Heroin

Heroin trafficking and abuse are significant threats to the country. Law enforcement reporting indicates that heroin remains readily available throughout most major metropolitan areas in the United States, and availability is increasing in many suburban and rural areas, particularly in the northeastern United States. Heroin from South America and Mexico is most prevalent in the United States, although lesser quantities of Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin are available.

The overall demand for heroin in the United States appears to be lower overall than for other major drugs of abuse such as cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and MDMA, and the rates of use appear to be trending downward for most age groups. Estimates of worldwide heroin production increased considerably between 2001 and 2002, primarily because of increases in Afghanistan--a primary source of heroin destined for Europe. Heroin production estimates for South America and Mexico, however, decreased. Heroin typically is smuggled into the country carried by couriers on commercial flights from source and transit countries and hidden in private and commercial vehicles driven across the U.S.-Mexico and, to a lesser extent, U.S.-Canada borders. Heroin is smuggled into the country via maritime conveyances and mail services as well. Heroin is distributed throughout all major metropolitan areas in the country by a wide range of criminal groups, gangs, and independent dealers, and distribution is increasing in suburban and rural areas. The primary market areas for heroin are Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York and, on a smaller scale, Boston. Other significant heroin markets include Baltimore, Detroit, Miami, Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

NDTS data indicate that 8.7 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide identified heroin as their greatest threat. Regionally, more state and local law enforcement agencies in the northeastern part of the country identified heroin as the greatest threat than did those in other parts of the country. According to NDTS data, heroin was identified as the greatest drug threat by 28.5 percent of state and local law enforcement officials in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region, 5.2 percent in the Great Lakes region, 2.3 percent in the Southwest region, and less than 1.0 percent in the Pacific, Southeast, and West Central regions.

Heroin use is associated with serious health consequences. Heroin users typically report feeling a surge of pleasurable sensation, often referred to as a rush, shortly after administering the drug. After the initial effects, however, a user will be drowsy for several hours. The user's mental function is clouded by heroin's effect on the central nervous system. Cardiac function and breathing are slowed, sometimes to the point of death. Repeated heroin use may lead to collapsed veins, infections of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, bacterial infections, infectious diseases including HIV and hepatitis, and liver disease.

Heroin users typically are not violent; however, their overwhelming need to support their drug habits often leads them to engage in nonviolent criminal activity including prostitution, burglary, theft, and drug distribution. DTOs, criminal groups, and gangs that distribute heroin sometimes engage in violent activity. According to NDTS data, 4.6 percent of state and local law enforcement officials nationwide report that heroin is the drug that most contributes to violent crime in their areas. The data also show that 10.9 percent of state and local law enforcement officials report that heroin is the drug that most contributes to property crime in their areas.

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Availability

Heroin is readily available throughout most major metropolitan areas in the United States and is becoming more available in many suburban and rural areas, particularly in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region of the country. The ready availability of heroin is evidenced by law enforcement reporting, an increasing amount of heroin seized, and high retail-level purity averages.

Estimates regarding the total amount of heroin available are inconclusive, largely because of unsubstantiated or unknown laboratory capacity and yield estimates in source areas and limitations in seizure data. However, in attempting to quantify the amount of heroin available in the United States, the interagency Heroin Availability Working Group established an estimated range in 2001 of 13 to 18 metric tons of pure heroin. This estimate is derived solely from consumption estimates, as supply-based data was determined to be too incomplete for use in estimating total availability.

According to NDTS data, 38.0 percent of state and local law enforcement officials nationwide reported heroin availability as moderate or high in their areas, an increase from 33.0 percent in 2002. Regionally, most state and local law enforcement officials in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region (68.1%) reported heroin availability as moderate or high, followed by those in the Pacific (54.3%), Southwest (39.1%), Great Lakes (31.6%), West Central (18.0%), and Southeast regions (16.4%).

Heroin from South America and Mexico are the most prevalent types available in the United States, with lesser amounts of Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin available. Regionally, South American heroin is the primary type of heroin available in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, while Mexican heroin--primarily black tar and, to a lesser extent, brown powder--is the primary type available in the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions. A predominant type is least evident in the Great Lakes region, where most of the heroin available is either South American or Asian in origin; lesser amounts of Mexican heroin are available as well.

Southeast or Southwest Asian heroin both are available to varying degrees in markets throughout the country. According to DEA's Domestic Monitor Program (DMP),¹⁷ Southeast Asian heroin was purchased in Chicago and Dallas in 2001 and 2002. Southeast Asian heroin also is available in Baltimore, Detroit, Milwaukee, Newark, New York, and Washington, D.C., according to law enforcement reporting. Data from the DMP indicate that Southwest Asian heroin is available in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C.

