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Title:
Drugs and Crime
City Profile:
Dayton, Ohio
Publication Date: August 2003
Document ID: 2003-L0570-002
This assessment addresses the status and outlook of the drug threat to Dayton, Ohio. It covers the trafficking, distribution, and abuse patterns associated with methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other dangerous drugs.
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Contents
Overview
Dayton.
Photograph of Dayton, Ohio.
Photo NDIC.
Dayton
Population: 166,179 residents
Caucasian 53%
African American 43%
Hispanic 2%
Asian 1%, Other 1%Land area: 37 square miles
Interstate highways: 675, 70, and 75
Major airports: Dayton International Airport
Rail service: Passenger: Amtrak
Freight: Norfolk Southern and CSXMayor: Rhine McLin
Police Chief: William P. McManus
Cocaine, marijuana, and heroin pose the most significant drug threats to Dayton, Ohio. Other dangerous drugs, including club drugs and diverted pharmaceuticals, also pose threats to the city, but to a lesser extent. Methamphetamine is available and abused in the city but poses a low threat.
Cocaine available in Dayton primarily is transported overland from Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and New York via private vehicles. Marijuana available in Dayton generally is transported from southwestern states, primarily Texas and Arizona, in private and commercial vehicles but also is transported into the city via package delivery services. South American heroin is transported overland from New York City via private and commercial vehicles. Club drugs are transported into Dayton from the West Coast generally via package delivery services. Diverted pharmaceuticals are obtained within the city through diversion techniques including improper prescribing practices, prescription forgery, and "doctor shopping." Most of the methamphetamine available in the city is produced locally.
Mexican and Dominican criminal groups dominate the transportation and wholesale distribution of cocaine in Dayton. African American independent dealers control the retail distribution of powdered and crack cocaine. Mexican criminal groups are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of marijuana in Dayton, supplying local independent dealers with the drug for retail distribution. Dominican and Colombian criminal groups are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of South American heroin in Dayton. African American criminal groups and, to a lesser extent, local independent dealers are the primary retail distributors of heroin throughout the city. Caucasian local independent dealers are the dominant transporters and distributors of club drugs including MDMA, GHB and its analogs, ketamine, and LSD. Caucasian local independent dealers also are the primary transporters and distributors of diverted pharmaceuticals. Caucasian independent dealers produce limited quantities of methamphetamine in Dayton, primarily for personal use and limited distribution to friends and acquaintances.
Drug Abuse Indicators
The adverse consequences of illicit drug abuse in Dayton are significant. According to the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, in 2002 there were 1,015 admissions to publicly funded facilities for drug abuse treatment in Dayton. Males accounted for 65 percent of these admissions. Caucasians accounted for 55 percent of the admissions, and African Americans accounted for 44 percent; less than 1 percent were listed as other. Data provided by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office indicate that 128 drug-related deaths occurred in Montgomery County in 2002.
Cocaine
The distribution and abuse of cocaine, both powdered and crack, pose a significant drug threat to Dayton. Crack cocaine is a particular threat because it is the drug most often associated with violent crime in the city.
Treatment and mortality data indicate that cocaine is commonly abused in Dayton. According to the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, 481 cocaine-related admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities in Dayton were reported in 2002, more than for any other illicit drug. (Information regarding treatment admissions before 2002 is unavailable). African Americans accounted for 52 percent of these admissions, and Caucasians accounted for 48 percent. Males accounted for 56 percent of cocaine-related admissions. Data provided by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office indicate that 39 cocaine-related deaths occurred in Dayton in 2002, more than for any other illicit drug except heroin/morphine. Of these 39 deaths, 11 were cocaine-induced (overdoses).
Cocaine is readily available in Dayton. The DEA Dayton Resident Office reports that powdered cocaine and crack are available throughout the city. Moreover, U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) data indicate that in fiscal year (FY) 2001, powdered and crack cocaine-related sentences accounted for 53 percent of the drug-related federal sentences in the Southern District of Ohio; this percentage was higher than the national percentage (43%). Powdered cocaine-related federal sentences in the Southern District of Ohio (53) outnumbered crack cocaine-related sentences (16). Powdered cocaine sold for $23,000 per kilogram, $750 to $1,200 per ounce, and $100 per gram in Dayton in the first quarter of FY2003, according to the DEA Detroit Division. Crack cocaine sold for $5 to $20 per rock in Dayton during that same period.
