Methamphetamine

The threat posed to the United States by the trafficking and abuse of methamphetamine is high and increasing. Methamphetamine availability is very high in the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions. In the Great Lakes and Southeast regions methamphetamine availability has increased to such a level that most state and local law enforcement agencies now report that availability of the drug is either high or moderate in their areas. Methamphetamine availability in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region is low but increasing. Despite wide-ranging reports of increasing availability, the number of methamphetamine-related OCDETF investigations and DEA arrests, as well as the amount of methamphetamine seized by federal agencies, decreased from 2001 to 2002. Methamphetamine use appears to be highest among young adults, and the consequences of such use are trending upward.

Domestic methamphetamine production appears to be increasing. The number of methamphetamine laboratory seizures increased overall from 2002 to 2003, while the number of seizures of high-capacity superlabs appears to have remained stable. However, DEA reports that methamphetamine production in Mexico--the primary foreign source area for the drug--appears to have increased.

Methamphetamine is transported primarily by Mexican criminal groups as well as gangs (including OMGs), and independent methamphetamine producers primarily via private vehicles and, to a much lesser extent, by mail services to drug markets throughout the country. Southeast Asian methamphetamine available in the United States typically is transported to the country via commercial air carriers primarily for distribution in Asian communities in western states. Methamphetamine distribution has expanded to include greater portions of the Great Lakes and Southeast regions as well as some areas of the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region. Mexican criminal groups control most methamphetamine distribution in the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions and supply much of the wholesale methamphetamine to eastern states, where Caucasian independent dealers and OMGs control midlevel and retail distribution of the drug. The primary market areas for methamphetamine are Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and the Central States (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri).

NDTS 2003 data reveal that, nationally, 36.2 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies identified methamphetamine as their greatest drug threat, ranking second only to cocaine (37%). State and local law enforcement agencies in the Pacific (90.9%), West Central (80.2%), and Southwest (51.6%) regions were more likely to identify methamphetamine as their greatest drug threat than were agencies in the Great Lakes (29.4%), Southeast (28%), and Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions (2.7%).

Contributing to the magnitude of the threat posed by methamphetamine abuse, methamphetamine users may experience a range of physiological effects including loss of appetite; weight loss; periodontal disease; increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration; hyperthermia; nerve damage; and stroke. Psychological effects of methamphetamine use may include euphoria, paranoia, agitation, mood disturbances, and chronic depression.

Further contributing to the threat posed by the trafficking and abuse of methamphetamine, some chemicals used to produce methamphetamine are flammable, and improper storage, use, or disposal of such chemicals often leads to clandestine laboratory fires and explosions. National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System (NCLSS) 2003 data show that there were 529 reported methamphetamine laboratory fires or explosions nationwide, a slight decrease from 654 reported fires or explosions in 2002.

Toxic chemicals used to produce methamphetamine often are discarded in rivers, fields, and forests, causing environmental damage that results in high cleanup costs. For example, DEA's annual cost for cleanup of clandestine laboratories (almost entirely methamphetamine laboratories) in the United States has increased steadily from FY1995 ($2 million), to FY1999 ($12.2 million), to FY 2002 ($23.8 million). Moreover, the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Information Clearinghouse, a component of the Los Angeles HIDTA, reports that in 2002 methamphetamine laboratory cleanup costs in the combined Central Valley and Los Angeles HIDTA areas alone reached $3,909,809. Statewide, California spent $4,974,517 to remediate methamphetamine laboratories and dumpsites in 2002.

NDTS 2003 data show that 31.6 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide identified methamphetamine as the drug that most contributes to violent crime in their area, ranking second to cocaine (50.1%). Furthermore, methamphetamine was identified as the drug that most contributes to property crime by 29.8 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide. Agencies in the Pacific region were more likely to identify methamphetamine as the drug that most contributes to both violent crime (86.3%), and property crime (80.2%) than were agencies in any other region. The West Central region ranked second, with 72.6 percent and 73.3 percent of agencies identifying methamphetamine as the drug that most contributes to violent crime and property crime, respectively.

Availability

Methamphetamine is widely available throughout the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions, and availability has risen to high or moderate levels in most areas of the Great Lakes and Southeast regions. Methamphetamine availability in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region remains low; however, several law enforcement agencies in the region have reported increased availability of the drug over the past year. Powdered methamphetamine--produced domestically and, to a lesser extent, in Mexico--is the predominant type available in domestic drug markets. Other forms--ice methamphetamine produced in the United States and Mexico and methamphetamine tablets produced in Southeast Asia--also are available, though to a much lesser extent.

Estimates regarding the total amount of methamphetamine available are inconclusive, largely because of unsubstantiated or unknown laboratory capacity estimates in source areas and limitations in seizure data. However, in attempting to quantify the amount of methamphetamine available in the United States, the interagency Methamphetamine Availability Working Group established an estimated range in 2001 of 106.5 to 144.1 metric tons of uncut methamphetamine--defined as at least 92 percent pure. This estimate is derived from analysis of limited data and, as such, has a high degree of uncertainty.

DEA Field Divisions, HIDTAs, and Pulse Check sources indicate that, overall, methamphetamine in its various forms is available in most U.S. drug markets and that in many markets availability is increasing. All but three DEA Field Divisions (Caribbean, Newark, and Boston) report increasing methamphetamine availability in their areas. Furthermore, nearly all (18 of 21) DEA Field Divisions report that both Mexico-produced and domestic methamphetamine are available in their areas, and 12 Field Divisions report that ice methamphetamine is available in their areas. In the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions, availability of powdered methamphetamine appears to be stable to slightly increasing. The availability of ice methamphetamine in those regions also appears to be increasing, particularly in Arizona, Hawaii, California, Denver, Houston, Kansas City (MO), Montana, Nevada, Omaha, and Seattle; however, nationally, ice methamphetamine availability remains limited overall. Availability of powdered methamphetamine appears to be increasing in the Great Lakes region and portions of the Southeast region, particularly in Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, northern Alabama, and northern and central Florida. DEA Field Divisions, HIDTAs, and Pulse Check sources indicate that ice methamphetamine availability also is increasing in the Southeast region, particularly in Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region, law enforcement reporting indicates that methamphetamine availability remains low; however, availability is increasing slowly, particularly in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Increasing Methamphetamine Production
in North Carolina

Officials from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) report that the availability and abuse of methamphetamine are steadily increasing in the state, as indicated by an increasing number of methamphetamine laboratory seizures. According to NCSBI officials, the number of methamphetamine laboratories seized in the state increased from 11 in 2000, to 34 in 2001, to 97 in 2002. They report that as of October 31, 2003, 154 methamphetamine laboratories were seized. If the rate of seizures continues at the current pace, NCSBI officials estimate that almost 200 laboratories will be seized in 2003, and 300 to 400 will be seized in 2004. Most of the laboratories seized in the state are capable of producing only 4 to 6 grams of methamphetamine per production cycle. However, a limited number are capable of manufacturing multiounce quantities of methamphetamine per cycle.

