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Colorado
Drug Threat Assessment
Colorado
Drug Threat Assessment
Executive Summary
The production, distribution, and abuse of illicit drugs pose a serious threat to Colorado.
Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups transport wholesale quantities
of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana into the state and subsequently distrib-
ute these drugs at the wholesale level. Mexican criminal groups also are involved in the
transportation and distribution of illicit drugs in Colorado. Drugs typically are transported
into the state in private, commercial, and rental vehicles traveling interstate and U.S. high-
ways. Package delivery services and couriers aboard commercial aircraft also are used to
transport drugs, although to a lesser extent.
Methamphetamine is a primary drug threat to Colorado, and it is readily available
in most population centers in the state. Most methamphetamine available in Colorado is
produced by Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups in Mexico,
California, and Arizona. Mexican drug trafficking organizations and, to a lesser extent,
Mexican criminal groups transport wholesale quantities of methamphetamine into Col-
orado from Mexico via southwestern states or from production sites in California and
Arizona. Caucasian criminal groups and local independent dealers also produce signifi-
cant quantities of methamphetamine throughout the state. The rising number of meth-
amphetamine laboratories in the state poses a significant threat to public safety.
Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups dominate the wholesale
distribution of methamphetamine produced in Mexico, California, and Arizona. Cauca-
sian criminal groups also distribute methamphetamine at the wholesale level; typically
they are supplied by laboratory operators in Colorado and neighboring states. Outlaw
motorcycle gangs also produce and distribute methamphetamine in the state. At the
retail level Caucasian and Mexican local independent dealers are the most common dis-
tributors of the drug, but Hispanic and African American street gangs also distribute
methamphetamine.
Cocaine is a significant drug threat to Colorado. Powdered cocaine is readily avail-
able throughout the state, and crack cocaine is available in urban population centers.
Cocaine is the drug most often associated with violent crime in the state, principally
because cocaine distributors frequently resort to violence to protect their distribution
operations and to collect debts. Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal
groups transport wholesale quantities of powdered cocaine into Colorado in private or
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Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
rental vehicles and distribute the drug at the wholesale level. Hispanic and African Amer-
ican street gangs distribute powdered and crack cocaine; some gangs distribute powdered
or crack cocaine at the wholesale and retail levels, while others distribute crack at the
retail level only. Local independent dealers also distribute powdered and crack cocaine at
the retail level. Retail distributors in Colorado typically convert powdered cocaine into
crack on an as-needed basis and sell the drug at open-air markets or from crack houses.
Heroin is available in the state’s metropolitan and suburban areas and poses a con-
siderable drug threat to Colorado. Mexican black tar heroin and brown powdered her-
oin are the most common types available. Most new heroin abusers in Colorado are
young adults who smoke or snort the drug rather than inject it, mistakenly believing
this practice to be safer and less likely to lead to addiction. Mexican drug trafficking
organizations transport heroin into the state and serve as the primary wholesale dis-
tributors. Transporters commonly use private and rental vehicles, couriers aboard
commercial aircraft, and package delivery services to transport heroin from Mexico
into the state. Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal groups are the prin-
cipal retail distributors of heroin in Colorado.
Marijuana, produced primarily in Mexico, is the most widely available and fre-
quently abused illicit drug in Colorado. However, law enforcement officers generally
regard the drug as a lower threat than methamphetamine or cocaine because marijuana
abusers and distributors usually do not commit violent crimes. Most of the marijuana
available in the state is produced in Mexico; however, marijuana produced in Colorado
and other western states, particularly California, by Mexican criminal groups and local
independent dealers is also available. Marijuana typically is transported into the state in
commercial trucks, rental and private vehicles, and by package delivery services. Mari-
juana produced in Mexico or by Mexican criminal groups in Colorado and other western
states is distributed primarily by Mexican drug trafficking organizations and criminal
groups at the wholesale level and by Hispanic and African American street gangs at the
retail level. Caucasian criminal groups and local independent dealers are the primary
distributors of the marijuana and sinsemilla they produce in Colorado.
Other dangerous drugs present a significant and increasing threat to Colorado.