Mexican and Dominican criminal groups dominate the transportation and wholesale distribution of cocaine in Dayton. Mexican criminal groups transport cocaine from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Phoenix via private vehicles, while Dominican criminal groups transport cocaine from New York City, also by private vehicle.
African American independent dealers control the retail distribution of powdered and crack cocaine in Dayton. Retail quantities of powdered and crack cocaine typically are distributed on street corners and in stash houses in ounce and gram quantities, packaged in small, clear plastic bags, heat-sealed packets, or aluminum foil. Most of the crack cocaine available in the city is converted locally from powdered cocaine.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most widely abused illicit drug in Dayton. According to the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, 400 marijuana-related admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities in Dayton were reported in 2002, more than for any other illicit drug except cocaine. African Americans accounted for 52 percent of these admissions, and Caucasians accounted for 48 percent. Males accounted for 68 percent of marijuana-related admissions.
Marijuana is the most readily available illicit drug in Dayton. The DEA Dayton Resident Office reports that marijuana availability is widespread throughout the city. Moreover, USSC data indicate that in FY2001 marijuana-related sentences accounted for 32 percent of the drug-related federal sentences in the Southern District of Ohio; this percentage was comparable to the national percentage (33%). Marijuana sold for $1,000 per pound and $100 per ounce in Dayton in the first quarter of FY2003, according to the DEA Detroit Division.
Mexican criminal groups are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of marijuana in Dayton. These groups typically transport the drug from southwestern states, primarily Texas and Arizona, via private and commercial vehicles. Mexican criminal groups also use package delivery services to transport marijuana to Dayton, albeit to a lesser extent. Local independent dealers control the retail distribution of marijuana. Retail quantities of marijuana usually are packaged in small, clear plastic bags or as joints and distributed at street corners, apartments, and private residences.
Heroin
Heroin poses a significant drug threat to Dayton. According to the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, 126 heroin-related admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities in Dayton were reported in 2002. Caucasians accounted for 72 percent of these admissions, and African Americans accounted for 28 percent. Males accounted for 69 percent of heroin-related admissions. Data provided by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office indicate that in Dayton in 2002, heroin/morphine was a factor in 44 deaths--more than were associated with any other illicit drug. Of these 44 deaths, 11 were heroin/morphine-induced (overdoses).
Heroin, primarily South American, is readily available in Dayton. The DEA Dayton Resident Office reports that heroin is available in the city and that heroin availability may be increasing. Moreover, USSC data indicate that in FY2001 heroin-related sentences accounted for 9 percent of the drug-related federal sentences in the Southern District of Ohio; this percentage was higher than the national percentage (7%). Heroin sold for $3,000 per ounce and $10 to $40 per bag in Dayton in the first quarter of FY2003, according to the DEA Detroit Division.
Dominican and Colombian criminal groups are the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of South American heroin in Dayton. These groups transport the drug overland from New York City via private and commercial vehicles. African American criminal groups and, to a lesser extent, local independent dealers control the retail distribution of heroin. Retail quantities of heroin commonly are distributed on street corners and in drug houses and typically are packaged in glassine envelopes or bags.
Other Dangerous Drugs
Other dangerous drugs (ODDs) include club drugs such as MDMA, GHB and its analogs, ketamine, and LSD, as well as diverted pharmaceuticals including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone. ODDs pose a threat to Dayton, albeit less than cocaine, marijuana, or heroin. According to the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, 67 ODD-related admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities in Dayton were reported in 2002. Caucasians accounted for 93 percent of these admissions, and African Americans accounted for 7 percent. Males accounted for 63 percent of ODD-related admissions. Data provided by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office indicate that there were no GHB-, ketamine-, LSD-, or MDMA-related deaths; however, there were 26 oxycodone- and 17 hydrocodone-related deaths in Dayton in 2002. Of these, one was oxycodone-induced (an overdose). Caucasian teenagers and young adults are the primary abusers of most club drugs in Dayton, while individuals of various demographic categories abuse diverted pharmaceuticals.