South American heroin remains the predominant type of heroin analyzed under DEA's Heroin Signature Program (HSP).¹⁸ In 2002, 80 percent of the heroin seized and analyzed under the HSP was of South American origin, followed by Southwest Asian (10%), Mexican (9%), and Southeast Asian (1%) heroin. In 2001, 56 percent of the heroin analyzed was of South American origin, 30 percent was of Mexican origin, 7 percent was of Southwest Asian origin, and 7 percent was of Southeast Asian origin.

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OCDETF data indicate that investigations and indictments for heroin-related offenses have remained relatively stable over the past year. Overall, heroin was involved in 20.8 percent of OCDETF investigations in FY2002, a slight decrease from 22.5 percent of heroin-related OCDETF cases reported in FY2001. The number of heroin-related OCDETF indictments increased slightly from 7.0 percent in FY2001 to 8.3 percent in FY2002. The highest rates for both heroin-related investigations and indictments were in the New York/New Jersey region, reflecting the high availability of heroin in that area. USSC data show that the percentages of federal drug sentences for heroin remained stable from FY2000 to FY2001, comprising 7.7 percent of all federal drug sentences in FY2000 and 7.2 percent in FY2001.

The availability of heroin in the United States is reflected in seizure data. According to FDSS, the amount of heroin seized through investigations in which there was participation by a federal agency increased from 2,521.4 kilograms in 2001 to 2,799.4 kilograms in 2002. This is the fourth consecutive year in which FDSS heroin seizures have increased. In 2002 the largest quantities of heroin were seized in New York, Florida, California, and Texas.

NFLIS data indicate that heroin accounted for 6.28 percent of drug items analyzed by state and local forensic laboratories nationwide in 2002. Regionally, laboratories in the Northeast most often identified heroin followed by those in the South, Midwest, and West. Comparatively, STRIDE data indicate that heroin was identified in 9.35 percent of the drug items submitted for testing in 2002.

Relatively stable and high average retail heroin purity levels indicate that the drug remains readily available throughout many cities in the United States. According to DEA, in 2002 the average purity of Mexican heroin was 27.3 percent in 10 metropolitan areas. South American heroin averaged 46.0 percent in 13 cities. Southwest Asian heroin averaged 29.8 percent in six cities. The purity of Southeast Asian heroin was 23.9 percent in four metropolitan areas. The highest purity levels were recorded in New York City (South American heroin 96%), Detroit (Southwest Asian 72.5%), San Diego (Mexican 71.2%), and Atlanta (Southeast Asian 61.4%). Overall, South American heroin samples had the highest average retail purity (46.0%). This was the eighth consecutive year since a signature was first identified for South American heroin in 1993 that South American heroin purity averages were the highest among all four types of heroin.

The price of wholesale and retail heroin varies widely, depending upon buyer/seller relationships, quantity purchased, location, and heroin purity. According to DEA, wholesale prices ranged from $60,000 to $125,000 per kilogram for South American heroin in 2001, $15,000 to $65,000 for Mexican black tar, $90,000 to $120,000 for Southeast Asian, and $35,000 to $115,000 for Southwest Asian. At the retail level, heroin generally sells for $10 a dose, although law enforcement reporting from throughout the country indicates that a dose can sell for as little as $5 and as much as $60.

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Demand

The overall demand for heroin in the United States appears to be lower than for other major drugs of abuse such as cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and MDMA, and the rates of use appear to be trending downward for most age groups. MTF data show that use rates among college students and young adults appear to be trending downward. Past year use rates among college students aged 19 to 22 declined from 0.4 percent in 2001 to 0.1 percent in 2002. During that period, use rates among young adults aged 19 to 28 decreased significantly, from 0.5 percent to 0.2 percent. According to the NSDUH, the rate of past year heroin use for adults aged 18 to 25 was 0.4 percent, and the rate for those aged 26 or older was 0.1 percent.

Rates of heroin use among adolescents are low. MTF data show that past year rates of use for heroin among eighth graders were unchanged at 1.6 percent from 2002 to 2003. Among tenth and twelfth graders, however, past year rates of heroin use appear to be declining. Past year heroin use among tenth graders decreased significantly, from 1.1 percent to 0.7 percent from 2002 to 2003 according to MTF. MTF data further indicate that past year rates of use among twelfth graders were 1.0 percent in 2002 and 0.8 percent in 2003; however, the change was not significant. NSDUH data show that the rate of past year heroin use as reported by adolescents aged 12 to 17 was 0.2 percent.

PRIDE data indicate that the rates of heroin use among junior and senior high students have increased. Past year heroin use increased significantly between the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 school years for senior high students (2.9% to 3.8%) and junior high students (1.5% to 2.3%). The increase for senior high students followed a significant decrease in past year heroin use between the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 school years.