Other dangerous drugs include the club drugs MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and GHB and its
analogs; the hallucinogen psilocybin; and diverted pharmaceuticals including opioids
(narcotic analgesics) such as Dilaudid, Lorcet, OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, and
Vicodin and sedative hypnotics (benzodiazepines) such as Valium and Xanax. Club
drugs are transported into Colorado in private vehicles, by couriers aboard commercial
flights, and via package delivery services. Many of these drugs are distributed and
abused by middle-class, suburban young adults at raves and nightclubs and on college
campuses. MDMA is increasingly available and abused in Colorado, particularly in the
Denver area where the drug is distributed at a growing number of venues such as college
campuses and private parties. The diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals, especially
opioids, is an increasing threat to Colorado. Local independent dealers are the principal
distributors of diverted pharmaceuticals.
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National Drug Intelligence Center
Table of Contents
v
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
WYOMING NEBRASKA
85
160 160
25 160 160
160 160
Front Range
WYOMING NEBRASKA
NEBRASKA
LARIMER WELD
BOULDER
ADAMS
DENVER
ARAPAHOE
JEFFERSON DOUGLAS
EL PASO
UTAH
PUEBLO
KANSAS
Colorado.
Note: This map displays features mentioned in the report.
vi
National Drug Intelligence Center
May 2003
Colorado
Drug Threat Assessment
Overview
Colorado ranks twenty-fourth in population
among U.S. states with more than 4.3 million Fast Facts
residents. Approximately 69 percent of the
state’s population is concentrated in Colorado’s Colorado
Front Range, which includes Adams, Arapahoe, Population (2000) 4,301,261
Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson,
Larimer, Pueblo, and Weld Counties. Douglas U.S. population 24th
ranking
County, located southwest of Denver, was the
fastest-growing county in the United States each Median household $49,397
year between 1990 and 2001. Colorado is ethni- income (2001)
cally diverse, which makes it possible for drug Unemployment 3.7%
distributors of all ethnic backgrounds to blend rate (2001)
easily with the resident population.
Land area 103,729 square miles
The primary drug market areas in Colorado
are in the Front Range counties. Denver, the Capital Denver
state’s capital and largest city, is a primary Other principal cities Aurora, Colorado Springs, Fort
regional distribution center for methamphet- Collins, Grand Junction,
amine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and MDMA. Lakewood, Pueblo
Wholesale distributors in Denver supply Number of counties 63
midlevel and retail distributors with these drugs
in virtually all cities in Colorado, as well as cities Principal Aerospace, agriculture,
industries construction, electronics
in several other states. Colorado Springs, south equipment, government,
of Denver, is a regional distribution center for a manufacturing, tourism
variety of illicit drugs, principally methamphet-
amine, cocaine, and MDMA. Greeley, 45 min-
utes north of Denver, is a significant regional also north of Denver, is a distribution center for
distribution center for methamphetamine and marijuana distributed throughout the west central
cocaine distributed in Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, region of the country and is a primary national
Wyoming, and other west central states. Boulder, distribution center for psilocybin.
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Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
Colorado’s well-developed transportation infra- report that drugs usually are not transported on
structure and its central location in the western aircraft directly from foreign source countries
United States are ideal for the movement of licit into the state. However, Operation Jetway data
and illicit goods into and through the state. Private indicate that drugs have been transported into
and rental vehicles and commercial trucks fre- Colorado on aircraft from states such as Califor-
quently are used to transport drugs into and through nia, New York, and Texas.
Colorado. Couriers on commercial aircraft, buses,
and passenger railways also are used to transport Operation Jetway
illicit drugs, although to a lesser extent. Operation Jetway is an EPIC-supported
Drug transporters primarily use Interstates 25, domestic interdiction program. Drug seizures
70, and 76 and U.S. Highways 36, 50, 85, and 160 are reported to Operation Jetway by federal,
to transport drugs into and through Colorado. state, and local law enforcement agencies
across the nation at airports, train stations,
Interstates 25 and 70 intersect in Denver and are
bus stations, package shipment facilities, U.S.
frequently traveled by Mexican drug trafficking Post Offices, and airport hotels/motels.