NDTS 2003 data show that 64.6 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide described methamphetamine availability as high or moderate in their jurisdictions, an increase from 58.8 percent in 2002. The percentage of state and local law enforcement agencies that reported that methamphetamine availability was low in their areas decreased slightly from 30.6 percent in 2002 to 28.8 percent in 2003.

The number of OCDETF investigations involving methamphetamine decreased from 249 in FY2001 to 222 in FY2002; however, the percentage of OCDETF investigations involving methamphetamine increased during the same period from 18.6 percent (249 of 1,336) to 24.7 percent (222 of 900). The number of OCDETF indictments in which methamphetamine was charged decreased between FY2001 (955) and FY2002 (731). In both fiscal years, the West Central OCDETF region accounted for the most methamphetamine-related investigations and indictments (58 and 222).

The number of DEA arrests for methamphetamine-related offenses decreased from 7,732 in FY2001, to 5,879 in FY2002, to 5,553 in FY 2003. These decreases likely are due to a shift by DEA to investigate fewer but higher priority methamphetamine targets. USSC data show that in 2001 methamphetamine-related federal sentences accounted for 14.2 percent of all federal drug sentences incurred in that year.

According to FDSS data, the amount of methamphetamine seized by federal agencies declined from 2,769.4 kilograms in 2001 to 2,512.6 kilograms in 2002. FDSS data for 2002 further show that the states reporting the most methamphetamine seized were California (933.6 kg), Texas (370.4 kg), and Arizona (293.9 kg); these also were the top three states for FDSS methamphetamine seizures in 2001.

NFLIS data for 2002 indicate that methamphetamine was the third most commonly identified drug in state and local forensic laboratories nationwide, accounting for 11.8 percent of all drug items analyzed, after cannabis/THC (35.2%) and cocaine (31.42%). Methamphetamine was identified most often in laboratories in the West (38.2%), followed by those in the Midwest (7.2%), South (5.95%), and Northeast (0.2%).

In 2002 the price of powdered methamphetamine seized by DEA ranged nationally from $3,000 to $13,000 per pound, $300 to $1,700 per ounce, and $40 to $125 per gram, a decrease from the ranges reported in 2001. The average purity of methamphetamine samples tested by DEA in 2002 was 44 percent, up from 40 percent in 2001 and 35 percent in 2000.

In 2002 the price of ice methamphetamine seized by DEA ranged nationally from $1,200 to $70,000 per pound, $350 to $2,300 per ounce, and $120 to $500 per gram. Ice prices in 2002 were highest in Hawaii, where an ounce sold for $2,300, and pound quantities ranged from $45,000 to $70,000.

Forms of Methamphetamine

Powdered methamphetamine, also called crystal methamphetamine or crank, is the most common form of the drug encountered in the United States. Clandestinely produced powdered methamphetamine is crystalline in texture, bitter-tasting, soluble in water, and is produced in several colors including white, pink, red, tan, and brown, depending on the production method employed. Powdered methamphetamine usually is injected or snorted, but can also be ingested orally or smoked.

Ice methamphetamine, also known as glass, shabu, or batu, is a pure, highly addictive form of methamphetamine resembling shards of ice. Produced primarily in Guam, Hawaii, and Mexico, ice is the product of the process of recrystallizing powdered methamphetamine in a solvent such as water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetone to remove impurities. Ice typically is smoked using either a glass pipe, an empty aluminum can, a piece of aluminum foil, or a light bulb.

Methamphetamine tablets are produced primarily in Burma, and usually contain a combination of powdered methamphetamine and caffeine. Methamphetamine tablets found in the United States typically are green or orange-red in color, imprinted with a variety of symbols, most commonly WY or R, and are approximately the size of a pencil eraser. Methamphetamine tablets typically are ingested orally, as they are sometimes flavored and scented like candy (grape, orange, or vanilla). Tablets also are smoked by placing the tablet on a piece of aluminum foil and passing a heat source underneath the foil until the tablet melts and vapors are released. Methamphetamine tablets also can be crushed and snorted or mixed with a solvent and injected.

Types of Methamphetamine

l-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine) is produced commercially and is the active ingredient in an over-the-counter product sold in the United States. It does not have substantial addictive qualities.

dl-methamphetamine (dextro-levo-methamphetamine) is clandestinely produced using the P2P method, the preferred methamphetamine production method in the late 1970s and early 1980s (see Methamphetamine Production Methods). Although limited, production and use of dl-methamphetamine, which is less potent than d-methamphetamine, have reemerged.

d-methamphetamine (dextro-methamphetamine) is clandestinely produced using ephedrine/pseudoephedrine reduction methods (see Methamphetamine Production Methods). D-methamphetamine is highly addictive and is the most potent, widely abused form of methamphetamine.

Demand

The demand for methamphetamine in the United States appears to be highest among young adults. According to NSDUH 2002, the estimated number of past year methamphetamine users was approximately 1.5 million, significantly lower than that of marijuana (approximately 25.7 million) and cocaine (approximately 7.4 million), but higher than heroin (approximately 404,000).

Among adults, trends in methamphetamine use vary with each age group, but rates of use appear to be highest among young adults. MTF data indicate that trends in past year methamphetamine use among young adults did not change significantly from 2001 to 2002. Among college students aged 19 to 22, past year rates of powdered methamphetamine use were 2.4 percent in 2001 and 1.2 percent in 2002. Among young adults aged 19 to 28, past year methamphetamine use was 2.8 percent in 2001 and 2.5 percent in 2002. Past year ice methamphetamine use between 2001 and 2002 also was statistically unchanged for both college students (0.6% and 0.8%) and young adults (1.1% and 1.4%). NSDUH data for 2002 suggest that rates of use appear to be highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (1.7%), compared with older adults aged 26 to 34 (1.0%) and adults aged 25 and older (0.3%).

Rates of methamphetamine use among adolescents did not change significantly from 2002 to 2003; however, the most recently available drug prevalence data indicate that rates of methamphetamine use among teens appear to be highest among tenth graders. MTF data for 2002 and 2003 reveal that none of the changes in past year rates of use for powdered methamphetamine during that period among eighth graders (2.2% and 2.5%), tenth graders (3.9% and 3.3%), and twelfth graders (3.6% and 3.2%) were statistically significant. Rates of ice methamphetamine use among twelfth graders--the only adolescent cohort for which MTF data regarding ice are available--decreased significantly from 3.0 percent in 2002 to 2.0 percent in 2003. NSDUH data for 2002 show that the rate of past year methamphetamine use among adolescents aged 12 to 17 was 0.9 percent. PATS reports that rates of past year methamphetamine use among teens aged 12 to 17 remained unchanged at 7.0 percent in 2001 and 2002.