Adolescents generally perceive heroin use as risky behavior, although some data indicate that negative perceptions have lessened slightly over the past few years. For example, PATS reports that the majority of teenagers (77%) agreed that "heroin is a dangerously addictive drug" in 2002; however, this proportion is down from 79 percent in 2001 and reflects the fourth consecutive decrease recorded by PATS regarding teenagers' perception of heroin as a dangerously addictive drug. In addition, the number of teenagers who agreed that "heroin can wreck your life" decreased from 86 percent in 2001 to 84 percent in 2002. MTF data also show slight decreases in adolescents' perception of risk regarding heroin use. For tenth and twelfth graders, the perception of risk associated with heroin use once or twice without using a needle decreased from 72.2 and 60.6 percent, respectively, in 2002 to 70.6 and 58.9 percent in 2003; however, neither of the decreases was statistically significant. For eighth graders the perception of risk associated with heroin use once or twice without using a needle increased, although not significantly, from 62.6 to 62.7 percent. NSDUH data show that in 2002, 58.5 percent of those aged 12 to 17 perceived a great risk in trying heroin once or twice. Moreover, 82.5 percent of persons aged 12 to 17 perceived a great risk in using heroin once or twice a week.

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Data from national-level studies that gauge the consequences of heroin use in the United States are mixed. The total number of nationwide heroin-related ED mentions reported by DAWN in 2002 (93,519) remained statistically unchanged from 2001 (93,064). Nonetheless, significant increases in heroin-related mentions were recorded in Baltimore (5%), Buffalo (29%), Denver (11%), and Seattle (44%), while significant decreases were recorded in Dallas (31%), Phoenix (14%), and San Diego (3%).

TEDS data show that heroin was the primary substance of abuse reported in treatment admissions, accounting for more than 15 percent of total drug admissions in 2000. The number of admissions for which heroin was identified as the primary substance of abuse has increased steadily since 1992 (168,321) and increased from 238,426 in 1999 to 243,523 in 2000. Most (66.9%) of the admissions were male and nearly half (47.3%) were Caucasian. More than half (56%) were 35 years of age or older; the average age of those admitted for treatment for heroin abuse was 36. As in previous years, most individuals seeking treatment for heroin abuse in 2000 reported injection as their primary method of administration; however, TEDS data indicate that heroin-related treatment admissions are increasingly more likely to involve inhalation. The percentage of admissions that involved inhalation as the primary route of heroin administration increased from 20 percent in 1992 to 30 percent in 2000. During that period, the percentage of admissions involving injection as the primary route of administration decreased from 77 percent to 65 percent.

ADAM data show that the median percentage of adult male arrestees testing positive for opiate abuse (usually heroin) at ADAM sites in 2002 was 5.9 percent. Sites reporting the highest rates of opiate-positive tests for males were Chicago (26.0%), Rio Arriba (NM) (21.5%) and New Orleans (17.4%), while sites reporting the lowest rates were Woodbury (IA) (0.0%), Omaha (2.0%), and Des Moines (2.3%). The median average number of days that male arrestees reported using heroin per month was 10. ADAM data further show that the median percentage of adult female arrestees testing positive for opiate abuse (usually heroin) in 2002 was 6.2 percent. Sites reporting the highest rate of opiate-positive tests for female adult arrestees include Portland (OR) (18.2%), Washington, D.C. (17.9%), and Salt Lake City (16.7%), while sites reporting the lowest rates were Woodbury (0.0%), San Jose (1.4%), and Omaha (2.0%). The median average number of days that female arrestees reported using heroin per month was 11.6.

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Production

Heroin is produced from opium poppy cultivated in four foreign source areas: South America (primarily Colombia), Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia. Estimates of worldwide potential opium and heroin production increased considerably between 2001 and 2002. According to the Crime and Narcotics Center (CNC), worldwide potential oven-dried opium production estimates increased from 1,345 metric tons in 2001 to 2,249 metric tons in 2002, resulting in an increase in estimated worldwide heroin production over that period from 134 to 246 metric tons. Worldwide production estimates rose primarily because of a resurgence of cultivation in Afghanistan in Southwest Asia, but the heroin from this area generally is consumed in Asian and European drug markets. Estimates for Colombia and Mexico--the sources of most of the heroin available in the United States--as well as for Southeast Asia decreased. Heroin from both Southeast and Southwest Asia is available in U.S. drug markets in lesser amounts.

Estimates of potential oven-dried opium production and potential heroin production decreased in Colombia from 2001 to 2002. Ninety-one metric tons of oven-dried¹⁹ opium were potentially produced from 4,900 hectares under opium poppy cultivation in 2002, compared with 121 metric tons potentially produced from 6,540 hectares under cultivation in 2001. Accordingly, the estimated amount of potential heroin produced in Colombia was 11.3 metric tons in 2002, down from 15.1 in 2001. Most opium poppy cultivated in South America is found in Colombia; however, opium poppy cultivation has been observed in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. Most of the heroin produced in South America is destined for the United States.

