Outlook

Heroin, primarily South American heroin, will remain the most significant drug threat to New Hampshire. Abuse levels and availability appear to be increasing, and this trend is likely to continue. Local independent Caucasian dealers and abusers will continue to obtain South American heroin from Dominican criminal groups based in Massachusetts and New York and transport the drug back to the state for retail distribution.

The availability and abuse of cocaine will remain a significant drug threat to New Hampshire. Law enforcement reporting indicates that crack cocaine abuse is becoming an increasing problem, particularly in southern New Hampshire. Local independent Caucasian dealers and abusers likely will remain the principal distributors of powdered cocaine in the state, while local independent African American dealers and New Hampshire-based Dominican dealers likely will remain the principal crack cocaine distributors.

Marijuana will remain the most frequently abused drug in New Hampshire despite recent indications that abuse levels may be decreasing. Established Mexican criminal groups will continue to supply wholesale quantities of marijuana produced in Mexico to local retail distributors. Caucasian criminal groups, dealers, and abusers will continue to cultivate cannabis to produce marijuana for personal use and for distribution within the state.

The distribution and abuse of ODDs and diverted pharmaceuticals may become increasing problems in New Hampshire. MDMA will likely continue to gain popularity among young individuals who perceive it to be less harmful than other illicit drugs. College campuses, raves, rave clubs, concerts, and nightclubs will remain the primary venues for the distribution and abuse of MDMA. LSD will likely remain a minor problem in the state. The abuse and distribution of diverted pharmaceuticals, particularly OxyContin and Ritalin, will likely become more prevalent as teens and young adults continue to experiment with and become addicted to these drugs.

The threat posed by methamphetamine production, distribution, and abuse is likely to remain low in the near term. However, recent reporting and treatment statistics that indicate increased availability and higher abuse levels are causing concern among law enforcement officials within the state.

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