According to PATS 2002 data, the percentage of teens who perceived "great risk" in trying methamphetamine once or twice increased significantly from 47 percent in 2001 to 49 percent in 2002. Concurrently, the percentage of teens that agreed there is "great risk" in using methamphetamine regularly trended upward from 78 percent in 2001 to 79 percent in 2002.

The consequences of methamphetamine use appear to be trending upward. DAWN data indicate that the estimated number of ED mentions for methamphetamine increased steadily, from 10,447 in 1999, to 13,505 in 2000, to 14,923 in 2001, and to 17,696 in 2002, although the percentage increase from 2001 to 2002 is not statistically significant. Similarly, the estimated rate of ED mentions per 100,000 population has increased from 4 in 1999, to 5 in 2000, to 6 in 2001, to 7 in 2002. Statistically significant increases in methamphetamine ED mentions were reported by San Francisco (19.4%), Seattle (35.3%), and Atlanta (39.0%) between 2001 and 2002.

According to TEDS, the number of primary stimulant admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities increased from 73,596 in 1999 to 82,883 in 2000. TEDS reports that 99.0 percent of all primary stimulant admissions were methamphetamine/amphetamine admissions. The proportion of admissions for primary stimulants to all treatment admissions increased from 4.5 percent in 1999 to 5.2 percent in 2000. Most (72.0%) primary methamphetamine/amphetamine admissions in 2000 were for use of the drug in combination with other substances--primarily marijuana (44.4%) and alcohol (42.7%). Of the methamphetamine/amphetamine-related treatment admissions in 2000, 78.5 percent were Caucasian, 52.9 percent were males, and 39.7 percent were between the ages of 25 and 34. TEDS data further indicate that of the methamphetamine/amphetamine users admitted for treatment in 2000, the highest percentage (39.8%) reported smoking as the primary mode of administration, followed by injection (27.2%) and inhalation (21.1%). Almost half (45.0%) of methamphetamine/amphetamine admissions were criminal justice referrals.

ADAM 2002 data reveal that the median percentage of adult male arrestees that tested positive for methamphetamine use in 2002 was 5.3 percent. The highest proportions of arrestees testing positive for methamphetamine were reported in the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions. Honolulu led all ADAM reporting cities for the percentage of male arrestees (44.8%) in 2002 who tested positive for methamphetamine.

Production

Methamphetamine produced in the United States is the predominant type available in U.S. drug markets; however, methamphetamine produced in Mexico and, to a much lesser extent, Southeast Asia is available as well.

Most domestic methamphetamine production occurs in the Pacific and Southwest regions, particularly in California. Methamphetamine production in the Central States is widespread, particularly in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri; however, methamphetamine produced in laboratories in these states usually is produced in small quantities and, for the most part, distributed locally or regionally. Limited but increasing methamphetamine production occurs in eastern states. Mexico is the primary source area of foreign-produced methamphetamine available in U.S. drug markets; Southeast Asia is also a source area for limited quantities of methamphetamine destined for U.S. drug markets, primarily in the form of methamphetamine tablets.

Domestic Production

Methamphetamine production occurs, at varying levels, throughout the United States, and production appears to be increasing overall. According to NCLSS data, methamphetamine laboratory seizures were reported in 46 states in 2003. NCLSS data also show that the number of reported methamphetamine laboratory seizures increased from 8,577 in 2001 to 9,188 in 2002, to 9,815 in 2003. The number of reported seizures of superlabs--the source of most wholesale-quantity methamphetamine available in U.S. drug markets--remained almost unchanged from 2002 (145) to 2003 (143). Although no conclusive estimates regarding the amount of methamphetamine produced in the United States exist, the interagency Methamphetamine Availability Working Group, attempting to quantify the amount of domestically produced uncut methamphetamine available in the United States, established a range of 98.3 to 131.2 metric tons in 2001.

NDTS 2003 data reveal that nearly half (48.8%) of state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide described the level of methamphetamine production in their areas as either high or moderate. NDTS data further show that 27.2 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies described the level of methamphetamine production in their areas as low, while only 23.2 percent reported that methamphetamine was not produced in their areas (0.8 percent of agencies did not respond to the survey question). The highest percentage of state and local law enforcement agencies reporting high or moderate methamphetamine production levels were from the West Central region (81.2%), followed by the Pacific (76.5%), Southwest (71.7%), Southeast (61.9%), Great Lakes (43.4%), and Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions (7.2%).

The high level of methamphetamine production in Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions is reflected in NCLSS 2003 data. According to NCLSS, there were 6,162 reported methamphetamine laboratories seized in the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions, compared with 3,601 reported methamphetamine laboratory seizures in the Great Lakes, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions. Moreover, of the 143 reported superlab seizures in 2003, 137 (95.8%) occurred in states within the Pacific, Southwest, and West Central regions.

Methamphetamine production occurs throughout the United States. The primary domestic source areas of California and the Central States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, are plotted below. California is the only domestic source area that produces quantities of methamphetamine sufficient for national-level distribution and, while methamphetamine production is widespread in the Central States, the amount of methamphetamine produced in those states is adequate only for regional distribution. The counties further detailed on the map are identified through law enforcement reporting as areas of high or consistent levels of methamphetamine production.

California-based Mexican criminal groups appear to produce most of the methamphetamine consumed domestically. In the Central States, independent laboratory operators produce a considerable amount of methamphetamine; however, most of it is consumed locally, and only small amounts are transported to outlying markets. Methamphetamine production in the eastern United States is limited and typically involves OMGs or independent producers.

Clandestine methamphetamine production in California is extensive and often takes place in superlabs located in the southern and central regions of the state. The majority of superlabs seized domestically in 2003 were located in California. According to NCLSS data, of the 143 superlabs seized nationwide during 2003, 130 (90.9%) were seized in California. Mexican criminal groups control most methamphetamine production in California, producing multipound quantities of the drug during each production cycle.

In 2003 the Central Valley and Los Angeles HIDTA-designated counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare led California in reported methamphetamine laboratory seizures, with 74.3 percent (618 of 831) of all methamphetamine laboratories seized statewide. Moreover, of the 130 superlabs seized in California in 2003, 121 (93.0%) were located in these counties: 52 had the capacity to produce 20 or more pounds of methamphetamine per production cycle, and the remaining 69 were capable of producing between 10 and 20 pounds per production cycle.

Methamphetamine Production Methods

Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine Reduction

Hydriodic acid/red phosphorus. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, hydriodic acid, and red phosphorus. This method can yield multipound quantities of high quality d-methamphetamine and is the preferred method of synthesis among Mexican methamphetamine trafficking organizations.

Iodine/red phosphorus. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, iodine, and red phosphorus. The required hydriodic acid in this variation of the hydriodic acid/red phosphorus method is produced by the reaction of iodine in water with red phosphorus. This method yields high quality d-methamphetamine, and typically is employed by producers when hydriodic acid supplies are limited.

