The primary drug threats in Ohio are powdered (and crack) cocaine and because the most violent crime in the state is attributed to their distribution and abuse. Also, the rising availability of high-purity, low-cost heroin is creating a large user population with a greater physical risk to users, who are younger than ever before. Marijuana remains the most abused drug in the state, and abuse among residents under 18 years of age ranks highest among all age groups. Club drugs and MDMA (Ecstasy) are also growing in popularity in urban areas. Meanwhile, methamphetamine manufacturing and use are increasing, but has not reached the levels of other states in the Midwest.

Cocaine: Powdered cocaine and crack cocaine constitute the greatest drug threats in Ohio, as evidenced by the fact that cocaine was the most prevalent drug of abuse detected among arrestees in Cleveland from 1990 to 1999. Moreover, Ohio experienced an 11 percent increase in statewide cocaine treatment admissions between 1998 and 1999. In addition, many of the violent crimes in the state are directly associated with the distribution and abuse of cocaine HCL and crack.

Heroin: Heroin distribution and abuse are increasing in Ohio, and the number of publicly funded treatment admission increased more than 16 percent from 1998 to 1999. Heroin signature analysis indicates that South American and Mexican black tar are the most prevalent in Ohio. Kilogram quantities of the drug average 80 percent pure throughout the state.

Methamphetamine: In-state Methamphetamine production has become a significant issue in Ohio. The number of laboratories seized in Ohio more than doubled from 29 laboratories in CY 2000 to 87 laboratories in CY 2001. The increase in Methamphetamine laboratories in Ohio has led to greater Methamphetamine availability throughout the state.

Club Drugs: The use of Club drugs such as Ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, Ketamine, and LSD has steadily increased in Ohio. Club drugs are growing in popularity among young adults and juveniles, particularly in most urban areas of the state where “Rave” parties are also increasing. Eleven of 15 Ohio law enforcement agencies reported an increase of club drug activity in year 2000.

Marijuana: Marijuana remains the most prevalent drug of abuse in Ohio. Although Ohio is a source area for marijuana, it is also imported from Mexico. Marijuana usage crosses all socio-economic and cultural lines. In addition, experimental use by juveniles (ranging from the ages of 10-12 years old) is also on the rise.

Other Drugs: Pseudoephedrine is a precursor chemical used in the production of methamphetamine. Many chemical distributors in Ohio (registrants or grandfathered applicants) are involved in trafficking List I chemicals, specifically pseudoephedrine, to Mexican methamphetamine labs in California.

Oxycontin: The diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals, especially Oxycontin, represent a significant threat to Ohio. Oxycontin is a slow release form of the painkiller Oxycodone, which is of benefit to cancer patients and those with chronic pain. Oxycontin, whose effects are the same as other opiate derivatives, is obtained legally through prescriptions, as well as illegally on the street.

DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams: This cooperative program with state and local law enforcement counterparts was conceived in 1995 in response to the overwhelming problem of drug-related violent crime in towns and cities across the nation. There have been 359 deployments completed resulting in over 14,456 arrests of violent drug criminals as of April 1, 2002. There have been six Mobile Enforcement Team (MET) deployments in the State of Ohio since the inception of the program: Toledo, East Cleveland, Jefferson County, Village of Lincoln Heights, Warren, and Youngstown.

Special Topics: HIDTA During June 1999, ONDCP designated areas within northern Ohio as the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (Ohio HIDTA). The Ohio HIDTA is comprised of the Ohio counties of Cuyahoga, Lucas, Mahoning, Stark, and Summit.