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2007-R0813-023
Northwest
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area
Drug Market Analysis
June 2007 U.S. Department of Justice
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HIDTA County
This assessment is an outgrowth of a partnership between the NDIC and HIDTA Program for preparation of
annual assessments depicting drug trafficking trends and developments in HIDTA Program areas. The report
has been vetted with the HIDTA, is limited in scope to HIDTA jurisdictional boundaries, and draws upon a
wide variety of sources within those boundaries.
Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis
1. For the purposes of this report, ice methamphetamine refers to methamphetamine that has been crystallized from powder methamphetamine.
2
National Drug Intelligence Center
from cannabis that is cultivated throughout the area southwestern states, or Mexico. These traffickers
at indoor and outdoor grow sites. High-potency distribute wholesale quantities of illicit drugs to dis-
Canadian marijuana also is available, but to a lesser tributors throughout the region.
extent. Additionally, commercial-grade Mexican
marijuana is present to a limited extent in drug Asian DTOs
markets throughout the region. Asian DTOs and criminal groups, primarily
Cambodian, Chinese, Laotian, and ethnic Vietnam-
Cocaine (primarily powder cocaine), heroin, ese, are prevalent within the Northwest HIDTA
other dangerous drugs (ODDs), and diverted phar- region; members of these groups typically com-
maceuticals are also available in the HIDTA region. mingle with the area’s diverse Asian community
Crack is distributed primarily in major metropolitan while engaging in trafficking operations. Asian
areas such as Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma. Mexi- criminal groups supply high-potency marijuana
can black tar heroin is the predominant type of her- and MDMA in the area. Canada-based Vietnamese
oin distributed in the region; it is usually sold in criminal groups produce high-potency marijuana in
larger cities. The HIDTA region is a major transship- the Northwest HIDTA region, primarily at large-
ment center for MDMA manufactured in Canada scale indoor cannabis grow sites; they also smug-
and destined for Seattle and other U.S. cities. gle Canadian marijuana and MDMA into Washing-
MDMA seizures in the region are high—in 2006 ton from Canada. Moreover, these groups often
MDMA seizures in the HIDTA region accounted for shield themselves from law enforcement scrutiny
approximately 36.7 percent of the total MDMA dos- by employing other criminal groups to conduct
age units seized nationwide. Abuse of diverted phar- some high-risk operations, such as using Canada-
maceuticals, particularly prescription narcotics such based East Indian drug transportation organizations
as oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and for cross-border smuggling. These transportation
methadone, has increased. Moreover, prescription organizations smuggle Canadian marijuana and
narcotics (usually detected in combination with MDMA into the United States and cocaine and
other substances) were the most common drugs bulk cash into Canada by using their own trucking
identified in drug-involved deaths in 2006 in Seattle. companies and driving vehicles through Washing-
ton ports of entry (POEs).
Drug Trafficking
Organizations Gangs
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups are the Members of OMGs are involved in the trans-
predominant drug traffickers operating in the portation and distribution of marijuana and meth-
Northwest HIDTA region; their influence in the amphetamine (powder and ice) in the Northwest
region is unrivaled. Asian DTOs and criminal HIDTA region. These traffickers, particularly
groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs), and members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club
street gangs also operate in the area. (HAMC) OMG, often transport illicit drugs from
Canada in vehicles and maritime conveyances.
Mexican DTOs
Street gangs are involved primarily in retail drug
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups are the
distribution in the region; however, the composition
principal illicit drug transporters and distributors in
of gangs and their predominance varies among
the Northwest HIDTA region. Members of these
major markets. In the Puget Sound and Yakima Val-
organizations easily assimilate into the region’s bur-
ley areas, African American gangs are the predomi-
geoning Hispanic population. Mexican DTOs and
nant retail drug distributors, while Hispanic gangs
criminal groups operating in the region typically
(such as Norteños, Sureños, Mara Salvatrucha (MS
obtain powder cocaine, Mexican marijuana, Mexi-
13), and Mexican Mafia) are the most active drug
can black tar heroin, and ice methamphetamine
distributors in the Spokane area.