Iodine/hypophosphorous acid. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, iodine, and hypophosphorous acid. The required hydriodic acid in this variation of the hydriodic acid/red phosphorus method is produced by the reaction of iodine in water with hypophosphorous acid. Known as the hypo method, this method results in a high yield of d-methamphetamine and is employed by producers when hydriodic acid is in limited supply. The iodine/hypophosphorous acid method usually is used only when the producer is unable to acquire red phosphorus. Furthermore, the iodine/hypophosphorous acid method is particularly dangerous, often resulting in fires and explosions because of phosphine gas produced during the methamphetamine production process.

Birch. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, anhydrous ammonia, and sodium or lithium metal. Also known as the Nazi method, this method typically yields ounce quantities of high quality d-methamphetamine and typically is used by independent producers.

Phenyl-2-propanone

P2P. The principal chemicals are phenyl-2-propanone, aluminum, methylamine, and mercuric acid. This method yields lower quality dl-methamphetamine and is commonly referred to as the P2P method. It has been associated with OMGs.

Methamphetamine production is widespread in the Central States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri; however, total production yields for laboratories in these states are lower than for laboratories in California. In 2003 Missouri led all Central States in reported methamphetamine laboratory seizures with 1,075, followed by Arkansas (656), Indiana (597), Iowa (485), and Illinois (431). Most of these laboratories were Birch laboratories that used anhydrous ammonia and sodium or lithium metal to produce limited quantities of methamphetamine per production cycle. In fact, NCLSS data reveal that 97.0 percent (3,059 of 3,244) of these laboratories were small, mobile laboratories capable of producing less than 1 pound of methamphetamine per production cycle. Only four of the 3,244 methamphetamine laboratories seized in the Central States were superlabs.

Some methamphetamine production in the United States occurs on public lands, where producers take advantage of the remoteness of the areas to minimize the risk of law enforcement detection. United States Forest Service (USFS) reporting indicates that the amount of methamphetamine seized on National Forest System (NFS) lands decreased in 2002 to 114 pounds, after increasing from 93 pounds in 2000 to 154 pounds in 2001. The number of clandestine laboratories seized on NFS lands in 2001 and 2002 increased from 102 to 187, respectively, while the number of dumpsites decreased sharply from 242 in 2001 to 120 in 2002.

Other chemical reagents and solvents used in methamphetamine production--particularly by independent producers using the Birch method--such as acetone, lithium metal, muriatic acid, sodium hydroxide, toluene, and sulfuric acid are relatively simple to acquire. Anhydrous ammonia, which also is used in methamphetamine production, often is more difficult to acquire. As a result, a small number of independent methamphetamine producers who operate Birch laboratories have produced anhydrous ammonia.

NDTS 2003 data show that acetone (48.1%), anhydrous ammonia (44.6%), ether (36.0%), red phosphorus (34.5%), and muriatic acid (33.5%) were the most commonly diverted reagents and solvents identified by state and local law enforcement agencies. Agencies in the West Central region were most likely to report the diversion of anhydrous ammonia (76.5%) in their areas, followed by agencies in the Southwest (53.7%), Great Lakes (52.6%), Southeast (51.9%), Pacific (48.8%), and Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions (7.8%).

Illegal Diversion of Anhydrous Ammonia

A small number of methamphetamine producers have produced hazardous anhydrous ammonia; however, many methamphetamine producers acquire the chemical by theft from farms or chemical supply companies.

On August 25, 2003, officers from the Hancock and Shelby County (IN) Sheriff's Offices evacuated approximately 24 Fountainhead residents living near a farm cooperative storage facility after an anhydrous ammonia tank was illegally breached, resulting in the release of hazardous anhydrous ammonia gas. Hazardous material technicians from the Indianapolis Fire Department reported that an open valve in a 1,000-gallon anhydrous ammonia tank was the source of the leak. No suspects were identified, and the gas dissipated naturally. After several hours residents were allowed to return home. No injuries were sustained during the incident.

Foreign Production

Methamphetamine is produced in numerous countries throughout the world; however, Mexico and, to a much lesser extent, Southeast Asia are the principal source areas of foreign-produced methamphetamine to U.S. drug markets. There are no conclusive estimates as to the quantity of methamphetamine produced in these areas.

Mexico. Methamphetamine produced in Mexico accounts for most of the foreign-produced methamphetamine available in the United States. Although no conclusive estimates as to the amount of methamphetamine produced in Mexico exist, the interagency Methamphetamine Availability Working Group estimated that 9.2 to 13.9 metric tons of Mexico-produced, uncut methamphetamine were available to U.S. drug markets in 2001. Law enforcement reporting indicates that methamphetamine production in Mexico is significant and may be increasing despite relatively low numbers of reported laboratory seizures in that country. Most methamphetamine production in Mexico occurs in large laboratories in southwestern Mexico, primarily Michoac�n. Production occurs to a lesser extent in Baja California Norte in northern Mexico. The primary method of production in Mexico is the hydriodic acid/red phosphorus method; however, the P2P method of production also is common.

Southeast Asia. Large quantities of methamphetamine tablets are produced by criminal groups operating laboratories in Southeast Asia, particularly Burma. According to the INCSR, Burmese criminal groups produce several hundred million methamphetamine tablets each year, usually in small, mobile laboratories in Burma along the border with China and Thailand. The number of tablets seized in Burma decreased significantly from 32.4 million in 2001 to 8.8 million in the first 10 months of 2002; however, the number of laboratories seized increased from three in 2001 to six in the first 9 months of 2002. According to DEA, most methamphetamine tablets produced in Burma are produced in areas controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), a former insurgent group that has long controlled opium cultivation areas in Southeast Asia. DEA further reports that methamphetamine tablets produced in UWSA areas likely are produced with the participation or complicity of the UWSA. The INCSR reports that methamphetamine laboratories increasingly are collocated with heroin refineries. Most methamphetamine tablets are consumed in Southeast Asia; however, some reach U.S. drug markets, primarily in California. Nonetheless, seizures of methamphetamine tablets also have occurred in other states including Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Methamphetamine produced in Mexico and California, the principal domestic source area, is transported to drug markets throughout the United States, and methamphetamine produced in the Central States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri is transported and distributed regionally. Methamphetamine from Southeast Asia also is transported in limited quantities to U.S. drug markets, primarily those in California. Reporting from law enforcement and intelligence agencies indicates that methamphetamine produced in the Central States is transported throughout the region predominantly via private vehicles. Methamphetamine produced in Mexico typically is smuggled into the country via private and commercial vehicles and occasionally by couriers traveling on commercial flights. Methamphetamine tablets produced in Southeast Asia usually are smuggled into the United States by couriers traveling on commercial flights and via mail and package delivery services.

Methamphetamine is transported throughout the United States overland in private and commercial vehicles and, to a lesser extent, by couriers on commercial domestic flights, by mail, and by package delivery services. Transporters of methamphetamine include DTOs, criminal groups, OMGs, and independent traffickers.