organizations (DTOs). These two interstates pro-
vide access to many other U.S. states: I-25 extends
from near the U.S.–Mexico border to Montana, Mexican DTOs based in Nayarit and Sinaloa,
and I-70 extends from Utah to Maryland. Interstate Mexico, that operate in several western and south-
76 in eastern Colorado connects I-70 with I-80 in western states transport wholesale quantities of
Nebraska and is used by individuals transporting methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana
drugs eastward from Denver. U.S. Highway 50, into Colorado. Mexican criminal groups also
which connects Grand Junction and Pueblo; US transport wholesale quantities of these drugs, usu-
85, which connects Denver and Greeley with ally directly from sources of supply in Mexico.
Cheyenne, Wyoming; and US 36 between Denver Mexican DTOs distribute methamphetamine,
and Boulder frequently are used by criminal cocaine, heroin, and marijuana at the wholesale
groups to transport illicit drugs between drug mar- level in Colorado, while Mexican criminal groups
kets. Law enforcement officials in Colorado com- typically seek to maximize profits by distributing
monly seize drugs on interstate highways, often as these drugs in both wholesale and retail quantities.
part of Operation Pipeline initiatives. The percentage of Colorado residents who
report abusing illicit drugs is higher than the per-
Operation Pipeline centage nationwide. According to the 1999 and
Operation Pipeline is a national highway inter- 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
diction program supported by the El Paso (NHSDA), 8.9 percent of individuals age 12 and
Intelligence Center (EPIC). Drug seizures over surveyed in Colorado reported having
from private vehicles are reported to Opera- abused an illicit drug in the month prior to the
tion Pipeline by federal, state, and local law survey compared with 6.3 percent nationwide.
enforcement agencies operating nationwide
along the highways and interstates most fre-
Drug-related treatment admissions in Colorado
quently used to transport illicit drugs and drug are at relatively high levels. According to the Alco-
proceeds. hol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) of the Col-
orado Department of Human Services, admissions
to publicly funded treatment facilities for drug
Denver International Airport and many small
abuse increased from 11,757 in 1997 to 14,511 in
municipal and private airfields facilitate drug
1999. Thereafter, admissions to treatment facilities
transportation into Colorado. More than 36 mil-
declined to 13,109 in 2000 and 13,039 in 2001.
lion passengers transited Denver International
(See Table 1 on page 3.) Admissions for marijuana
Airport in 2001, ranking it the fifth busiest airport
abuse were higher than for any other illicit drug
in the United States. Law enforcement officials
from 1997 through 2001. Treatment admissions
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National Drug Intelligence Center
for cocaine abuse ranked second. Heroin Drug-related crimes and violent crimes are
accounted for the third-highest number of treat- common in Colorado but are decreasing. Violent
ment admissions until 2001 when admissions for crime in Colorado, including drug-related violent
methamphetamine abuse surpassed those for her- crime, declined throughout the 1990s. The Colorado
oin. Since 1999 treatment admissions for metham- Bureau of Investigation reported that arrests for
phetamine abuse have increased annually, while drug-related offenses decreased almost 9 percent,
admissions for cocaine, heroin, and marijuana from 18,330 in 1999 to 16,686 in 2000. The rates of
have declined. juvenile and adult arrests for violent crimes per
In Colorado the percentage of federal sen- 100,000 population also declined from 1990
tences that were drug-related was lower than the through 2000, reaching a level close to the record
percentage nationwide; however, methamphet- low set in 1980.
