Outlook

Cocaine, particularly crack, will continue to be the most significant drug problem in South Carolina because of high demand for and ready availability of the drug throughout the state. The level of violence associated with crack cocaine distribution and abuse will continue to contribute to the magnitude of the threat. African American criminal groups and street gangs will likely remain the primary transporters of cocaine into South Carolina. With their established supply networks, African American street gangs and various local independent dealers will remain the principal powdered and crack cocaine distributors in the state.

Marijuana will remain the most widely available and commonly abused drug in the state. Marijuana produced in Mexico will likely remain the type most commonly available, although marijuana produced locally and in Canada will continue to be available. The number of indoor cannabis grow operations may increase due to continuing drought conditions. Mexican criminal groups will remain the primary transporters and wholesale distributors of marijuana produced in Mexico because of their well-established transportation and distribution networks.

Methamphetamine production, availability, and abuse will likely continue to increase in South Carolina. Methamphetamine produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern states will continue to be the predominant type of methamphetamine available in the state. Mexican criminal groups, with their established distribution networks, will remain the primary methamphetamine suppliers. Local methamphetamine production may increase, particularly in the Upstate and Midlands regions, as abusers attempt to produce methamphetamine for their own consumption.

Statewide, heroin availability and abuse will most likely remain low. However, increasing treatment admission numbers may indicate an expanding abuser base. White powdered heroin, principally from South America, will remain the most common type of heroin available in the state. South American heroin availability may increase if Mexican criminal groups, which currently transport and distribute cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and small quantities of Mexican black tar and brown powdered heroin within the state, begin to transport and distribute the more popular South American heroin.

ODDs, such as MDMA, GHB, ketamine, LSD, and diverted pharmaceuticals, will remain a lesser drug threat than cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin. However, the availability and abuse of many of these drugs likely will increase, particularly among teenagers and young adults who perceive these drugs to be less harmful than other illicit drugs. Nightclubs, raves, and college campuses will remain popular venues for the distribution and abuse of many ODDs. OxyContin likely will continue to be increasingly diverted and abused in South Carolina.

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