Methamphetamine transporters use various methods to package and conceal the drug during transportation. Mexico-produced and domestically produced methamphetamine typically is packaged in 1-pound compressed bricks wrapped in aluminum foil, duct tape, paper, or heat-sealed plastic wrap. Bricks often are placed in large plastic bags and plastic storage bins during transportation. Methamphetamine bricks sometimes are wrapped with scented dryer sheets or covered with grease, coffee, detergent, or salve to mask the scent of the drug. When transported via private and commercial vehicles, methamphetamine often is concealed in false compartments, spare tires, seats, and gas tanks. Methamphetamine transported via tractor-trailer frequently is commingled with legitimate cargo including furniture and produce. Couriers smuggle methamphetamine in checked and carry-on luggage, or inside items packed in luggage. Couriers also tape packages of methamphetamine to their bodies or conceal it in their clothing. Quantities smuggled per shipment vary from ounce to multipound quantities, depending on the transportation method.

Routes from Foreign Source Areas

Mexico-produced methamphetamine is smuggled into the United States, often directly to stash houses in San Diego and Los Angeles, primarily by couriers in private and commercial vehicles and by couriers on foot through and between POEs along the U.S.-Mexico border. EPIC reporting indicates that the amount of methamphetamine seized along the Southwest Border increased slightly from 1,172 kilograms in 2001 to 1,223 kilograms in 2002, with the most (60%) seized at or between California POEs.

Methamphetamine tablets, produced principally in Burma, are smuggled into the United States by couriers on commercial flights, mail, and package delivery services. The number of methamphetamine tablets seized decreased significantly between 2001 and 2002 from 180,183 to 39,395 dosage units (tablets). According to EPIC, all the methamphetamine tablets seized at U.S. POEs in 2002 (57,278 dosage units) were seized from commercial flights. (Seizures from flights to package delivery service hubs and international U.S. Postal Service facilities are recorded as seizures from commercial flights.)

Mexico. Mexican DTOs and criminal groups use a variety of methods to transport methamphetamine from production sites and stash houses in Mexico to and across the U.S.-Mexico border. Mexican DTOs most commonly use private vehicles to transport smaller shipments, while they use commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and passenger buses to transport bulk quantities of methamphetamine produced at high-capacity laboratories in southwestern Mexico. Large shipments commonly are repackaged in smaller quantities at staging areas near the U.S.-Mexico border before being smuggled into the United States. Mexican DTOs also use couriers on foot to smuggle methamphetamine into the United States, particularly between POEs.

According to EPIC data for 2000 through 2002, the amount of methamphetamine seized at U.S.-Mexico border POEs increased from 503.3 kilograms in 2000 to 774.4 kilograms in 2001 and 775.7 kilograms in 2002. During all 3 years, California POEs far surpassed the other U.S.-Mexico border POEs with 343 kilograms of methamphetamine seized in 2000, 554 kilograms in 2001, and 396 kilograms in 2002. The San Ysidro POE accounted for most of the methamphetamine seized at the California-Mexico border in 2002 with 280 kilograms, followed by Calexico (207 kg), and Otay Mesa (156 kg). Mexico-produced methamphetamine destined for California POEs likely is most commonly transported along Mexico Highways 2 and 3 toward U.S. Interstates 5 and 8. Methamphetamine transported to and through the California POEs is transported in private and commercial vehicles to primary market areas in Los Angeles (I-5, US 101), Phoenix (I-8, I-10), San Diego (I-8, I-5), San Francisco (I-5, US 101), and to areas of the Central States primary market area including Chicago (I-80, I-40), Des Moines (I-15, I-70, I-76, I-80), Indianapolis (I-70), and Kansas City (MO) (I-15, I-70).

In 2001 and 2002, Texas and Arizona POEs ranked second and third behind California POEs for the amount of methamphetamine seized. The amount of methamphetamine seized at Texas POEs increased from 133 kilograms in 2001 to 195.9 kilograms in 2002. Texas POEs accounting for most of the methamphetamine seized at the Texas-Mexico border in 2002 were Pharr (57 kg), Hidalgo (51 kg), Laredo (45 kg), Eagle Pass (28 kg), and El Paso (15 kg). Mexico-produced methamphetamine destined for Texas POEs likely is transported along Mexico Highways 2 (Hidalgo), 40 (Pharr), 45 (El Paso), 85 (Laredo), and 97 (Pharr). Methamphetamine transported to and through the Texas POEs usually is transported in private and commercial vehicles to areas of the Central States primary market area including Chicago (US 77, I-35, I-70, I-55), Kansas City (MO) (US 281, I-35), Little Rock (US 281, I-37, I-35, I-30), and St. Louis (US 281, US 77, I-35, US 75, I-44).

The amount of methamphetamine seized at Arizona POEs increased sharply from 87 kilograms in 2001 to 184 kilograms in 2002. The Nogales POE accounted for most of the methamphetamine seized at the Arizona-Mexico border in 2002 with 161 kilograms, followed by Lukeville (13 kg), Douglas (8 kg), and San Luis (2 kg). Mexican methamphetamine transporters often travel Mexican Highways 2 and 15 to and along the U.S.-Mexico border to smuggle methamphetamine into Arizona. It is then transported to U.S. drug markets via U.S. Interstates 10, 17, and 40. Along the Arizona-Mexico border, US 95 and US 191, State Highway 85, and I-19 offer direct routes to southern Arizona and I-10, which spans the length of the southern United States, facilitating the transportation of methamphetamine to drug markets in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Interstate 10 also connects in Phoenix with northbound I-17, providing a direct route from east to west on I-40, which traverses northern Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Southeast Asia. Methamphetamine tablets produced in Southeast Asia are intended principally for markets in China, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. However, some methamphetamine tablets are smuggled--primarily by ethnic Thai or Laotian criminals--into the United States via commercial air carriers and are distributed primarily within Asian communities in northern California and, to a lesser extent, Hawaii. According to DEA, methamphetamine tablets from Southeast Asia are transported to northern California through San Francisco International Airport.

Routes from Domestic Source Areas

Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups control the transportation of methamphetamine produced at laboratory sites they operate in the United States, primarily in California. OMGs and local independent producers and distributors also transport methamphetamine supplied by Mexican sources in California. OMGs and local independent producers also transport methamphetamine that they produce, primarily in California and the Central States.

California. California's extensive transportation infrastructure facilitates methamphetamine transportation from California to drug markets throughout the country, particularly the primary markets of Phoenix and the Central States. Methamphetamine produced in California--and methamphetamine smuggled into California from Mexico--is transported by private and commercial vehicles, rail, couriers on commercial flights, and mail services to cities in every region of the country. The main routes used to transport methamphetamine from California are Interstates 5, 8, 10, 15, 80, and US 101.