amine and cocaine each accounted for a higher The financial impact on Colorado’s govern-
percentage of the total drug-related federal sen- ment from substance abuse-related costs is sig-
tences in Colorado than nationwide. According to nificant. In 1998, the most recent year for which
data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission these data are available, Colorado spent over
(USSC), drug-related sentences constituted 31.8 $845 million¾approximately $217 per resi-
percent of all federal sentences in Colorado in fis- dent¾on substance abuse-related programs. The
cal year (FY) 2001 compared with 41.2 percent amount accounted for more than 12 percent of
nationally. Methamphetamine-related offenses the state’s total expenditures. According to the
accounted for 30.8 percent of drug-related federal Denver Department of Public Safety, a large per-
sentences in Colorado compared with 14.2 per- centage of these funds are allocated to law
cent nationally. Powdered cocaine accounted for enforcement and administrative costs, and
34.0 percent of drug-related federal sentences in approximately 6 percent is allocated for drug
Colorado compared with 22.1 percent nationally. abuse treatment and prevention.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a primary drug threat to Mexican DTOs and criminal groups in Mexico,
Colorado, and it is readily available in most pop- California, and Arizona. Mexican DTOs and, to a
ulation centers in the state. Most methamphet- lesser extent, Mexican criminal groups transport
amine available in Colorado is produced by wholesale quantities of methamphetamine into
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Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
Colorado from Mexico via southwestern states or Arizona. Caucasian criminal groups also distrib-
from production sites in California and Arizona. ute methamphetamine at the wholesale level; typ-
Caucasian criminal groups and local independent ically they are supplied by laboratory operators in
dealers also produce significant quantities of Colorado and neighboring states. Outlaw motor-
methamphetamine throughout the state. The ris- cycle gangs (OMGs) also produce and distribute
ing number of methamphetamine laboratories in methamphetamine in the state. At the retail level
the state poses a significant threat to public Caucasian and Mexican local independent deal-
safety. Mexican DTOs and criminal groups domi- ers are the most common distributors of the drug,
nate the wholesale distribution of methamphet- but Hispanic and African American street gangs
amine produced in Mexico, California, and also distribute methamphetamine.
Abuse
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National Drug Intelligence Center
surveyed in Colorado who reported on metham- Methamphetamine also is abused in public venues
phetamine abuse in their jurisdictions indicated such as bars, nightclubs, and all-night rave parties.
that abuse was at a high level, 8 indicated that The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
abuse was moderate, and 10 reported low or no reports that methamphetamine is increasingly
abuse of the drug. used in public venues by long-term club drug
Methamphetamine is most commonly abused abusers seeking to intensify their high.
in homes and other private locations in Colorado.
Availability
sentences in Colorado increased from 27 in half of FY2000, according to DEA. The same
FY1997 to 48 in FY2001. type of methamphetamine sold at the wholesale
Wholesale and retail prices of methamphet- and retail levels averaged 20 percent pure in Col-
amine vary by location throughout Colorado. orado Springs. Federal, state, and local law
According to DEA, the price of methamphetamine enforcement agencies throughout the state report
in Denver remained relatively stable from FY1999 that locally produced methamphetamine gener-
to FY2002. In the third quarter of FY2002, meth- ally has a higher purity than methamphetamine
amphetamine in Denver sold for $5,500 to $9,000 produced by Mexican DTOs and criminal groups
per pound and $80 to $100 per gram. In Grand in Mexico, California, and Arizona. However,
Junction methamphetamine sold for $500 to $750 because of current federal and state restrictions
per ounce and $140 to $160 per gram. In Colorado placed on the sale of chemicals used in metham-
Springs higher purity methamphetamine is readily phetamine production, producers and distributors
available from Mexican distributors or local pro- in Colorado have been diluting small quantities
ducers with prices ranging from $9,000 to $15,000 of locally produced methamphetamine, resulting
per pound, $700 to $1,200 per ounce, and $90 to in lower purity methamphetamine. The purity of
$125 per gram. Crystal methamphetamine avail- crystal methamphetamine, which is becoming
able in the Denver area sells approximately 20 per- increasingly available in most metropolitan areas
cent higher than powdered methamphetamine. in Colorado, is higher than the purity of other
types of methamphetamine. Crystal metham-
In Denver the purity of methamphetamine phetamine has tested as high as 90 percent pure
produced by Mexican DTOs and criminal groups in Colorado.
was typically 10 to 20 percent during the second
Violence
6
National Drug Intelligence Center
Production
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups produce Chart 1. Methamphetamine Laboratory and
most of the methamphetamine available in Colo- Dumpsite Seizures, Colorado, 1997–2001
rado in large laboratories in Mexico, California,
and Arizona. Methamphetamine also is produced 500
in significant quantities in Colorado, primarily by 450
Caucasian criminal groups and local independent 400
dealers. The Rocky Mountain High Intensity 350
Number Seized
7
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
hazardous waste that endangers law enforcement produce 5 to 7 pounds of toxic waste for every
personnel, emergency response teams, children pound of methamphetamine produced. Most of
(particularly those who reside in the homes of the toxic residue from methamphetamine produc-
methamphetamine producers), and the environ- tion is dumped in areas accessible to the public.
ment. Methamphetamine laboratories may con- These chemicals contaminate soil, streams and
tain a variety of highly flammable chemicals and rivers, and public sewer systems.
