›› Pennsylvania: Drug
Climate
Drug Situation: Pennsylvania presents an opportunistic area for wide-scale narcotics
transshipment and distribution. Most trafficking and distribution is accomplished
by a variety of Hispanic and African-American organizations scattered throughout
the state.
- Cocaine
Cocaine as well as crack cocaine, remains widely available in Pennsylvania.
Crack cocaine use continues to infiltrate a variety of neighborhoods in both
urban and rural areas of the state, crossing both economic and ethnic lines.
- Heroin
Heroin remains widely available throughout Pennsylvania. While the primary
sources are based in New York City, heroin is also smuggled directly into
Philadelphia from Colombia via transshipment points including Aruba, Mexico,
and other Caribbean locations.
- Meth
Historically, meth was reported to be readily available in Pennsylvania, used
primarily in the Philadelphia area. While methamphetamine remains available
at the wholesale and retail levels, the overall availability seems to have
decreased as a result of the dismantling of several clandestine laboratories.
- Club Drugs
Ecstasy remains readily available in Pennsylvania, primarily at rave parties
and nightclubs. Usage among high school and college students continues to
be a concern to law enforcement.
- Marijuana
Historically, the forests of northwestern Pennsylvania were considered areas
for marijuana cultivation. At the retail level, Hispanic, African-American,
and Caucasian groups, along with some dominant Jamaican organizations, continue
to control the marijuana market in Pennsylvania.