Estimates of potential oven-dried opium production and potential heroin production also decreased in Mexico. According to CNC estimates, there were an estimated 2,700 hectares under cultivation in 2002 that potentially produced 47 metric tons of oven-dried opium, compared with an estimated 4,400 hectares under cultivation in 2001 that could have produced 71 metric tons of oven-dried opium. Potential heroin production from this opium is estimated at approximately 5.6 metric tons of heroin in 2002, down from 8.3 metric tons in 2001. Heroin produced in Mexico is black tar and, to a lesser extent, brown powder heroin. As in Colombia, most of the heroin produced in Mexico is destined for the United States.

Estimates regarding total heroin production in Southeast Asia are inconclusive; however, opium cultivation and heroin production in Southeast Asia occur primarily in Burma and, to a much lesser extent, in Laos. Some cultivation and production also takes place in Vietnam. Opium and heroin production in Southeast Asia decreased from 2001 to 2002. Estimates of overall potential oven-dried opium production in Southeast Asia decreased from 1,086 metric tons in 2001 to a potential 829 metric tons in 2002. Thus, estimates of potential heroin production decreased from 103 metric tons in 2001 to 79 metric tons in 2002. The decrease in overall Southeast Asian heroin production is due primarily to declines in production in Burma, the leading heroin-producing country in 2001. Opium production in Burma decreased from 865 metric tons in 2001 to 630 metric tons in 2002. Accordingly, the potential amount of heroin produced in Burma decreased from 82 metric tons in 2001 to 60 metric tons in 2002. Levels of opium and heroin production are significantly lower in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam than they are in Burma. In 2002 potential oven-dried opium production was estimated at 180 metric tons in Laos, 9 metric tons in Thailand, and 10 metric tons in Vietnam. Subsequent potential heroin production was estimated at 17 metric tons in Laos, just under 1 metric ton in Thailand, and 1 metric ton in Vietnam. Southeast Asian heroin generally is destined for non-U.S. markets; however, a limited amount is transported to drug markets in the United States.

Estimates of potential oven-dried opium production in Afghanistan increased dramatically from 63 metric tons in 2001 to 1,278 metric tons in 2002. Consequently, between 2001 and 2002 estimates of potential heroin production increased from 7 metric tons to 150 metric tons. The significant increase in 2002 is attributable to the fall of the Taliban--and the Taliban poppy ban--in late 2001. Shortly after this, farmers began planting opium poppies despite a decree issued on January 17, 2002, by the current Afghan president banning cultivation, production, processing, illicit trafficking, and abuse of narcotic drugs. A very small amount of opium poppy is cultivated in Pakistan. In 2001, the latest year for which data are available, potential oven-dried opium production in Pakistan was estimated at 4.3 metric tons. Subsequent potential heroin production was estimated at 0.5 metric ton. Southwest Asian heroin also is generally destined for non-U.S. markets; however, a limited amount is destined for the United States.

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Transportation

Heroin produced in South America, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia is smuggled into the United States by many transportation methods and routes. Reporting from law enforcement and intelligence agencies indicates that heroin typically is smuggled into the country carried by couriers on commercial flights from source and transit countries and hidden in private and commercial vehicles driven across the land borders with Mexico and, to a lesser extent, Canada. Couriers conceal heroin internally, in checked and carry-on luggage, or within items packed in luggage. Couriers also tape packages of heroin to their bodies or conceal it in their clothing or shoes. Maritime conveyances and mail services are used to transport heroin. Couriers also smuggle heroin into the country by walking across the U.S.-Mexico border with the drug concealed on their bodies or in bags or backpacks. EPIC seizure data for 2000 and 2001 show that seizures of heroin arriving from foreign source areas have occurred overwhelmingly from commercial air carriers, followed by land and maritime conveyances. Quantities of heroin transported to the country are generally smaller than quantities of other drugs such as marijuana and cocaine; however, recent law enforcement reporting indicates that heroin shipments are becoming increasingly larger.

Once heroin is smuggled into the United States, it is primarily transported throughout the country overland in private and commercial vehicles but also via couriers traveling on domestic commercial flights and through mail services. Transporters of heroin include DTOs, criminal groups, and independent dealers; the demographic makeup of these transporters encompasses many racial and ethnic groups including, but not limited to, those of Asian, African, African American, European, and Hispanic origin.

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Mexican heroin--primarily black tar but also brown powder--is smuggled into the United States primarily overland across the U.S.-Mexico border by Mexican DTOs and criminal groups with ties to Mexico and the United States. Kilogram quantities of heroin (typically between 2 and 5 kg) are transported across the U.S.-Mexico border via private vehicles, often equipped with hidden compartments, as well as in commercial vehicles. Kilogram quantities of black tar heroin usually are wrapped in clear plastic or cellophane and duct tape. Couriers walking across the U.S.-Mexico border at POEs as well as between POEs also smuggle heroin into the country. These couriers--often illegal aliens or migrant workers--typically carry small quantities (1 kg to 2 kg) hidden in backpacks, in the soles of their shoes, or on their bodies.

