Outlook

Methamphetamine will remain a significant drug threat to Kansas. The availability of methamphetamine produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern states will increase as Mexican criminal groups expand wholesale distribution operations in Kansas. The availability of locally produced methamphetamine likely will increase due to the ease of obtaining anhydrous ammonia and the demand for higher purity methamphetamine. As a consequence, methamphetamine-related environmental damage will persist throughout the state.

Crack cocaine will continue to be abused at higher levels than powdered cocaine. Crack cocaine represents the greatest threat to inner-city neighborhoods, and violent crime associated with the distribution and abuse of crack will continue to be a threat to Kansas. Street gangs and African American local independent dealers in metropolitan areas 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 some areas of the state as methamphetamine abuse increases.

Marijuana will continue to be the most commonly abused illicit drug in Kansas. Mexico-produced marijuana will continue to be the most prevalent type available, but locally produced marijuana will become increasingly available. Mexican criminal groups will remain the primary transporters of Mexico-produced marijuana to Kansas. Caucasian local independent dealers will continue to cultivate cannabis in the state as well as distribute the marijuana they produce.

ODDs, particularly MDMA, will continue to increase in popularity in Kansas, especially among teenagers and young adults. The demand for MDMA, as well as LSD and GHB, may expand as the number of rave parties increases throughout the state. The demand for diverted pharmaceuticals such as hydrocodone also will likely increase.

Heroin abuse will remain stable at low levels compared with other illicit drugs in Kansas. Heroin availability and abuse will likely remain limited to metropolitan areas such as Kansas City and Wichita.

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