Cartel-affiliated groups likely to expand heroin, meth trafficking in Oregon, report concludes

Article author: 
Les Zaitz
Article publisher: 
OregonLive.com
Article date: 
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Article category: 
Oregon Issues
Medium
Article Body: 

Drug trafficking organizations based in Mexico will continue to dominate Oregon's drug underworld, pumping increasing quantities of heroin into the state, according to a new state report.

"Heroin use and trafficking has increased in Oregon...

The assessment was produced by Oregon HIDTA,...

The trends reported in drug use and trafficking aren't good news for Oregon.

The state ranks fourth in the country in the percentage of residents using illegal drugs...

The report warned that "the number of young users will likely grow...

Mexican national drug trafficking organizations, typically associated with or operating as cartels, control the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and Mexican-grown marijuana, the report said...

Cartels are playing a dangerous role in Oregon, the report said.

"A growing concern is apparent cartel involvement in homicides and violent crimes...

Link: Oregonian series

"Heroin availability and use in the state has reached a critical level," the report said....

Crystal meth is "highly available" as Mexican traffickers smuggle the drug into the U.S...

"Methamphetamine-related crimes such as identity theft, property and violent crimes will continue to follow the trend of abuse," the report said.