Seizure data indicate that Mexican heroin is smuggled into the United States through and between various POEs along the U.S.-Mexico border. According to EPIC, more heroin was seized at the Laredo (27.8 kg), El Paso (26.0 kg), and San Ysidro (15.5 kg) POEs in 2002 than at any other POEs along the U.S.-Mexico border. Limited amounts of heroin also were seized at the Nogales, Calexico, Otay Mesa, Columbus (NM), Brownsville, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Hidalgo, and Pharr POEs. The total amount of heroin seized along the U.S.-Mexico border in 2002 (100 kg) was considerably lower than the amount seized in 2001 (371 kg), in large part because of a number of unusually large seizures that occurred in 2001. From the U.S.-Mexico border, heroin is transported in private and commercial vehicles to markets in the Great Lakes, Pacific, Southeast, Southwest, and West Central regions. DEA reporting indicates that a small amount of Mexican heroin also is transported to the New York/New Jersey area, although there appears to be no appreciable market for the drug in that area.

The primary market area for heroin produced in Mexico is Los Angeles. Mexican heroin is transported to and stored in the Los Angeles area for further distribution to the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions.

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South America

South American heroin typically is transported from Colombia to the United States via commercial flights directly to international airports in Miami or New York. Couriers aboard commercial airlines generally take direct flights from one of Colombia's international airports--El Dorado (Bogotá), Ernesto Cortissoz (Barranquilla), Alfonso Bonilla Aragón (Cali), or Rafael Nuñez (Cartagena)--to Miami International Airport in Florida and JFK International Airport in New York. Couriers also sometimes take indirect flights, traveling through countries such as Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Uruguay, and Venezuela before arriving at Miami or JFK International Airports. Couriers also transport heroin from source and transit countries to other U.S. cities including Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Newark, and San Juan. Couriers of South American heroin, typically Colombian nationals, often swallow latex-wrapped heroin pellets. Each pellet usually contains between 6 and 10 grams of heroin, and couriers typically swallow from one-half to a kilogram of heroin. Couriers also conceal heroin in body cavities, tape it to their bodies, or conceal it in their shoes or clothing. Couriers are able to smuggle larger quantities of heroin (between 5 and 10 kg) into the United States by transporting suitcases filled with clothing that has heroin sewn into the seams or that has been soaked with liquid heroin. According to ICE, there have been several incidents since May 2001 in which couriers have concealed heroin by soaking it into foam padding and placing it in the sides of their checked luggage.

Although most South American heroin is smuggled via commercial air carriers, some is smuggled overland through and between POEs along the U.S.-Mexico border. Heroin is transported to Mexico from Colombia both directly and through transit countries, including Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Law enforcement reporting indicates that Colombian heroin trafficking organizations or possibly Mexican trafficking organizations recruit Mexican couriers to transport South American heroin through Mexico into the United States. Seizure data indicate that Mexican couriers smuggling South American heroin usually transport the drug sewn into clothing packed in luggage; however, they occasionally transport the drug concealed in the linings of suitcases, hidden in shoes, or swallowed in pellet form. South American heroin smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border usually is destined for markets in the Great Lakes and Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions.

Law enforcement reporting indicates that the use of commercial maritime vessels to smuggle South American heroin into the United States has grown, signaled by increases over the past several years in both the amount of heroin smuggled per seizure incident and the number of incidents. The total amount of South American heroin seized from commercial maritime vessels was less than 15 kilograms in 1999 and 2000; however, 214 kilograms and 97 kilograms were seized from commercial maritime vessels in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Heroin is smuggled by passengers or crew members aboard cruise ships, by crew members on cargo ships, and in maritime cargo. Moreover, the number of incidents involving shipments of heroin intermingled with cocaine in commercial shipping containers has increased. Heroin also is smuggled into the United States by crew members on noncommercial maritime vessels.

Within the United States, South American heroin is transported primarily overland in private and commercial vehicles, although commercial aircraft are used as well. The primary market areas for South American heroin are New York, Chicago, and Boston. Traffickers transport South American heroin from New York to drug markets throughout the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Great Lakes regions primarily via private vehicles, public and private transportation services, and commercial air carriers. Transportation from Chicago to other cities in Illinois and the Great Lakes region occurs primarily overland on interstate highways in private vehicles or commercial trucks. Boston serves as a primary market area for heroin distributed throughout New England. Colombian and Dominican traffickers transport heroin from New York along major highways in privately owned, borrowed, or leased vehicles; on public transportation (buses, trains, commercial air carriers); and via express mail and mail services to the Greater Boston area (including the cities of Lawrence, Lowell, and Lynn) and to smaller markets in Holyoke, Springfield, and Worcester. From these locations, heroin is transported by private vehicles to other locations in Massachusetts and into New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.