According to the DEA San Francisco Field Division, I-5 is the primary route to domestic methamphetamine markets on the West Coast. Interstate 5 runs from Mexico to Canada, connecting methamphetamine source areas to drug markets in California, Oregon, and Washington. Interstate 5 connects with I-80 in Sacramento, facilitating transportation to markets east of California, including those in Nevada, Utah, Illinois, Ohio, and New York. In San Diego, Interstates 8 and 15 provide eastbound routes to methamphetamine markets throughout the central and southeastern United States. Methamphetamine is transported from southern California to southern Nevada, primarily via I-15. Interstate 10 runs the length of the southern United States, facilitating the transportation of methamphetamine to markets in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Interstate 15 runs northeast from San Diego to Utah, connecting with I-70 to provide a direct route into states such as Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. US 101 runs south from Olympia (WA) to Los Angeles, linking methamphetamine markets in central and northern California, Oregon, and Washington. According to the DEA San Francisco Field Division, the San Francisco International Airport is a transshipment point for methamphetamine produced in the Central Valley destined for markets in Hawaii and the eastern United States. Methamphetamine produced in California is transported by private and commercial vehicles, rail, couriers on commercial flights, and mail and package delivery services to cities in every region of the nation. Likewise, Mexico-produced methamphetamine smuggled into San Diego and Los Angeles is transported from stash houses in those cities to U.S. drug markets.

Methamphetamine, both powdered and ice, is transported from western states, particularly California, to Hawaii for distribution.

Methamphetamine Smuggling to Hawaii

On September 2, 2003, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii announced that a defendant was convicted in February 2003 of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 30 years in prison without parole and fined $50,000. The defendant's conviction by jury and subsequent sentencing followed a December 2002 indictment, which was based on a 2-year investigation by the FBI and Honolulu Police Department. During the investigation officers determined that the defendant had obtained multiple pounds of crystal methamphetamine from sources in California and transported it to Las Vegas and then to Hawaii. According to prosecutors, from 1997 through 2002 the defendant transported approximately 1,000 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from Las Vegas into Hawaii in 3- to 15-pound quantities using couriers aboard commercial aircraft or via package delivery services. In Hawaii the methamphetamine was delivered to midlevel and retail distributors working for the defendant. Evidence introduced at the trial revealed that the defendant had laundered the proceeds of the drug sales (approximately $1.3 million) through two fictitious shell corporations that he had established. Following the trial a federal judge ordered the forfeiture of the defendant's Las Vegas home, two boats, seven vehicles, jewelry, and $180,000 acquired with the proceeds of drug trafficking.

Central States. Most of the methamphetamine produced in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri is intended for sale and consumption in the area in which it is produced. In addition, Mexico- and California-based producers regularly supply wholesale and midlevel quantities of methamphetamine to distributors who then distribute the drug throughout the Central States through local midlevel distributors who, in turn, supply retail distributors. Methamphetamine transported to and through the Central States is smuggled primarily by couriers in private and commercial vehicles and, to a lesser extent, by mail, package delivery services, rail, and couriers on commercial flights. Methamphetamine traffickers also transport the drug to and through the Central States by traveling I-15, connecting with I-70 and I-80, and traveling east.

Distribution

Methamphetamine distribution is widespread in the western and central United States, is moderate and increasing in the Great Lakes and Southeast regions, and limited but increasing in many areas of the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region.

Mexican DTOs and criminal groups control most wholesale and midlevel methamphetamine distribution in western and southwestern states. Mexican wholesale distributors also supply significant amounts of methamphetamine to Caucasian midlevel distributors in the Central States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri as well as to Caucasian and Hispanic midlevel distributors in areas of the Great Lakes and Southeast regions where methamphetamine distribution is increasing. Members of OMGs and street gangs also distribute methamphetamine at varying levels throughout the country and, according to DEA, are prominent distributors in many areas of the Great Lakes, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions. Asian criminal groups, including those whose members are of Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese origin, distribute ice methamphetamine and methamphetamine tablets primarily in Hawaii and northern California; however, Mexican criminal groups still control most ice methamphetamine distribution in those states.

Methamphetamine Distribution by Mexican Criminal Groups in Eastern States

DEA and HIDTA reporting indicates increasing methamphetamine distribution in the Great Lakes and Southeast regions, facilitated largely by an increase in the number of Mexican methamphetamine distribution groups in these regions. Ten of the 12 HIDTAs within the Great Lakes and Southeast regions attribute much of the methamphetamine available in their areas to Mexican wholesale and midlevel methamphetamine distributors who supply midlevel and retail distributors in their areas. DEA Field Divisions in Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, and New Orleans also report increasing methamphetamine distribution and identify Mexican criminal groups as the primary source of methamphetamine transported into their areas for local distribution.

NDTS 2003 data indicate that OMGs and street gangs distribute significant amounts of methamphetamine nationwide and in some areas OMGs and street gangs are the predominant midlevel and retail distributors. Nationally, 17.0 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies report that OMG involvement in methamphetamine distribution is either high or moderate. Regionally, the highest percentage of agencies reporting high or moderate involvement of OMGs in methamphetamine distribution were in the Pacific (36.0%) region, followed by those in the Southwest (20.1%), Great Lakes (18.2%), West Central (17.4%), Southeast (13.8%), and Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions (11.5%). Similarly, 17.1 percent of state and local law enforcement agencies report that street gang involvement in methamphetamine distribution is either high or moderate. The highest percentage of agencies reporting high or moderate involvement of street gangs in methamphetamine distribution were in the Pacific region (48.5%), followed by agencies in the Southwest (36.6%), West Central (21.4%), Southeast (15.7%), Great Lakes (12.5%), and the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic regions (3.3%).

Methamphetamine typically is packaged for retail sale in small plastic bags, vials, waxed paper, or aluminum foil. Common slang terms for methamphetamine include eight-ball (¹/₈ oz) and teener (¹/₁₆ oz). Methamphetamine dealers often use cellular telephones and pagers to facilitate transactions with buyers, and retail sales generally take place in private homes, secluded rural areas, parking lots, motels, restaurants, bars, and dance clubs.

Primary Market Areas

Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, and San Francisco are primary market areas for methamphetamine because of relatively high demand for the drug as evidenced by drug consequence studies, and because these cities serve as the source of much of the methamphetamine available in drug markets throughout the country. The Central States of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri collectively constitute a primary market area for methamphetamine because of high demand for the drug and extensive regional methamphetamine distribution.

Los Angeles. Los Angeles may be the largest methamphetamine market in the country as well as the predominant national-level distribution center for the drug, supplying more significant drug markets than any other methamphetamine primary market area.

