Cocaine: The 2001 Montana Youth Risk Survey (most recent information available) results indicated that nine percent of high school students had used cocaine at some point. In a 2002 survey, an estimated twelve percent of the Montana adult population reported lifetime cocaine use. Billings and Great Falls are the primary cities with cocaine use, although cocaine and crack use is also considered to be a very serious concern on Native American reservations as well. The majority of cocaine comes from Mexican polydrug trafficking groups with sources of supply located in the state of Washington and the Southwest Border states. Crack cocaine is available in ounce quantities, though it is confined primarily to larger cities.

Heroin: The DEA Billings Office reports that heroin abuse and distribution is not a major law enforcement problem in the state. Heroin availability is limited and the trafficking and sales of heroin are declining. Mexican groups transport heroin to the state from Los Angeles and Houston, usually trafficking in ounce and multi-ounce quantities. Black tar heroin use appears to be on the increase in the western part of the state, primarily in Missoula.

Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine is increasingly available throughout Montana. The Montana Youth Risk Survey that thirteen percent of high school students reported using methamphetamine during 2001 (most recent information available). In another recent survey, nine percent of the adult population reported using methamphetamine at some point during their lifetime. Law enforcement officers across the state identify methamphetamine as the most significant drug problem in their jurisdictions. Methamphetamine cases represented 52 percent of all Montana DEA arrests during fiscal year 2002. The majority of methamphetamine in the state is trafficked by Mexican national groups. Additionally, numerous small-scale local laboratory operators, producing up to ounce quantities of methamphetamine for personal use and/or local distribution, are appearing with more frequency. Most of these laboratories are operated by Caucasians. State and local authorities have assumed a greater seizure role in recent years.

Club Drugs: Ecstasy is becoming a significant law enforcement problem in the larger cities of Billings and Great Falls, and the college communities of Bozeman and Missoula. As raves become more common in the Billings area, Ecstasy use will likely expand. Ecstasy is typically purchased in tablet form. It is distributed by local independent dealers who travel to Denver or other larger cities to procure small quantities of one thousand or more tablets. Other Club drugs, such as GHB and Ketamine, have not manifested themselves as a serious concern as yet. LSD use and availability appear to be limited to the college communities of Bozeman and Missoula. LSD is not widely available in other areas of the state.

Marijuana: Marijuana is readily available throughout Montana. It is the most commonly abused drug in the state. A recent survey conducted by the Montana State Addictive and Mental Disorders Division indicated that 47 percent of all high school students had used marijuana in their lifetime. The survey also found that 27 percent described themselves as regular users. The majority of the marijuana consumed in Montana originates in Mexico. Mexican polydrug organizations transport marijuana in vehicles from the southwest border states to Montana. Locally produced marijuana is primarily grown indoors, with grows generally consisting of less than 100 plants. Trafficking groups normally acquire supplies of marijuana from the Southwest Border area and smuggle hundred-pound loads into Montana on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Potent B.C. Bud or Kind Bud from the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada is increasing in popularity and availability. B.C. Bud is often smuggled directly into Montana across the Canadian border. This marijuana would then be transshipped to other areas of the United States.

Other Drugs: Following national trends, OxyContin has become a pharmaceutical drug of abuse in Montana. Quantities of OxyContin are being illegally distributed in various areas in the state. Dilaudid and other opiate pain killers are also in demand on the illicit market.