Outlook

Methamphetamine will remain a principal drug threat to Arkansas. The availability of methamphetamine produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern states will increase as Mexican criminal groups expand their wholesale distribution operations in Arkansas. The availability of locally produced methamphetamine also will likely increase to meet rising demand. As a consequence, methamphetamine-related environmental problems will persist.

Crack cocaine will continue to pose a significant threat to urban areas, and violent crime associated with the distribution and abuse of crack will continue to be a concern in Arkansas. Street gangs in the larger cities will continue to dominate the retail distribution of crack cocaine. Powdered cocaine will remain available in sufficient quantities to meet user demand. However, demand for powdered cocaine may decline in certain areas of the state as methamphetamine abuse increases.

Marijuana will remain the most widely available and frequently abused illicit drug in Arkansas. Mexico-produced marijuana will continue to be the most prevalent type available. Mexican criminal groups will remain the primary transporters of Mexico-produced marijuana in Arkansas. Caucasian local independent dealers will continue to cultivate cannabis in the state, distributing the marijuana they produce.

The popularity of ODDs, especially MDMA, is likely to increase among teenagers and young adults. The demand for MDMA, GHB and its analogs, and LSD may expand as the rave culture continues to take hold throughout the state. The demand for diverted pharmaceuticals also is likely to increase and may result in more pharmacy robberies, as well as more incidents of prescription fraud, forgery, and doctor shopping.

Heroin abuse will remain at low levels compared with the abuse of other illicit drugs. Heroin availability and abuse will likely remain limited to larger cities such as Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Little Rock, and West Memphis.

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