Transportation
Mexican DTOs and, to a lesser extent, Mexi- been transported on highways from Arizona,
can criminal groups are the primary transporters California, New Mexico, and Utah. Criminal
of most of the methamphetamine available in groups based in El Paso, Texas, as well as in Los
Colorado. These DTOs and criminal groups Angeles and Stockton, California, transport sub-
transport methamphetamine into Colorado in stantial quantities of methamphetamine into the
private vehicles from Mexico via transshipment state. In addition, methamphetamine reportedly
areas in southwestern states or from laboratories has been shipped via package delivery services
in California and Arizona. The primary trans- to street gang members in the Denver area from
portation routes into Colorado are I-70 and I-25. a source in California. Methamphetamine also is
Operation Pipeline seizure data indicate that transshipped through Colorado en route to drug
methamphetamine destined for Colorado has markets in other states.
8
National Drug Intelligence Center
Distribution
The groups and individuals that distribute production and distribution process, which is
methamphetamine in Colorado vary depending on coordinated by the group leader.
the source of the drug and the level of distribution. OMGs maintain extensive methamphetamine
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups dominate the distribution networks in Colorado. Many OMGs
wholesale distribution of methamphetamine pro- obtain their methamphetamine from Mexican
duced by other Mexican DTOs and criminal DTOs. Sons of Silence—which maintains its
groups in Mexico, California, and Arizona. Law national headquarters in Colorado Springs—and
enforcement officials in Colorado report that Mex- Bandidos are the most active OMGs in Colorado;
ican criminal groups that distribute methamphet- both distribute methamphetamine at the wholesale
amine are “vertical” in nature—local Mexican and retail levels. Other OMGs that distribute meth-
groups purchase methamphetamine directly from amphetamine in Colorado include Brothers Fast,
friends and family members associated with Mexi- Hells Angels, High Plains Drifters, Iron Horse-
can DTOs operating in Nayarit and Sinaloa, Mex- men, and Sundowners. The Weld County Drug
ico; California; and southwestern states. These Task Force reports that the Sons of Silence chapter
groups in turn supply wholesale and midlevel in its jurisdiction produces and distributes meth-
quantities of methamphetamine to other criminal amphetamine. The Arvada Police Department
groups, local independent dealers, street gangs, or reports that Bandidos and High Plains Drifters dis-
OMGs. Mexican criminal groups also occasionally tribute significant quantities of methamphetamine
distribute the drug directly to abusers at the retail in Arvada (a suburb of Denver). Hells Angels has
level. Many members of these criminal groups are expanded its operations into Colorado by absorb-
illegal immigrants who work in Colorado’s recre- ing the Colorado-based Brothers Fast as well as its
ation and construction industries, and many main- methamphetamine distribution operations.
tain ties with friends and family in Mexico.
Hispanic street gangs such as Sureños 13,
Caucasian criminal groups also distribute West Side Varrios, and AK Huds distribute
methamphetamine at the wholesale level in Colo- midlevel and retail quantities of methamphetamine
rado, but to a lesser extent than Mexican DTOs in Colorado. They purchase methamphetamine
and criminal groups. These groups produce the from Mexican DTOs and criminal groups who
drug in Colorado and neighboring states and produce the drug in Mexico, California, and Ari-
often are involved in multistate distribution. zona. According to Colorado law enforcement
Some of these groups distribute up to 15 pounds officials, Sureños 13 is one of the largest Hispanic
of methamphetamine per month in Colorado and gangs distributing methamphetamine in Colorado.
