Outlook

The availability and abuse of crystal methamphetamine will continue to increase in the CNMI, and a corresponding rise in violent crime also is expected. A similar pattern of availability, abuse, and violence has occurred in Hawaii and, more recently, in American Samoa. Crystal methamphetamine will continue to be transported from Asian sources, typically transiting the Philippines and Guam before reaching the CNMI.

Marijuana will remain the most widely available and commonly abused drug in the CNMI. Some cannabis will continue to be cultivated for personal consumption, but most marijuana will continue to be transported from the Philippines and the Republic of Palau.

The abuse of heroin will remain largely limited to the tourist population. The availability of heroin will remain limited in the CNMI.

The distribution and abuse of cocaine likely will remain limited in the CNMI. Individual abusers will continue to smuggle small quantities of the drug into the commonwealth for personal consumption. Local authorities expect to occasionally encounter small criminal groups attempting to create a market for the drug.

ODDs, including inhalants, MDMA, LSD, and diverted pharmaceuticals, will continue to pose a comparatively minor threat; however, law enforcement authorities anticipate a slight increase in the availability and abuse of diverted pharmaceuticals.

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