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Southeast Asian heroin is transported from Burma and, to a lesser extent, Laos and Thailand to North America via containerized maritime cargo, couriers on commercial flights, and mail services. Ethnic Chinese (principally Fukinese) and West African (principally Nigerian) criminal groups are the primary transporters of Southeast Asian heroin to North America. Southeast Asian heroin is transported from refineries in Burma and Laos to seaports in Burma, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam for transshipment in containerized cargo through locations such as Taiwan and Hong Kong. The heroin, typically packaged in half-unit blocks (350 grams per block) of compressed powder, is concealed among legitimate commodities in shipping containers. The containerized cargo shipments are transported to major POEs along the West Coast of the United States and Canada. Some of the heroin smuggled into western Canada is smuggled across the border to the northwestern United States; however, intelligence gaps exist regarding volume, organizational involvement, smuggling methods, and trafficking routes. Some also is transported eastward across Canada and into the United States through POEs at Buffalo and Detroit. The heroin, whether shipped directly to the United States or through Canada, is transported primarily to markets in the Great Lakes and Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions.

West African criminal groups--typically Nigerian--are prominent transporters of Southeast Asian heroin to the United States, and they sometimes intermingle shipments of Southeast Asian heroin with shipments of Southwest Asian heroin. Nigerians employ couriers and coordinate shipments from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Couriers fly primarily to Chicago but also to other U.S. cities including Baltimore, New York, and Washington, D.C.

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Southwest Asia

Southwest Asian heroin is transported to the United States by couriers on commercial flights as well as via mail services. Couriers take flights from Afghanistan and Pakistan, transiting countries in Africa, Central Asia, and Europe before arriving at U.S. airports in cities such as New York, Detroit, Chicago and, occasionally, Los Angeles. Southwest Asian heroin is transported to the United States by a multitude of criminal groups including those of Afghan, East European, Indian, Pakistani, Russian, and Turkish origin. Nigerians also are heavily involved in the transportation of Southwest Asian heroin to the United States. Southwest Asian heroin smuggled into New York, Chicago, and Detroit usually is consumed in those areas. Southwest Asian heroin smuggled into Los Angeles typically transits that city en route to the eastern half of the country, including New York, Chicago, and Detroit.

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Distribution

Heroin distribution occurs throughout all major metropolitan areas in the country and is increasing in suburban and rural areas. According to law enforcement reporting, a wide range of criminal groups, gangs, and independent dealers distribute heroin throughout the country. Distributors from major metropolitan areas continue to establish ties to new suburban and rural markets, particularly in the eastern United States. Some distributors relocate to or establish temporary residences in outlying areas to establish lower-level distribution points for those areas. Others remain in metropolitan areas and supply lower-level distributors who travel from outlying areas to purchase heroin for resale back in their communities.

Colombian and Mexican DTOs and criminal groups as well as Dominican, Nigerian, and Asian criminal groups are the primary wholesale-level heroin distributors in the country. Colombian DTOs and criminal groups and Dominican criminal groups dominate wholesale heroin distribution in cities in the eastern United States including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Colombian DTOs and criminal groups are primary wholesale heroin distributors in Chicago and San Juan (PR) as well. Mexican DTOs and criminal groups control the wholesale distribution of Mexican heroin and are most active in cities in the western United States including Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. Nigerian criminal groups are actively involved in wholesale heroin distribution in Baltimore, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C., while Asian criminal groups distribute wholesale quantities of heroin in cities in the northeastern United States, particularly New York. Others involved in wholesale heroin distribution include Jamaican, Middle Eastern, and Puerto Rican criminal groups and local independent dealers.

Criminal groups that distribute heroin at the retail level typically vary according to the type of heroin and the location of the market. Dominican criminal groups are prominent retail heroin distributors in many cities in the eastern United States where South American is the dominant heroin type, although African American and Puerto Rican criminal groups and local independent dealers also are heavily involved in retail-level heroin distribution in the East. In Florida and Puerto Rico, where South American heroin also is the predominant type, Puerto Rican criminal groups are dominant retail-level heroin distributors. Mexican criminal groups are the primary retail-level heroin distributors of Mexican black tar and, to a lesser extent, brown powder heroin in cities in the western United States including Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. Members of street gangs such as Gangster Disciples, Vice Lords, and Latin Kings are the primary retail-level heroin distributors in the Great Lakes region, particularly in Chicago. According to DEA and HIDTA reporting, street gangs are active in retail-level heroin distribution to varying degrees in heroin markets located throughout the country. NDTS data indicate that 11.6 percent of state and local law enforcement officials nationwide report that street gang involvement in heroin distribution is moderate or high in their areas. More respondents in the Pacific (21.2%), Southwest (18.9%), and Northeast/Mid-Atlantic (14.2%) regions reported street gang involvement in heroin distribution than in the Great Lakes (9.9%), West Central (7.5%), and Southeast (6.2%) regions. The data also show that 4.8 percent of state and local law enforcement officials nationwide indicate that OMG involvement in heroin distribution is moderate or high in their areas.