from other Mexican DTOs operating in California,
3
Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis
2. Total eradication statistics for the state of Washington during 2006 were approximately 144,406 plants.
4
National Drug Intelligence Center
region. In fact, according to the Northwest HIDTA, for methamphetamine production offenses, and
high-potency domestic marijuana has replaced high- increased availability of Mexican ice methamphet-
potency Canadian marijuana as the most prevalent amine have reduced the number of small-capacity
type of marijuana available in the HIDTA region. powder methamphetamine laboratories in the
HIDTA region. However, some Caucasian indepen-
Mexican DTOs that control large outdoor can- dent producers have continued to produce powder
nabis cultivation sites often employ illegal aliens to methamphetamine in rural areas of the region; they
tend crops and provide site protection. In tending generally produce quantities sufficient only for per-
cannabis crops, these grow site operators often sonal use and limited distribution.
contaminate watersheds, divert natural water-
courses, clear-cut vegetation, and create wildfire Crack cocaine is converted from powder cocaine
hazards. Moreover, the toxic chemicals (insecti- in the Northwest HIDTA region. Retail distributors
cides, fertilizers, etc.) that grow site operators use often convert powder cocaine to crack at or near dis-
in tending cannabis often contaminate the area and tribution sites on an as-needed basis. In fact, 75 per-
affect residential water supplies. cent of state and local law enforcement officials in
the Northwest HIDTA region who responded to
Methamphetamine production is decreasing in NDIC’s National Drug Threat Survey (NDTS) 2006
the region, continuing a 3-year declining trend. (See report that powder cocaine is converted to crack in
Table 2.) Sustained law enforcement efforts, strict their areas.
chemical precursor regulations, harsher sentencing
Clark 12 6 3
Cowlitz 10 3 5
Franklin 9 3 1
King 138 82 18
Kitsap 28 10 1
Lewis 21 9 12
Skagit 11 6 2
Snohomish 59 39 12
Spokane 44 21 14
Thurston 23 15 7
Whatcom 31 7 1
Yakima 11 1 2
5
Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis
Blaine
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Interstate
6
National Drug Intelligence Center
Canadian Man Convicted of marijuana produced in the HIDTA region. They also
Cocaine Trafficking: Trucker Had distribute wholesale quantities of high-potency
More Than 250 Pounds of Cocaine Canadian marijuana and commercial-grade Mexican
Hidden in Fuel Tanks marijuana as well as locally produced powder meth-
A Canadian truck driver was convicted in U.S. amphetamine and limited quantities of Mexican ice
District Court in Seattle of possession of cocaine methamphetamine.
with intent to distribute on January 18, 2007.
According to court records, the truck driver had Retail-level drug distribution is conducted by var-
been attempting to enter Canada from the ious criminal groups, independent dealers, and street
United States at the Port of Lynden. The tractor- gangs. Mexican criminal groups distribute metham-
trailer rig that he was driving was empty. While phetamine, Mexican marijuana, and Mexican black
the driver was being interviewed, an officer tar heroin at the retail level in the region. Caucasian
became suspicious after looking at the rig’s fuel criminal groups and independent dealers supply abus-
tanks. Upon closer inspection, investigators ers with retail-level quantities of locally produced
found three duffel bags containing 115 kilograms marijuana, locally produced powder methamphet-
of cocaine. The cocaine had an estimated
amine, and MDMA. Asian criminal groups distribute
wholesale value of $1.8 million. Because of the
retail quantities of high-potency Canadian marijuana
large amount of cocaine involved, the truck driver
faces a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. and MDMA. Members of street gangs, primarily
African American and Hispanic, and OMGs, includ-
MDMA-related; this figure is an increase over 2005 ing Bandidos, Gypsy Jokers, Iron Horsemen, and
(15.5%) and 2004 (4.5%) figures. HAMC, distribute methamphetamine, powder
cocaine, and crack cocaine at the retail level. Mem-
bers of street gangs also distribute retail quantities of
Distribution
locally produced and Canadian marijuana.
Mexican and Asian DTOs and criminal groups,
Caucasian criminal groups and independent dealers, Retail drug distribution generally takes place at
and various street gangs, OMGs, and independent open-air drug markets and prearranged locations.
dealers distribute illicit drugs in the Northwest ODDs, particularly MDMA, are sometimes distrib-
HIDTA region. According to the Northwest HIDTA, uted at raves, in nightclubs, and on college cam-
98 DTOs are involved in drug distribution in the puses. Several Internet web sites advertise weekly
region: 38 are involved in wholesale distribution, 11 rave events in the HIDTA region.