surrounding states, according to the Rocky Many Sureños 13 gang members in Colorado have
Mountain HIDTA. These groups are loosely orga- ties to other Hispanic gangs in Southern Califor-
nized; however, individuals associated with the nia. Police department officials in Aurora, Colo-
group typically perform one specific role in the rado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, and Lakewood
9
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
10
National Drug Intelligence Center
Cocaine
Cocaine is a significant drug threat to Colo- the wholesale level. Hispanic and African Ameri-
rado. Powdered cocaine is readily available can street gangs distribute powdered and crack
throughout the state, and crack cocaine is avail- cocaine; some gangs distribute powdered or crack
able in urban population centers. Cocaine is the cocaine at the wholesale and retail levels, while
drug most often associated with violent crime in others distribute crack at the retail level only.
the state, principally because cocaine distributors Local independent dealers also distribute pow-
frequently resort to violence to protect their dis- dered and crack cocaine at the retail level. Retail
tribution operations and to collect debts. Mexican distributors in Colorado typically convert pow-
DTOs and criminal groups transport wholesale dered cocaine into crack on an as-needed basis
quantities of powdered cocaine into Colorado in and sell the drug at open-air markets or from
private or rental vehicles and distribute the drug at crack houses.
Abuse
11
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
abused in residences and apartments. Many bars, and offices. Some crack cocaine abusers
white-collar professionals reportedly purchase purchase the drug at open-air markets.
powdered cocaine for personal use at nightclubs,
Availability
12
National Drug Intelligence Center
Violence
Production
Coca is not cultivated nor is cocaine produced within the state. African American street gangs
in Colorado. Cocaine is produced in South Amer- such as Rolling 30s Crips and Crenshaw Mafia
ica, primarily Colombia. However, distributors in Gangster Bloods in Denver, as well as Mexican
Colorado convert powdered cocaine to crack at or criminal groups and Hispanic street gangs in Colo-
near distribution sites on an as-needed basis to rado Springs and Pueblo, convert powdered cocaine
avoid federal drug sentences that are lengthier for to crack. However, some of the crack cocaine avail-
possessing crack than powdered cocaine. Most of able in Denver is transported from other states such
the crack cocaine available in Colorado is converted as California and Illinois.
Transportation
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups are the and through the state by couriers aboard commer-
principal transporters of wholesale quantities of cial aircraft. In May 2000, 5 kilograms of cocaine
powdered cocaine into Colorado. These groups were seized at Denver International Airport from a
transport most of the powdered cocaine available courier on a flight originating in Los Angeles and
in Colorado from Mexico primarily through Texas, destined for New York City. Shipments may con-
but also through California and Arizona. Cocaine tain 1 to 12 kilograms of compressed powdered
typically is transported into Colorado in private cocaine. According to the Denver Police Depart-
and rental vehicles on interstate highways, particu- ment, drug couriers traveling to or transiting Den-
larly I-25 and I-70. The Colorado State Patrol ver International Airport frequently use discount
seized 41 kilograms of cocaine from highway air carriers to take advantage of cheaper rates.
interdictions in 1999, 41 kilograms in 2000, and 58 Colorado also serves as a transshipment area
kilograms in 2001. Cocaine also is transported into for cocaine destined for drug markets throughout
13
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
Distribution
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups that and crack cocaine, although at the retail level
transport powdered cocaine into Colorado also local independent dealers also distribute pow-
distribute the drug at the wholesale level. At the dered and crack cocaine. Some street gangs
midlevel and retail level Mexican criminal distribute powdered or crack cocaine at the
groups, Hispanic and African American street wholesale and retail levels, while others distrib-
gangs, and Mexican and Caucasian local indepen- ute crack at the retail level only. Wholesale dis-
dent dealers distribute powdered and crack tribution generally occurs within the gang, with
cocaine. Some Mexican criminal groups operat- higher-level members selling cocaine to lower-
ing in less populated areas of the state attempt to level members for retail distribution. The major
control all levels of distribution. gangs that distribute powdered or crack cocaine
Mexican DTOs are the dominant wholesale in the Front Range area are listed in Table 2 on
distributors of powdered cocaine in Colorado; page 15.
