Drug Trafficking Organizations

Mexican DTOs have emerged as the principal wholesale distributors of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana in the Ohio HIDTA region over the past five years, displacing Dominican and Jamaican DTOs. The dominance of Mexican DTOs over wholesale drug distribution is unrivaled and increasing in the Ohio HIDTA region and is particularly pronounced in the Columbus area, where these DTOs are now marketing Mexican methamphetamine. Additionally, these DTOs are increasing supplies of Mexican brown powder and Mexican black tar heroin in Columbus. As a result, the city has developed into a distribution center for Mexican heroin destined for drug markets throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania. Accordingly, Columbus law enforcement officials report that the number and size of heroin submissions to crime laboratories for analysis are increasing and often involve kilogram quantities, which were rarely encountered in the past. Moreover, Mexican DTOs have also introduced Mexican brown powder heroin and Mexican black tar heroin to drug markets in cities such as Toledo, where heroin has generally been less available.

Currently, Dominican and Jamaican DTOs are active only in heroin and cocaine markets in northeastern Ohio. These DTOs distribute primarily South American (SA) heroin and cocaine that they transport to the area from New York City. Dominican and Jamaican DTOs are more frequently being challenged by Mexican DTOs for control of these markets and, as a result, may be compelled to protect their distribution areas from rival Mexican DTOs, a situation that may lead to violent confrontations.

Local and nationally affiliated street gangs¹ distribute significant quantities of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and other illicit drugs at the retail level in the Ohio HIDTA region; in doing so, they contribute significantly to the overall crime rate. Most street gangs in the HIDTA region are local groups that have a propensity for violence that is incited when rival gang members threaten other gang members and their families or attempt to take over their drug distribution territories. Estimates indicate that there are more than 120 street gangs in Cuyahoga County; most are centered in Cleveland and distribute drugs, primarily crack cocaine and marijuana. Most of the street gangs in Cleveland are local, taking their names and defining their territories based on the street or housing project in which they live. Additionally, there are a few nationally affiliated gangs in the city, such as Latin Kings, Crips and, possibly, Sureņos. In March 2006 Cleveland was one of six cities nationwide chosen to receive a federal grant to combat gang-related violence. With the help of this grant, Cleveland has been successfully targeting the most violent Cleveland gangs involved in drug trafficking, such as 7-Alls, Quarter Boys, and Dirty 30s. Youngstown also has a significant street gang problem; similar types of local street gangs engage in drug distribution, theft, and vandalism. Law enforcement officials in Youngstown have also successfully targeted several street gangs and last May arrested 33 members of South Side Soldiers, L Unit, and Dale Boys, three rival street gangs operating on the south side of the city. In addition, the Latin Kings and Mara Salvatrucha (MS 13) street gangs have a presence in Columbus; however, the extent of their drug trafficking activities is unconfirmed.

End Note

1. A gang is defined by the Ohio Revised Code as an ongoing formal or informal organization, association, or group of three or more persons to which all of the following apply: it has as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more criminal offenses; it has a common name, identifying signs, symbols, or colors; and the members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal gang activity.

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