are involved in retail distribution, and 49 are involved
in both wholesale and retail drug distribution. Drug-Related Crime
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups distribute Ice methamphetamine abuse is the leading
wholesale quantities of cocaine and Mexican meth- cause of drug-related criminal activity in the
amphetamine, marijuana, and black tar heroin. HIDTA region. It fuels much of the area’s property
They typically supply these drugs to various crime. Abusers of powder and ice methamphet-
criminal groups, independent dealers, street gangs, amine often commit robbery, property theft, and
and OMGs in the HIDTA region for lower-level fraud to obtain money to purchase the drugs. More-
distribution. Asian DTOs and criminal groups, pre- over, an increased number of methamphetamine
dominantly Vietnamese, are the primary distribu- abusers are implicated in domestic violence, child
tors of high-potency marijuana and MDMA at all abuse, and child neglect in the region. Children of
distribution levels. methamphetamine abusers often live in appalling
conditions; many have been exposed to toxic chem-
Caucasian criminal groups and independent icals used in methamphetamine production. Addi-
dealers are the dominant wholesale distributors of tionally, the Pediatric Interim Care Center (PICC),
a nonprofit organization that provides interim care
7
Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis
for drug-affected infants, reports that prenatal Canadian and locally produced high-potency
methamphetamine exposure admissions exceed all marijuana; powder and crack cocaine; Mexican black
other drug-related exposure admissions for infants. tar heroin; ODDs, primarily MDMA; and diverted
In 2006 PICC reported 37 cases of infant treatments pharmaceuticals are also commonly distributed and
for exposure to methamphetamine and 29 addi- abused in the region. The abuse of diverted pharma-
tional cases for exposure to methamphetamine in ceuticals, particularly prescription narcotics such as
combination with another drug. oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and
methadone, has increased. According to the NDTS
Abuse 2006, 82.5 percent of state and local law enforcement
Illicit drug abuse levels in the Northwest agencies in the Northwest HIDTA region report the
HIDTA region are high. According to the Washing- availability of diverted pharmaceuticals as being high
ton State Department of Social and Health Services, or moderate in their jurisdictions.
admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities
for methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and her- Illicit Finance
oin abuse increased in the Northwest HIDTA region Bulk cash transport is the most common
from 2003 through 2005, the latest year for which method used to move drug proceeds in the North-
such data are available. Ice methamphetamine west HIDTA region, particularly by Mexican and
accounts for the most drug treatment admissions in Asian DTOs. Mexican DTOs bulk-transport most
the region; the drug also accounts for the sharpest of the illicit drug proceeds that they generate to
rise in admissions during this 3-year period. (See Mexico, while Asian DTOs bulk-transport most
Figure 3.) proceeds to Canada. DTOs, criminal groups, and
8000
2003
7000
2004
6000 2005
Number of Admissions
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Metham phetam ine Marijuana Cocaine Heroin
Drug
Figure 3. Northwest HIDTA adult and youth (combined) drug treatment admissions for state fiscal year (June 30–July
1), 2003–2005.
Source: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
8
National Drug Intelligence Center
gangs launder illicit proceeds through real estate Asian DTOs (primarily Vietnamese) and, to a
investments, cash-intensive front businesses, and lesser extent, Caucasian criminal groups will
money services businesses. Retail-level traffickers increase indoor cannabis cultivation operations
also purchase high-value items such as clothing, within the Northwest HIDTA region to capitalize on
jewelry, and automobiles. Additionally, traffickers the profits associated with high-potency marijuana
operating in the region sometimes exploit casinos and to avoid law enforcement interdiction along the
located in Indian country to mask the identity of border. These operations will quite likely mirror
their illicit proceeds. indoor cultivation operations established by Asian
DTOs in other parts of the United States and Canada.
Outlook
The trafficking and abuse of ice methamphet- MDMA smuggling across the U.S.–Canada
amine will remain the primary drug threat to the border into Washington will most likely increase in
Northwest HIDTA region. Demand for the drug is the near term as Asian DTOs and criminal groups
high, and Mexican DTOs are positioned to meet as well as Caucasian criminal groups and indepen-
this demand through established trafficking net- dent dealers attempt to transport MDMA across the
works. Further, high levels of ice methamphet- border to supply burgeoning markets in other areas
amine abuse in the area will contribute to an of the United States.
increase in drug-related crime.
9
Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis
10
National Drug Intelligence Center
Sources
11
Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Drug Market Analysis
LEO https://cgate.leo.gov/http/leowcs.leopriv.gov/lesig/ndic/index.htm