon be increasing as a result of marijuana seeds being sold on the Internet and, particularly in Camden County, easy access to hydroponic equipment and the increasing demand for high-potency marijuana. Outdoor cannabis cultivation is limited in the region, although law enforcement reporting indicates that some occurs in rural areas.

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