Caucasian local independent dealers are the primary distributors of ODDs in Dayton. They typically transport club drugs from the West Coast using package delivery services. In addition, they divert pharmaceuticals within the city through such techniques as improper prescribing practices, prescription forgery, and "doctor shopping." Club drugs typically are distributed at concerts, nightclubs, and all-night parties, while diverted pharmaceuticals are distributed at bars and residences. MDMA sold for $700 to $1,400 per 100 dosage units and $15 to $20 per tablet in Dayton in the first quarter of FY2003, according to the DEA Detroit Division. No other prices for ODDs were available.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine poses a low drug threat to Dayton. According to the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, four methamphetamine-related admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities in Dayton were reported in 2002. Caucasians accounted for all of the admissions, and three out of four were female. Data provided by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office indicate that there was one methamphetamine-related death in Dayton in 2002.
The DEA Dayton Resident Office reports that methamphetamine availability is limited throughout the city. Moreover, USSC data confirm the drug's limited availability; only 5 percent of all drug-related federal sentences in the Southern District of Ohio in FY2001 were methamphetamine-related--significantly lower than the national percentage (14%). The DEA Detroit Division reported that methamphetamine sold for $700 to $1,200 per ounce and $100 per gram in the first quarter of FY2003.
Methamphetamine available in Dayton is produced locally by Caucasian local independent dealers. They produce limited quantities of the drug, primarily for personal use and limited distribution to friends and acquaintances.
Drug Money Laundering
Drug money laundering poses a significant threat to Dayton. African American criminal groups are the primary illicit drug money launderers in the city; however, Dominican criminal groups and Caucasian local independent dealers launder illicit proceeds as well. Illicit drug proceeds are laundered through various means such as commingling drug proceeds with revenue generated by legitimate businesses, structuring bank deposits and money order purchases, purchasing property and vehicles, and utilizing money service businesses.
Changes/Emerging Trends
Heroin-related deaths in Dayton are at their highest levels since 1993. By contrast, statewide heroin-related deaths have increased only slightly during the same time frame. Furthermore, heroin abuse among young adults (18 to 30) is increasing throughout the city.
Impacts and Impediments
Impacts
The Dayton Police Department implemented a Community Oriented Policing Enforcement (COPE) program in which the department redefined districts and manpower levels and strategically deployed officers throughout city neighborhoods.
The Dayton Police Department established a Youth Gun Violence Committee. The committee was created to analyze youth gun violence problems and to recommend new, innovative solutions. Members of the committee include representatives from neighborhoods, Dayton Public Schools Security, and local clergy.
The Dayton Police Department formed the Warrant Task Force. This task force's primary purpose is to arrest repeat offenders on outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants. The department reports that these offenders are responsible for a large percentage of the violent and drug-related crimes that occur in Dayton.
Sources
State
Dayton Police Department
Montgomery County
Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board
Coroner's Office
Prosecutor's Office
Sheriff's Office
Federal
Executive Office of the President
Office of National Drug Control Policy
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas
OhioU.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Census BureauU.S. Department of Homeland Security
Directorate of Border and Transportation Security
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
Detroit DivisionU.S. Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration
Detroit Division
Dayton Resident Office
Diversion Unit
U.S. Attorney's Office
Southern District of OhioU.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Financial Crimes Enforcement NetworkU.S. Postal Service
U.S. Sentencing Commission
Addresses
National Drug Intelligence Center
319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown, PA 15901Tel. (814) 532-4601
FAX (814) 532-4690
E-mail NDIC.Contacts@usdoj.govNational Drug Intelligence Center
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001
McLean, VA 22102-3840Tel. (703) 556-8970
FAX (703) 556-7807
Web Addresses
ADNET: http://ndicosa
DOJ: http://www.usdoj.gov/archive/ndic/
LEO: home.leo.gov/lesig/archive/ndic/
RISS: ndic.riss.net
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