Retail-level heroin packaging varies according to the type of heroin and the location of the market. In the eastern United States, where white powdered heroin is the predominant type, packaging includes glassine bags, small zipper-type bags, gelatin capsules, glass vials, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap. In some locations, including Boston, Philadelphia, Newark, and New York, the glassine and zipper-type bags are stamped with brand names or logos. In the western United States, where Mexican heroin is the predominant type, heroin packaging includes aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, and small balloons.

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Heroin is distributed and abused in all major metropolitan areas in the United States and in many suburban and rural areas as well. Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, however, are considered primary market areas for heroin because abuse levels are high and distribution from these cities is widespread. Boston also is a primary market area for heroin, albeit on a smaller scale than Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Other cities that are not primary market areas but are significant markets in terms of distribution or abuse include Baltimore, Detroit, Miami, Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Figure 12.  Primary Market Areas: Heroin

Boston. Consequences of heroin use continue to increase in Boston, primarily due to the ready availability of low cost, high purity South American heroin. DAWN data indicate that the number of ED mentions in Boston decreased from 4,358 in 2001 to 3,999 in 2002. Nonetheless, the estimated rate per 100,000 population increased from 83 in 1995 to 111 in 2002. Mortality data from DAWN indicate that 195 of the 374 drug deaths in 2001 involved heroin/morphine, as did 183 of the 343 drug deaths in 2000, more than any other single drug in both years. Heroin/morphine was the drug of abuse for 27 of the 84 single-drug deaths in 2001. Community Epidemiology Work Group reports that, excluding alcohol, over 74 percent of treatment admissions in Boston in 2001 were for primary heroin abuse.

South American heroin is distributed from the Greater Boston area to smaller markets throughout New England. New York-based Colombian DTOs and criminal groups and Dominican criminal groups transport South American heroin overland from New York City in private vehicles equipped with hidden compartments and rental vehicles via I-95 to the Greater Boston area, where Dominican criminal groups serve as midlevel distributors. South American heroin usually is transported from the Greater Boston area to other locations throughout Massachusetts and into New Hampshire via Interstates 93 and 95 and Maine via I-95. Limited quantities of Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin also are transported into Boston from sources in Canada, generally by couriers aboard commercial aircraft but also via mail services. Retail distributors of heroin in Boston include African American, Asian, Caucasian, Colombian, Dominican, and Puerto Rican criminal groups, street gangs such as Warren Garden Bluntheads and Big Head Boys, and local independent dealers.

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Chicago. Consequences of heroin use in Chicago are among the highest in the nation. DAWN data show that there were 12,982 ED mentions in Chicago in 2002--the highest for any DAWN city reporting in 2001, up from 11,902 in 2001. Mortality data from DAWN show that 352 of the 854 drug deaths in Chicago in 2001 involved heroin/morphine, as did 499 of the 869 deaths in 2000. Heroin/morphine was the drug of abuse for 78 of the 308 single-drug deaths in 2001. According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, nearly 16,800 individuals were admitted to publicly funded treatment facilities in Chicago for heroin abuse during FY2001. ADAM data show that 26.0 percent of adult male arrestees tested positive for opiates--usually heroin--in Chicago in 2002, more than for any other city.

Heroin from each of the four source areas is available in Chicago to varying degrees. White powder heroin, primarily South American and Southeast Asian but also Southwest Asian, is readily available. Mexican black tar heroin and brown powder heroin are available as well, but to a lesser extent. According to DEA, the availability of heroin, most notably that of South American origin, continues to increase in Chicago. From Chicago, heroin is transported overland via Interstates 55, 57, 80, 88, 90, and 94 to locations throughout Illinois and to other states including Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Chicago-based criminal groups increasingly are supplying midlevel and retail distributors in St. Louis with white heroin. Colombian DTOs and criminal groups control the transportation and wholesale distribution of South American heroin, Nigerian criminal groups control the transportation and distribution of Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin, and Mexican criminal groups supply Mexican black tar heroin in the city. Members of African American and Hispanic street gangs distribute retail quantities of heroin at numerous open-air markets on the West Side of Chicago.

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Los Angeles. The consequences of high levels of heroin abuse in Los Angeles are reflected in ED and mortality data, although such consequences may be decreasing. DAWN data indicate that the number of ED mentions in Los Angeles decreased from 2,878 in 2001 to 2,525 in 2002. Mortality data from DAWN show that heroin/morphine was mentioned in 644 of 1,887 drug deaths in Los Angeles in 1999 and 473 of the 1,192 deaths in 2000, the latest year for which data are available. Heroin/morphine was the drug of abuse in 76 of the 295 single-drug deaths in 2000. According to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, more than 17,000 individuals were admitted to publicly funded treatment facilities in Los Angeles County for heroin abuse in FY2002. ADAM data show that 5.8 percent of adult male arrestees in Los Angeles tested positive for opiates--usually heroin--in 2002.

