NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE EPIDEMIOLOGIC ...

Marijuana is widely available in Arizona in quantities
up to hundreds of kilograms, unchanged from the previous
reporting period. Prices were unchanged from
the previous reporting period, as well, according to the
Arizona HIDTA, the Arizona Department of Public
Safety, Southwest Border Alliance, and the Arizona
Drug Enforcement Administration (exhibit 10).
Adolescent males, age 15–17, from the communities
along the southern border of Arizona are recruited as
drivers by trafficking organizations to move marijuana
loads. Most are Hispanic males who are U.S.
citizens with and without driver’s permits or licenses.
Stimulants
The drug-related death data revealed a 17-percent
decrease in 2002 for methamphetamine-related
deaths (n=132) over such deaths in 2001. The downward
trend would appear to be continuing during
2003. Methamphetamine/combination deaths totaled
35 in 2001, rose to 44 in 2002, and were projected to
increase to 71 for 2003 for a 103-percent increase
over 2001.
In the 2004 unweighted data from DAWN Live!, there
were 1,293 reports of methamphetamine and 774 of
amphetamines (exhibit 7).
The ADHS/DBHS Bureau for Substance Abuse
Treatment and Prevention data revealed 21 percent of
Arizona treatment admissions were for methamphetamine
use/abuse in FY 2004 (exhibit 8). The growth of
methamphetamine as the presenting primary problem
in the public behavioral health system is striking. During
FY 2002, methamphetamine accounted for just 11
percent of substances identified at admission to treatment,
compared with 21 percent in FY 2004. Little
variation exists between urban and rural areas, with the
exception of Pima County (Tucson), where 11.1 percent
of treatment admissions reported methamphetamine
as the primary presenting problem.
A statistical summary of the TASC Adult Deferred
Prosecution Program revealed that 26.9 percent
(n=4,298) of the March 1989 through December 2004
treatment admissions were for methamphetamine
use/abuse (exhibit 9a). During October–December
2004, 19.5 percent of the juveniles (n=819) who submitted
for drug testing at TASC tested positive for
methamphetamine/amphetamine (exhibit 9b).
Community Bridges detoxification and recovery centers
serve the homeless, indigent, and working poor
individuals and families in Maricopa County. Thirteen
percent of admissions to Community Bridges
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EPIDEMIOLOGIC TRENDS IN DRUG ABUSE—Phoenix and Arizona
during FY 2004 reported methamphetamine as the
drug of choice.
The DEA reported two types of methamphetamine
are available throughout Arizona. Mexican methamphetamine
is most predominant. It is produced in
large volume (kilogram and pound quantities) at super
labs located in Mexico and is transported primarily
through Sonora, Mexico, into Arizona. Mexico
has surpassed California as the major source of
methamphetamine moving into Arizona. While small
independent labs generate gram and ounce quantities,
they are considered a viable threat to Arizona.
An Arizona HIDTA summary of methamphetamine
and drug-endangered children statistics for calendar
years 2000–2004 indicate 1,263 methamphetamine
lab-related seizures and 793 methamphetamine lab
seizures for reported disposal costs of $3,841,069.
There were 250 children in Maricopa County and 362
statewide who were removed from clandestine laboratory
locations during the report years.
The most significant change in price for methamphetamine
was for a pound of crystal methamphetamine
(ice) in Tucson. The previous price had been
$13,000 for ice, compared to $7,000–$7,500 during
FY 2004 (exhibit 10).
The drug of choice in Yuma County (in the southwestern
region of State, on the border with Mexico)
is crystal methamphetamine. It is relatively low cost,
and availability is plentiful. The Regional Behavioral
Health Authority in this region of the State receives
the greatest number of criminal justice referrals for
treatment (58 percent).
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reports that
the packaging of methamphetamine has changed
dramatically the past year. Officers report it is nearly
impossible to identify the type of methamphetamine
that is seized. Laboratory analysis is needed to determine
whether it is Mexican or U.S. made. Wrapping
of Mexican methamphetamine previously was
professional, with markings or insignias of ownership.
It is now reported to be sloppily packaged in
unmarked plastic bags. Conversely, the locally produced
methamphetamine is now packaged using professional
wrapping methods.
A new slang name for methamphetamine surfaced in
the DEA fourth quarter report. “Quick Zip” is unwashed,
or not fully processed, methamphetamine. It
was first identified by sources within the prison
population. The drug allegedly causes increased psychosis
when consumed.
Proceedings of the Community Epidemiology Work Group, Vol. II, January 2005