Cocaine: Although heroin is now keeping pace with cocaine as the “drug of choice”, cocaine use is still widely abused in Connecticut, with crack being preferred over powder. Cocaine Hydrochloride is available in many sizes from gram to kilogram quantities, and especially “eight-ball” ounce size. Colombian suppliers distributing through Dominican traffickers facilitates the entry of crack cocaine into Connecticut. Dominican traffickers continue to expand their role, becoming more instrumental in acquiring multi-kilogram loads from New York and importing them into Connecticut.

Heroin: Heroin still remains easily accessible in Connecticut, selling at remarkably low prices and high purity levels (an average of 70-80% purity by DEA laboratories.) Abuse remains widespread, affecting both suburban and urban areas. Hispanics, specifically Dominican groups are largely responsible for the street distribution of heroin in Connecticut. Colombian and Dominican narcotics traffickers are the primary suppliers to the street dealers of high quality heroin. Dominican violators usually acting on behalf of Colombian traffickers, serve as mid-level heroin distributors. The heroin is primarily being transported into CT from New York City, usually entering the region via one of the major interstates, in automobiles equipped with hidden hydraulic compartments or “traps.” Throughout New Haven, CT the demand for heroin at varying sizes and amounts is ever present. Up until recently, the heroin was readily available in pre-packaged bags stamped with logos. Lately, however, the bags of heroin have been being seized without any logos or markings.

Methamphetamine: Although methamphetamine abuse is not nearly as prevalent in Connecticut as other areas of the country, several methamphetamine labs have been located here. In November of 2002 the Hartford RO investigated an individual for producing, tableting and manufacturing methamphetamine, ecstasy and steroids. The individual had a lab built into the foundation of his mobile home. In January, 2003 Waterbury, CT Police Department alerted the DEA New Haven RO to an individual that was planning on manufacturing methamphetamine. Upon completion of the investigation it was determined that the individual had everything but the precursor necessary to manufacture the drug using the “Red P” method.

Club Drugs: MDMA (Ecstasy) is readily available and has become a popular drug of choice among college age individuals residing in Connecticut. Intelligence information indicates that Israeli Organized Crime Groups are responsible for a portion of the distribution of MDMA throughout the state. Intelligence indicates that on the weekend, local dealers are selling approximately 100-150 pills, offering college students an opportunity to make fast money. In early 2001, three popular rave clubs were closed in Hartford. The nightclubs were closed using the State of Connecticut Nuisance Abatement Statutes, which combine civil remedies and innovative problem solving with traditional policing and criminal prosecution to address chronic problems eroding the quality of life in communities throughout Connecticut. With the seizure of an MDMA lab in Connecticut, it is evident that MDMA is manufactured here. In mid-2001, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force with the assistance of DEA Hartford RO executed a state search warrant on the first ever MDMA lab in Connecticut. The MDMA was being manufactured in a garage; the lab was capable of producing 200 pills, 2 to 3 times a week.

Marijuana:Marijuana can still be effortlessly obtained in all areas of Connecticut. The majority of the commercial grade marijuana available in Connecticut comes from either Mexico and/or the Southwest area of the U.S. Marijuana is readily available in the greater New Haven area for individual use and available in multi-ounce/pound quantities for wholesale distribution through Jamaican trafficking groups. Intelligence gathered through surveillance and confidential sources indicate that Jamaican traffickers continue to receive and coordinate the bulk shipment of marijuana packages to the New Haven area from courier services such as the United Parcel Service, Federal Express and the U.S. Postal Service - Express Mail Delivery. Indoor hydroponic marijuana growth sites are known to be run in suburban areas in New Haven County. These operations are run by a small, tight-knit group that share technology and growing techniques. Source information indicates the marijuana is sold for prices as high as five thousand dollars ($5000) per pound.

Club Drugs: MDMA/Ecstasy is readily available and abused in Connecticut. MDMA has become one of the most prevalent controlled substances encountered by law enforcement. It has become a popular drug of choice among college age students and more recently high school teenagers. MDMA is commonly distributed at nightclubs, primarily in metropolitan areas, “rave clubs”, and on college campuses. Ecstasy is entering Connecticut via express-mail delivery services and through airports, originating from either Israeli Organized Crime Groups or the Netherlands/Amsterdam and passing through New York. The New Haven RO has just opened a case involving an individual who is trafficking ecstasy, oxycontin, morphine and steroids via the Internet. Retail prices for MDMA in CT have remained constant at $20-$30 per unit.

Other Drugs: PCP use is being seen in Connecticut, predominantly supplied by African American traffickers. The PCP is sprayed on either marijuana or mint leaves and then smoked. PCP is most often transported into Connecticut from the southwestern United States and the New York City area through the use of couriers. Diverted pharmaceuticals are also prevalently abused in Connecticut. The DEA Hartford, CT RO indicates that OxyContin, Vicodin, oxycodone, Hydocodone, methadone, Ritalin, Xanax and Diazepam are among the most frequently abused diverted pharmaceuticals.