National Drug Intelligence Center   Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis 2008   April 2008   UNCLASSIFIED

Production

Crack cocaine, marijuana and, to a lesser extent, methamphetamine are the principal illicit drugs produced in the Michigan HIDTA region.

Crack cocaine conversion is a significant concern in the region because of its association with property and violent crimes committed by distributors and abusers of the drug. Crack cocaine distributors often commit violent crimes ranging from physical assault to homicide in order to control local drug operations, while abusers of the drug commit burglary, retail fraud, and robbery to obtain the drug or money to purchase the drug. Typically, African American distributors convert powder cocaine to crack in private residences, drug houses, or hotel rooms and distribute the drug close to the production site. Some dealers in Detroit use microwaves to "cook" their crack because they believe this method causes air pockets to form in the crack, increasing the volume of the product and, hence, the profits.

Most of the marijuana available in the HIDTA region is produced in Mexico or Canada; however, marijuana from local indoor and outdoor production is also available throughout the region. The number of indoor marijuana grow sites seized statewide has more than doubled over the past 3 years from 44 in 2005 to 100 in 2007 (see Table 1). The average number of plants seized at these grows increased fourfold during the same time frame. Increases in the size and number of indoor grows are most likely a response on the part of domestic producers to the growing demand for high-potency marijuana in the HIDTA region. Indoor cultivation typically takes place in houses or apartments privately owned or rented by independent growers, usually African American and Caucasian. Some growers operate sophisticated operations in rented houses or apartments, or in commercial buildings that have multiple rooms in which to propagate, cultivate, and dry plants. Some cannabis cultivators who operate large-scale indoor grows steal electricity by reversing or bypassing meters, which can result in hazards such as electrical shock and fire. Some indoor grows in the region are hydroponic. In August 2007, for example, a marijuana producer in southwest Detroit pleaded guilty to operating a large-scale hydroponic grow site involving over 1,000 marijuana plants at a warehouse that used more than 100 metal halide lights and professionally installed plumbing. A few horticultural stores in Michigan that provide products to cannabis cultivators also deal with legitimate commercial greenhouses and universities to conceal the illicit nature of their businesses. Outdoor marijuana production occurs in the region, particularly on state-owned property, on other open lands, or in agricultural fields among legitimate crops.

Table 1. Marijuana Eradication From Indoor Grow Sites, Michigan, 2003-2007

Source: Drug Enforcement Administration Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program, 2003-2006 and preliminary 2007 data run on 3/4/08.

Methamphetamine production in the HIDTA region has declined significantly during the last 3 years; however, limited small-scale production of the drug still occurs, particularly in the western counties of the region. Methamphetamine laboratory incidents in HIDTA counties decreased more than 73 percent over the past few years, from 221 incidents in 2005 to 59 incidents in 2007. This decrease is a proximate result of effective statewide legislation enacted in December 2005 restricting the sale of and access to products containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, law enforcement efforts, and public awareness campaigns. Of the 59 laboratory incidents in 2007, 32 were recorded in Kalamazoo County and 23 in Van Buren County (see Table 2). Caucasian and Mexican local independent dealers are the primary local producers of the drug, operating small-scale laboratories that yield a few grams to a few ounces per production cycle. The "one-pot cook" is increasingly being used by producers to manufacture methamphetamine in the region. (See text box.) Despite limited methamphetamine production, small-scale laboratories pose significant dangers to laboratory operators, law enforcement, and first responders through laboratory fires, explosions, and the improper storage and disposal of chemicals and laboratory waste. Additionally, child abuse and neglect are common in households where methamphetamine is produced. For example, a Sterling Heights couple who operated a methamphetamine laboratory in their house were recently charged in the death of their infant as a result of child neglect.

Table 2. Methamphetamine Laboratory Incidents in Michigan HIDTA Counties, 2003-2008^*

Source: National Seizure System, data run on 4/2/08.
*Partial year data through 4/2/08.

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