›› New Jersey: Drug Climate

New Jersey presents an attractive transportation hub for drug organizations, as well as a major challenge for law enforcement entities combating this illicit activity. While Colombian and Dominican drug organizations predominantly control heroin and cocaine trafficking, recent intelligence indicates that Mexican traffickers from the West Coast are now moving cocaine shipments into the New Jersey and New York areas.

• Cocaine
  New Jersey is a transshipment area for cocaine which is transported by various means, including shipping, tractor-trailers, commercial air and private vehicles. Cocaine is predominantly distributed by Colombian and Dominican nationals who supply Puerto Rican, African-Americans, and Caucasians who distribute at the street level.
• Heroin
  Since the terrorist attacks in New York City on September 11, there has been an increase in the availability of heroin in New Jersey. This has been primarily attributed to the increased law enforcement presence in New York.
• Meth
  While New Jersey has not traditionally been known as a leading methamphetamine distribution center, it does appear to be available.
• Club Drugs
  Club drugs, most notably MDMA (Ecstasy), have regained popularity in the southeastern areas of the state. As a result of increased availability, prices have come down.
• Marijuana
  Marijuana remains readily available throughout New Jersey. Large shipments are believed to be smuggled south from Canada. Marijuana continues to gain attractiveness among the younger generation in New Jersey, due in part to increased availability, low cost, and the perception that it is a safer drug than cocaine or heroin.