DAWN data for 2002 show that Los Angeles reported an estimated 1,713 ED mentions for methamphetamine, more than any other DAWN reporting city and over twice the number of the next highest city, San Francisco (727). DAWN data for 2002 further indicate that the rate of ED mentions for methamphetamine in the Los Angeles metropolitan area was 20 per 100,000 population, fourth highest among DAWN reporting cities after San Francisco (46), Seattle (25), and San Diego (23). DAWN mortality data for 2000--the most recent year for which such data are available--show 155 methamphetamine-related deaths for that year. According to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, 7,195 individuals were admitted to publicly funded treatment facilities for methamphetamine use during FY2002 in Los Angeles County.

According to ADAM data for 2002, 14.8 percent of adult male arrestees tested positive for methamphetamine, ranking Los Angeles fourteenth among ADAM sites.

U.S.-based Mexican DTOs and criminal groups in Los Angeles control wholesale and midlevel methamphetamine distribution of powdered and, to a lesser extent, ice methamphetamine produced in laboratories located in Mexico and southern California. These groups supply Hispanic gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha, 18th Street, F-Troop, and Southside Gang and independent dealers that distribute the drug locally. They also supply OMGs that distribute the drug throughout the country. Asian gangs, also active in Los Angeles, distribute ice methamphetamine in the city, primarily to a known customer base in the Asian community. The ice methamphetamine is converted from powdered methamphetamine supplied primarily by Mexican groups.

Methamphetamine distributors in the Los Angeles primary market area smuggle the drug to other primary market areas--typically using private vehicles on major U.S. highways. They transport methamphetamine to San Francisco via I-5 and US 101, San Diego via I-5, and Phoenix via I-10, as well as to areas within the Central States including Kansas City (MO) via I-10, I-15, and I-70; Little Rock via I-10, I-15, and I-40; and St. Louis via I-10, I-15, and I-70. Other significant markets supplied from the Los Angeles primary market area are Atlanta via I-10 and I-20; Dallas via I-10 and I-20; Denver via I-10, I-15, and I-70; Hawaii via mail and passenger air carriers; Houston via I-10; Jacksonville via I-10; Las Vegas via I-10 and I-15; Seattle via I-5; and St. Louis via I-10, I-15, and I-70. While Los Angeles-based methamphetamine distributors most commonly use private vehicles to transport methamphetamine, they also employ other methods including mail services and couriers on commercial flights.

Phoenix. Public health and law enforcement agencies indicate that methamphetamine use and distribution are widespread in Phoenix. DAWN data for 2002 show that Phoenix ranked fifth among DAWN reporting cities for the highest estimated number of ED mentions for methamphetamine (501). The rate of methamphetamine-related ED mentions in Phoenix (17 per 100,000 population) was the fifth highest among DAWN reporting cities in 2002 after San Francisco (46), Seattle (25), San Diego (23), and Los Angeles (20). DAWN medical examiner (ME) data for 2001 show that 122 of 453 drug-related deaths in Phoenix were methamphetamine-related, the highest reported number among DAWN reporting cities.

ADAM data for 2002 show that 31.2 percent of adult male arrestees in Phoenix tested positive for methamphetamine, the fourth highest percentage among ADAM reporting cities that year after Honolulu (44.8%), Sacramento (33.5%), and San Diego (31.7%).

Mexican DTOs and criminal groups control most wholesale and midlevel methamphetamine distribution in Phoenix. Federal law enforcement reporting indicates that Mexican criminal groups transport wholesale quantities of Mexico-produced methamphetamine--the most prevalent type available in Phoenix--from source areas in Sonora through the Nogales POE to Arizona. OMGs supplied by Mexican criminal groups also distribute methamphetamine in wholesale quantities but are more active in midlevel and retail methamphetamine distribution. Caucasian criminal groups and independent producers are the primary retail distributors of locally produced methamphetamine in the city.

Wholesale methamphetamine distributors in Phoenix transport the drug to significant methamphetamine market areas--typically using private vehicles on U.S. highways. They transport methamphetamine to Albuquerque via I-17 and I-40; Iowa via I-17, I-40, and I-35; Denver via I-17 and I-40; Nashville via mail; Oklahoma City via I-17 and I-40; Wichita via I-17, I-40, and I-35; and Orlando via I-10, I-95, and I-4.

San Diego. San Diego is a primary market area for methamphetamine because of very high demand for the drug and because of significant national-level methamphetamine distribution from the city to markets throughout the country. DAWN data for 2002 show that San Diego ranked third among all DAWN reporting cities with 598 ED mentions for methamphetamine. San Diego also reported the third highest rate of methamphetamine ED mentions (23 per 100,000 population) among DAWN reporting cities. DAWN mortality data for 2001 indicate that San Diego reported 94 methamphetamine-related deaths, the second highest among DAWN reporting cities despite a decrease from 112 in 2000. According to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, 7,115 persons were admitted to publicly funded treatment facilities in San Diego County for methamphetamine in FY2002.

ADAM data for 2002 show that 31.7 percent of adult male arrestees tested positive for methamphetamine in San Diego, the third highest percentage among ADAM reporting cities, after Honolulu (44.8%) and Sacramento (33.5%).

San Diego-based Mexican criminal groups transport multikilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico and southern California to San Diego for local, regional, and national distribution. Mexican methamphetamine distributors control most wholesale and midlevel distribution in the city. Caucasian independent dealers and Hispanic street gangs, supplied by Mexican midlevel distributors, are the primary retail distributors of methamphetamine in San Diego.

Methamphetamine distributors in the San Diego area supply the primary market areas of Los Angeles via I-5; Phoenix via I-8, State Highway 85, and I-10; San Francisco via I-5; as well as cities in the Central States including Des Moines via I-5, I-15, I-70, I-76, and I-80; Kansas City (MO) (route unknown); Little Rock via I-8, I-10, I-20, and I-30; Rapid City via mail; and St. Louis via I-15, I-40, and I-44. Methamphetamine distributors in San Diego also supply significant markets in other states including Colorado via I-5, I-15, and I-70; Georgia via I-8, I-10, I-59, and I-20; Louisiana via I-8 and I-10; Nevada via I-15; Texas via I-8 and I-10; Utah via I-15; and Washington via I-5.

San Francisco. San Francisco is a primary market area for methamphetamine because of relatively high levels of methamphetamine use and national-level distribution from San Francisco to other markets throughout the country. DAWN data indicate that the estimated number of ED mentions for methamphetamine in the San Francisco metropolitan area increased significantly from 611 in 2001 to 727 in 2002. The rate of ED mentions in San Francisco also increased significantly between 2001 and 2002 (39 to 46 per 100,000 population), the highest rate among DAWN cities. The number of methamphetamine-related deaths in the San Francisco metropolitan area decreased from 45 in 2000 to 32 in 2001; however, the city still ranked sixth among DAWN reporting cities. According to the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, 986 individuals were admitted to publicly funded treatment facilities in San Francisco for methamphetamine use in FY2002.

Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups control most methamphetamine distribution in San Francisco, supplying multipound quantities of Mexico-produced and domestic methamphetamine to midlevel distributors in the city including OMGs, street gangs, and independent dealers. Asian gangs distribute ice methamphetamine and methamphetamine tablets, albeit in limited quantities, within the city, primarily among known acquaintances within the Asian community.