these DTOs typically distribute methamphet- Crack commonly is distributed in metropolitan
amine and heroin as well. Mexican criminal areas of the state. There are more than 100 crack
groups also distribute cocaine at the wholesale houses, some of which have been established by
level, but to a lesser extent. These groups have ties gang members from Los Angeles, in several of
to Mexican DTOs that maintain distribution cells Denver’s inner-city neighborhoods. Los Angeles
in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. gang members also make periodic trips from
Mexican criminal groups typically are family- Los Angeles to Denver to sell crack cocaine
based and vertically structured; each has a group because there is less competition in Denver than
leader who works with a single source of supply. in Los Angeles. Local gang members often are
Hispanic and African American street gangs recruited to assist in distribution. Local indepen-
are the dominant retail distributors of powdered dent crack dealers are also prevalent in Denver
14
National Drug Intelligence Center
Table 2. Street Gangs That Distribute Cocaine Distribution methods vary widely in Colo-
in the Front Range Area rado. Wholesale quantities of powdered cocaine
are distributed in a variety of settings, including
Colorado Springs
residences and businesses such as restaurants,
81st Eastside Hustlers shops, and auto body garages. Midlevel and retail
Four Corner Hustlers
Gangster Disciples
sales usually take place in nightclubs, bars, on
Neighborhood Bloods street corners, or in private residences. Crack
Parkside Varrios houses are popular in metropolitan areas such as
Sureños 13 Denver, but crack also is distributed on the street
Denver and from other venues. Kilogram quantities of
32 Gangster Crips powdered cocaine usually are packaged in cello-
33 Gangster Crips phane-wrapped bricks bound with tape, and
83 Gangster Crips ounce quantities of cocaine typically are pack-
Black Gangster Disciples aged in plastic bags. One-quarter-ounce packages
Compton Crips of crack cocaine commonly are distributed in alu-
Crenshaw Mafia Gangster Bloods
minum foil or small plastic bags.
Dog City Crips
Horton Boy Gangster Crips
Rolling 30s Crips Drug Distribution in Lower
Sureños 13 Downtown Denver
Viet Pride Gangster Crips The City and County of Denver Department of
Westside Mafia Gangster Crips
Excise and License (DEL) reports that the
Fort Collins lower downtown Denver area (known as the
Sureños 13 LoDo) has many bars and nightclubs fre-
quented by affluent young adults from the Den-
Pueblo
ver metropolitan area. African American and
Eastside Dukes Hispanic local independent powdered cocaine
Kelly Park Crips
dealers have traditionally dominated drug dis-
Latin Aces
tribution in the LoDo. In recent years DEL has
observed that these cocaine distributors have
and Aurora. The Aurora Police Department lost some business in the LoDo to Caucasian
reports that approximately 10 percent of crack local independent dealers as the club drugs,
cocaine retailers in its jurisdiction are street particularly MDMA, have increased in popular-
gang members, and the remaining 90 percent are ity. However, according to DEL, cocaine
local independent dealers. remains the drug of choice in the LoDo area.
Source: City and County of Denver DEL.
Heroin
Heroin is available in the state’s metropolitan addiction. Mexican DTOs transport heroin into
and suburban areas and poses a considerable drug the state and serve as the primary wholesale dis-
threat to Colorado. Mexican black tar heroin and tributors. Transporters commonly use private and
brown powdered heroin are the most common rental vehicles, couriers aboard commercial air-
types available. Most new heroin abusers in Colo- craft, and package delivery services to transport
rado are young adults who smoke or snort the heroin from Mexico into the state. Mexican DTOs
drug rather than inject it, mistakenly believing and criminal groups are the principal retail dis-
this practice to be safer and less likely to lead to tributors of heroin in Colorado.
15
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
Abuse
Heroin abuse poses a growing threat to Colo- male. In addition, the percentage of clients admit-
rado. The number of heroin abusers who smoke ted to treatment for heroin abuse who were under
the drug—mostly younger users who are new to 35 years old increased to 40 percent in 2001 from
heroin abuse—has increased, and the number of 35 percent in 1995. Although injecting is the pre-
heroin abusers who inject the drug has decreased. ferred means of administering heroin in Colorado
Many new abusers mistakenly believe that smok-
ing or snorting heroin protects them from the Chart 2. Heroin Emergency Department
addictive and lethal properties of the drug. Also, Mentions, Denver, 1997–2001
snorting or smoking the drug allows them to avoid 800
the stigma associated with intravenous use.
