Georgia

• In FY 2002, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation participated in 14 drug-related multi-jurisdictional task forces throughout Georgia. As a result of task force efforts, 4,040 investigations were initiated and 2,618 drug offenders were arrested.
• During 2001, there were 549 murders known to police in Georgia. This is up from 496 murders in 2000.
• The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made 804 drug violation arrests in Georgia during 2001.
• According to 2000 data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, 1.20% of Georgia citizens reported past year dependence on illicit drugs.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Cocaine, particularly crack, represents the principal drug threat to Georgia. Powder cocaine is often abused in Georgia raves, nightclubs, and bars. Some area crack users dissolve the drug and then inject it. These users are typically either current or former heroin abusers. Wholesale crack cocaine distributors sometimes sell “cookies,” crack formed into patties that measure approximately 3” in diameter. Each cookie sells for $900- $1,000. During 2001, powder cocaine sold for $14,000-$19,000/kilogram and $70- $100/gram in Georgia. Crack sold for $20-$40/rock. Both forms of cocaine sold for $800- $1,000/ounce. During 2000, retail levels of powder cocaine ranged in purity from 18% to 90%, and crack purity ranged from 7% to 90% in Georgia.
• Heroin: Georgia’s heroin threat is typically limited to Atlanta, Georgia and other large cities.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is the most widely available illicit drug in Georgia. Most of the marijuana found in Georgia is produced in Mexico, although marijuana produced in Colombia, Jamaica, within Georgia and from surrounding states is also available. In 2001, Mexican marijuana sold for $600-$1,500/pound. In 2002, marijuana in Georgia sold for $100-$350/ounce and $10-$20/gram.
• Methamphetamine: Meth poses an increasing threat to the state of Georgia, especially in the northern and central areas of the state. It has emerged as the primary drug threat in parts of northern Georgia.

Trafficking and Seizures

• Georgia, particularly Atlanta, Georgia is a significant drug distribution center in the southeastern United States.
• Criminal groups typically transport drugs into and through Georgia using the state’s highway system. However, the state’s 2 international airports (in Atlanta and Savannah), 109 county and municipal airports, and 2 deepwater ports (in Savannah and Brunswick) are also used to smuggle drugs in to the state.
• Hispanic criminal groups, primarily Mexican, are the principal transporters of illicit drugs available in Georgia.
• In 2002, Federal agencies seized 401 kilograms of cocaine in Georgia.

Across the United States, drug use is a cause for concern. For more and more individuals, drug use (including hard drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin) is becoming a part of their daily lives. This raises concern that the country may be entering a period of drug use unseen since the '70s.

This increase in drug use affects not only the drug user, but also their family and friends. They suffer along with the drug addict through their ups, downs, sobriety, and intoxication. This can be very stressful for those who care about an individual with a drug addiction.

The physical and physiological health of a person who has a drug addiction is also a concern. Drug use can lead to health problems ranging from heart trouble to memory loss. These issues may have long term consequences, and at times may be deadly. Drug overdose is one such trend that is monitored across the United States. Sadly, many people die each year due to an overdose of drugs or alcohol.

Crime is also a factor when it comes to drug addiction. Many find they must spend more and more money to meet the needs of their drug addiction. This can lead to robbery, prostitution, scams and so on. Often times, those who are taken to jail are either intoxicated at the time of their arrest or are committing a crime to support their drug habit.

Although drug trends throughout the United States vary year to year, drugs are always a problem. Even when statistics are low for drug abuse, drug related crime, and drug treatment admissions, it is important to remember that it is still a cause for concern. Monitoring drug trends helps in determining where there are high amounts of drug use and how these areas may correlate with crime, addiction treatment, and health care.

This site, United States Drug Trends, will keep you informed of the current drug trends taking place throughout the United States. Use this site to educate yourself and increase your awareness of what is happening in the state you live in.