Colorado State Drug Abuse Problem and Laws and Substance Abuse Treatment
and Rehabilitation Concerns
The majority of the illicit drug trade in the State of Colorado is controlled
by Mexican trafficking organizations. Almost all distribution and sell of methamphetamine,
cocaine, marijuana, and heroin is under control of secondary Mexican cartels
who in turn are controlled by the Columbian Czars. Street gangs with links to
bigger criminal organizations in Texas, California, and Mexico are involved
in all types of drug distribution throughout the state.
The majority of methamphetamine
available in Colorado arrives from Mexico or in many cases originates from large-scale
laboratories in California. Because of the intense competition to sell the drug,
the potency of methamphetamine produced in Mexico has become comparable to that
made in smaller, more sophisticated laboratories located in the State. Underground
laboratories are challenging to law enforcement in Colorado, because of their
disregard for safety and lack of environmental concern. The majority of these
underground laboratory chemists acquire the required precursor chemicals from
genuine businesses such as concession stores, pharmacies, chemical companies,
and agricultural/farming stores.
Despite a step up in enforcement activities, the supply of cocaine continues
to increase in the State. Drug trafficking organizations receive cocaine via
a secure supply from Mexico. In addition, crack has become available in the
bigger metropolitan areas of Colorado. Street level crack in various amounts
is easily obtainable throughout the state and the spread is difficult to control.
Another major headache for the State is the increasing availability of club
drugs. These club drugs are marketed at all levels by independent
traffickers, small organizations, night clubs and even college students. Recent
data indicate that these club drugs are frequently associated with other social
problems including violence, pornography, prostitution and poverty. Control
of club drug spread has become difficult because of the numerous individuals
associated with the illicit sell. The major club drugs used in the State includes
LSD, Ketamine and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Current investigations indicate that the State also has a major problem with
legal pharmaceutical products, like Vicodin, oxycodone,
benzodiazepines, methadone, MS Contin and xanax.
The illegal use of OxyContin
has skyrocketed in the state. These drugs are primarily obtained with forged
prescriptions, employee theft, and online pharmacies.
Marijuana is available throughout Colorado, and is the most widely abused
drug in the state. The majority of marijuana is Mexican-grown and is brought
into and through Colorado by the Mexican poly-drug trafficking organizations.
Another potent form of marijuana, known as “BC Bud” has now become
widely available, despite being more expensive. Because of its more potent euphoric
effects, the drug is now being smuggled in increasing amounts from Canada and
the Pacific North.
Medical Marijuana
Colorado allows patients to use medical marijuana if they have specified medical
conditions and the advice of a physician. This law was enacted in November of
2000 after voters passed Amendment 20 to the state constitution. This law provides
protection against prosecution under state law, which is where the majority
of marijuana small-use and possession cases occur.
DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams
To control the illicit drug trade and related violence, DEA mobile enforcement
teams involving state and local law enforcement agencies have been established
in Colorado. Since the inception, these mobile units have been involved in an
increasing number of arrests and have helped in the dismantling of numerous
methamphetamine trafficking organizations and clandestine laboratories. In addition,
DEA regional enforcement teams have been established to target the threat by
drug trafficking organizations and control the violence.
Recent Drug Reforms
Like California, Colorado is becoming an attractive breeding ground for drug
policy reform. Seven years ago, the residents of Colorado overwhelmingly approved
Amendment 20 to the state's constitution, allowing the use of marijuana for
medical reasons.
In 2002, the Colorado legislature approved legislation to decrease the penalties
for simple possession of illegal drugs. It has been suggested that all the funds
collected from drug trafficking should be used to fund drug treatment/rehabilitation
programs. More than a quarter of Colorado's state prison inmates comprise of
non-violent drug offenders, and millions of taxpayer dollars are used to keep
them in prison. Although the new law development would affect only a small number
of inmates, it will most likely save millions over the years- money which has
been earmarked for drug treatment. In addition, the Governor has signed legislation
that will re-evaluate the State’s asset forfeiture laws.
Recently, the state legislature passed a bill to decrease jail times for drug
offenders arrested with less than one gram of Schedule I and II drugs.