Cocaine: Cocaine trafficking has been detected at stable to moderately increased levels in the major metropolitan areas of the state, to include the population centers of Columbia, Greenville, and Florence. An increase in trafficking has also been noted in recent years along the coast, particularly in the tourist areas of Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Sources of supply are located in South Florida, New York, Georgia and California, with the most common method of importation being motor vehicle. Other less common methods of transport of drugs into the state include courier services, commercial airline, bus, and train travel. At the retail level, trafficking groups appear to be moderately sized and loosely organized. Cocaine is often transported into the state in powder form and converted into crack cocaine by local distributors at its destination. During 2003 DEA offices statewide have placed significant attention on the development of cases targeting high level trafficking organizations. Several Title III investigations are targeting these groups.

Heroin: Heroin is available in multi-gram quantities throughout South Carolina and is routinely packaged in "bindles" for distribution. The most common source location for heroin distributed in South Carolina is the New York City area. Heroin supply sources use a variety of methods, including mail service and public transportation, to transport heroin into South Carolina. Although the heroin user population has historically been a limited and stable group generally located in the inner cities, recent information indicates an increasing pattern of heroin use by a younger population in "experimental" or "party" situations.

Methamphetamine: While methamphetamine is available across South Carolina, investigations indicate that there is a growing abuse and availability of the drug in the coastal population centers of the state, particularly in the Myrtle Beach area. Methamphetamine distributed in the state is normally obtained from supply sources in California, and in some cases, from Atlanta. There has been an increase in clandestine laboratory seizures in South Carolina during FY 03. State and local seizures plus DEA seizures totaled 32 in the second quarter of FY 03 alone.

Club Drugs: Ecstasy (MDMA) is readily available in several cities in South Carolina, predominantly in the population centers of Greenville and Columbia and those cities along the state’s coastal area. During the past year there has been a significant increase in Ecstasy distribution throughout the state, with traffickers operating out of the state capitol in Columbia distributing a significant portion of the Ecstasy sold. Recent data indicates that Atlanta has become a significant hub for MDMA distribution in South Carolina. Law Enforcement agencies are attempting to infiltrate organizations distributing Ecstasy, but are hampered by the cost of Ecstasy currently available on the street. There have been increasing incidents of LSD distribution and abuse, as well as incidents of Rohypnol and Ketamine appearing in entertainment clubs in communities along the coast and upstate.

Marijuana: Marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug of abuse in South Carolina, with Mexico the most common source location. Traffickers using vehicles, tractor-trailers, commercial air, buses, and trains, as well as commercial package shipping companies import marijuana from Mexico through California. Members of the South Carolina National Guard and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) routinely eradicate small patches of outdoor marijuana. In August 2002, SLED discovered and destroyed 6,820 plants in Lancaster County that had attained heights of between 6 and 9 feet.

Other Drugs: Ecstasy is readily available in several cities in South Carolina, predominantly those cities along the state's coastal area. Recent intelligence indicates that traffickers operating out of the state capital at Columbia distribute a significant portion of the Ecstasy sold throughout the state.