San Francisco-based wholesale methamphetamine distributors transport bulk quantities of the drug in private vehicles to the primary market areas of Los Angeles and San Diego via I-5. San Francisco-based distributors transporting methamphetamine to significant markets north of San Francisco in Portland and Seattle also use I-5. Smugglers typically use I-80 when transporting methamphetamine from San Francisco to markets east of the city including Reno and Salt Lake City. Methamphetamine distributors in San Francisco also transport methamphetamine via couriers on commercial flights to markets in Hawaii, Alaska, and other significant markets in the eastern United States.

Central States. Law enforcement reporting suggests that methamphetamine use and distribution is very high in many rural and suburban areas of the Central States and less so in metropolitan areas, where most drug consequence data are collected. Therefore, available drug consequence data for methamphetamine use in the Central States likely underrepresents the problem, perhaps significantly. DAWN data indicate that St. Louis, located near the center of the region, ranked eighth among all DAWN cities in 2002 with 150 ED mentions for methamphetamine. Chicago, the only other DAWN reporting city within the Central States primary market area, reported 42 ED mentions for methamphetamine in 2002 of a total 56,759 ED drug mentions for the city. This low number of methamphetamine-related ED mentions for Chicago is consistent with law enforcement reporting that suggests that methamphetamine production and distribution are high throughout Illinois, with the exception of the Chicago metropolitan area, where methamphetamine prevalence remains very low.

DAWN mortality data for Chicago, Kansas City (MO), and St. Louis--the only DAWN ME reporting cities in the Central States--show relatively few methamphetamine-related deaths. DAWN mortality data for Kansas City (MO) show that methamphetamine was mentioned in 15 of 258 drug-related deaths in 2001 and 13 of 244 deaths in 1999. (Data for 2000 are not available.) In St. Louis, methamphetamine was mentioned in 3 of 264 drug-related deaths in 2001 and in 9 of 234 such deaths in 2000. Again, the limited use and distribution of methamphetamine within the Chicago metropolitan area are reflected in DAWN mortality data for the city, which show that only 1 of 854 drug-related deaths in 2001 and only 2 of 869 deaths in 2000 were methamphetamine-related.

TEDS data for 2000 reveal that methamphetamine/amphetamine-related admissions in the Central States accounted for approximately 13.5 percent of all methamphetamine/amphetamine-related admissions nationwide, unchanged from 13.6 percent in 1999.

Two ADAM sites within the Central States for 2002--both located in Iowa--reported relatively high rates of positive methamphetamine tests among adult male arrestees. Those sites, Des Moines (20.2%) and Woodbury (16.4%), ranked tenth and eleventh among the 33 ADAM sites nationwide. The remaining sites within the Central States--Indianapolis (1.5%) and Chicago (0.3%)--reported significantly lower rates.

According to HIDTA and DEA reporting, methamphetamine distribution and use are widespread and increasing in most areas of the Central States, with the exception of the Chicago metropolitan area. Mexican traffickers frequently distribute wholesale quantities of methamphetamine produced in California and southwestern states and in Mexico to Caucasian and Hispanic midlevel distributors in the Central States who, in turn, supply local retail distributors. Numerous local independent producers also distribute methamphetamine they produce in the Central States--in retail quantities--among a known customer base, rarely distributing to unfamiliar individuals. According to DEA, HIDTA, Pulse Check, and state and local law enforcement agencies, methamphetamine is widely distributed in rural areas and, to a lesser extent, in urban areas. Distribution occurs in private homes, hotels, bars, retail businesses, and parking lots in the Central States, often by distributors who use cellular phones and pagers to arrange sales.

Methamphetamine transported to and through the Central States is smuggled primarily by couriers in private and commercial vehicles and, to a lesser extent, by mail services, rail, and couriers on commercial flights. Distributors also transport methamphetamine from source areas in western states to and through the Central States by traveling I-15 and I-35, connecting with I-70 and I-80, and traveling east.

Other Significant Markets. Several other significant methamphetamine markets exist in the United States. In these areas, methamphetamine use and distribution are at elevated levels; however, the levels of use and distribution in these areas do not appear to be comparable to those of the primary market areas. Significant methamphetamine markets include Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Omaha, Orlando, Portland (OR), Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Tucson, and Yakima (WA).

Key Developments

Law enforcement reporting indicates that methamphetamine producers in Washington have produced anhydrous ammonia in home laboratories and that methamphetamine producers in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Montana have attempted to produce anhydrous ammonia. Forensic scientists believe that the anhydrous ammonia clandestinely produced in Washington was of sufficient quality to produce methamphetamine. Production of anhydrous ammonia in home laboratories would alleviate the need by methamphetamine producers using the Birch method to steal the chemical or seek sources from which to purchase illegally diverted anhydrous ammonia.

The availability of ice methamphetamine increased sharply over the past year, primarily because of a significant increase in ice production by Mexican criminal groups, who appear to have supplanted Asian criminal groups as the predominant producers and distributors of the ice methamphetamine in the United States. Of the 21 DEA Field Divisions, 13 (located in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, Pacific, Southeast, Southwest, and West Central regions) and 9 of 31 HIDTAs (located in Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, Pacific, Southeast, and Southwest regions) reported that ice methamphetamine availability was increasing, albeit at varying rates, in their areas. Moreover, local law enforcement agencies in Arizona, Arkansas, Atlanta, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming report increasing or emerging ice methamphetamine availability in their area. According to DEA, Mexican trafficking groups that previously sold methamphetamine to Asian criminal groups for subsequent conversion to ice methamphetamine now produce the drug in their own laboratories. Ice methamphetamine produced by Mexican criminal groups typically is more discolored and of lower purity than that produced by Asian criminal groups.

Projections

The number of low-capacity methamphetamine laboratories--those producing 1 pound or less of methamphetamine per production cycle-- likely will increase significantly in the Great Lakes and Southeast regions. Low-capacity laboratories also are likely to increase in several states in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. NCLSS data show sharp increases since 2001 in the number of low-capacity methamphetamine laboratories in every state in the Great Lakes and Southeast regions and in portions of the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region. The number of low-capacity methamphetamine laboratories seized in the Great Lakes region increased from 727 in 2001 to 1,274 in 2002, a 75 percent increase within the region. In the Southeast region the reported number of low-capacity methamphetamine laboratory seizures increased 71 percent from 633 in 2001 to 1,081 in 2002. The combined number of reported seizures of low-capacity laboratories in the Great Lakes and Southeast regions from 2001 to 2002 increased by nearly 1,000 (from 1,360 to 2,355). In the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region, NCLSS data show an overall increase in reported methamphetamine laboratory seizures, from 35 in 2001 to 78 in 2002. Increases in such seizures were most apparent in Pennsylvania (4 to 18) and in West Virginia (5 to 41).