Los Angeles is the primary market area for large quantities of Mexican black tar heroin and, to a lesser extent, brown powder heroin distributed throughout the western United States. According to DEA, Mexican heroin is smuggled into the Los Angeles area daily via the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexican DTOs and criminal groups in Los Angeles control the transportation and wholesale and retail distribution of Mexican heroin. Mexican heroin is transported to and stored in the Los Angeles area for further distribution to heroin markets primarily in the western half of the country. Interstate 5, which runs from Mexico to Canada through markets such as Portland and Seattle, is a main route used by traffickers using private and, to a lesser extent, commercial vehicles to transport Mexican heroin that is distributed in California, Oregon, and Washington. Heroin also is transported in private and, to a lesser extent, commercial vehicles north from Los Angeles on US 101 to markets such as San Francisco and on US 99 to markets including Modesto, Stockton, and Sacramento. In addition to cities in California, Oregon, and Washington, Mexican heroin is transported from Los Angeles to Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, and other cities located primarily in the western United States.

Heroin from South America and Southeast and Southwest Asia is encountered in Los Angeles on a limited basis, although Los Angeles is primarily a transshipment point for limited amounts of these types of heroin. South American and Asian heroin encountered in Los Angeles is usually destined for markets in the eastern United States.

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New York. The high level of heroin abuse in New York City is reflected in consequence data. DAWN data indicate that the number of ED mentions in New York decreased slightly from 10,644 in 2001 to 10,397 in 2002, but remained among the highest in the nation. Mortality data from DAWN indicate that heroin/morphine was mentioned in 174 of 729 deaths involving drugs in 1999 and 194 of the 924 deaths in 2000, the latest year for which data are available. According to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, the total number of primary heroin admissions to state-funded and private treatment programs in New York increased from 20,879 in 1999 to 21,616 in 2000. During both years, more admissions were for heroin abuse than for any other drug. ADAM data show that 15.0 percent of adult male arrestees tested positive for opiates--usually heroin--in 2002.

New York is the primary market area for South American heroin distributed throughout cities in the eastern United States including Baltimore, Boston, and Philadelphia. Traffickers employ couriers to transport heroin from New York along I-95, which provides a direct connection to all major cities on the East Coast. Colombian DTOs and criminal groups and Dominican criminal groups control the wholesale distribution of South American heroin in New York. Dominican criminal groups are the predominant retail distributors of South American heroin, although a variety of other criminal groups and independent dealers also sell retail quantities. New York also is a primary market area for lesser quantities of Southeast and Southwest Asian heroin. Chinese and West African criminal groups control the wholesale distribution of Southeast Asian heroin. Pakistani criminal groups are the most prominent distributors of Southwest Asian heroin, although DEA reports that Russian organized crime groups increasingly are involved in Southwest Asian heroin trafficking in New York.

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Key Developments

Newly acquired data on opium yield estimates for Colombian poppy show that the average opium yield is significantly higher than previously thought. Consequently, potential heroin production estimates for Colombia for 2002 were based on this and other new data, and estimates for previous years have been revised upwards. The potential heroin production estimate for Colombia for 2001, for example, was revised from 4.3 metric tons to 11.3 metric tons. Law enforcement and intelligence reporting indicates that most of the heroin produced in Colombia is destined for the United States. Thus, revised estimates do not indicate that there was more heroin available in the United States in previous years; rather, they indicate that heroin from Colombia may have had a larger market share than previously believed.

Worldwide potential heroin production increased significantly in 2002 primarily because of increases in Afghanistan. Producers there began planting poppies again after the Taliban poppy ban was lifted in late 2001. As a result, Afghanistan reclaimed its position--held by Burma in 2001--as the leading heroin-producing country in the world. Conversely, potential heroin production in Burma declined for the sixth straight year in 2002. While the net effect of these changes could have a significant impact on markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia, it likely will have only a minimal effect on the availability of heroin in the United States since only small amounts of heroin from these source areas are available in U.S. drug markets.

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Projections

The trafficking and abuse of heroin will remain a significant drug threat to the United States. Heroin from South America will remain the predominant type of heroin available in the eastern United States, while Mexican heroin will remain the predominant type available in the western United States. Traffickers will continue to make sporadic attempts to increase the market share of South American heroin in the western United States and that of Mexican heroin in the eastern United States; however, the success of such attempts likely will be limited. Well-entrenched user populations in these respective areas have generally preferred the specific local types of heroin. However, continued growth and diversification of the market into younger and suburban populations may present opportunities for each product in nontraditional markets.

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End Notes

17. The DMP is a heroin purchase program designed to identify the purity, price, and source of origin of retail-level heroin available in drug markets in 23 major U.S. metropolitan areas.

18. Under the HSP, DEA's Special Testing and Research Laboratory analyzes heroin samples from POE seizures, as well as a random sample of other seizures and purchases submitted to DEA laboratories, to determine source areas.

19. Opium production estimates are now reported in terms of oven-dried opium. Previous estimates presumed that opium contained 15 percent moisture; however, because moisture content varies among the source regions, estimates of oven-dried opium allow for global comparisons.

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