According to the NDTS, the prevalence of heroin 700
16
National Drug Intelligence Center
(used by 81.8 percent of admitted patients), the there were 142 heroin-related deaths in 1999,
percentage of patients who smoke or snort the drug according to ADAD; that number increased to
has increased from 4.5 percent in 1995 to 9.5 per- 147 in 2000 and 160 in 2001. Heroin/morphine-
cent in 2001. related calls to RMPDC likewise increased from
Heroin is frequently a factor in ED mentions 21 in 1997 to 36 in 2001.
and deaths in the Denver metropolitan area as A recent trend observed by some treatment
well as deaths throughout the state. According to providers in Colorado involves methamphetamine
DAWN, heroin ED mentions in the Denver met- abusers using heroin as a means of curbing the
ropolitan area increased steadily from 465 in stimulant effects of methamphetamine. A study by
1997 to 769 in 2001. (See Chart 2 on page 16.) ADAD and the University of Colorado revealed
DAWN mortality data indicate an increase in her- that some intravenous methamphetamine abusers
oin-related deaths in the Denver metropolitan have developed dependence on heroin as a result.
area—from 34 in 1996 to 77 in 2001. Statewide This trend does not appear to be widespread.
Availability
Heroin is not available in all parts of Colo- Heroin prices in Colorado vary depending on
rado; availability is largely limited to the state’s type, quantity, and location. Mexican black tar
metropolitan and suburban areas. According to heroin usually is available in quantities of 1 ounce
the NDTS, 42 of 68 Colorado law enforcement or more, and brown powdered heroin typically is
respondents indicated low or no availability of available in quantities of less than 1 ounce. Mexi-
heroin within their jurisdictions. Where heroin is can black tar heroin and brown powdered heroin
available, Mexican black tar is the most prevalent are readily available in Denver. In FY2002 Mexi-
type. Mexican brown powdered heroin also is can heroin in Denver sold for $1,500 to $3,000
available to a lesser extent. per ounce and $50 to $200 per gram, an increase
The amount of heroin seized in Colorado has from FY2001 prices of $1,300 to $2,000 per
fluctuated during the past several years. Accord- ounce and $50 to $100 per gram. In Colorado
ing to FDSS data, federal law enforcement offi- Springs Mexican black tar heroin and brown
cials seized 4.9 kilograms in 1998, 2.0 kilograms powdered heroin were less available and sold for
in 1999, 4.9 kilograms in 2000, and 1.2 kilograms $1,800 to $3,500 per ounce and $75 to $300 per
in 2001. Law enforcement officials seized 1.65 gram. In some more rural areas where Mexican
kilograms of heroin in 1999 and 3.15 kilograms
in 2000 as part of Operation Pipeline and 2.41 Availability of Mexican Black Tar Heroin
kilograms in 2000 as part of Operation Jetway. on the Rise
The Summit County Task Force reports that
The number of drug-related federal sentences the availability of Mexican black tar heroin in
that were heroin-related in Colorado was lower the county has “skyrocketed.” Heroin-related
than the percentage nationwide in FY2001. arrests increased 400 percent in this rural
According to USSC data, in FY2001 heroin- county between January and June 2001, and
related federal sentences constituted 3.8 percent there were three deaths attributed to heroin
of all drug-related federal sentences in Colorado overdoses during the same period. Task force
compared with 7.2 percent nationwide. During officials report that users in Summit County
the same year there were fewer federal sentences typically are in their teens or midtwenties.
resulting from heroin-related offenses than for Source: Summit County Drug Task Force.
offenses associated with any other major drug.
17
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
black tar heroin is available, prices can be as low from 46 to 55 percent pure, and Mexican brown
as $50 per gram due to lower purity. powdered heroin averages 67 percent pure. The
Purity levels in Colorado vary depending purity of Mexican heroin available in rural areas
upon type and location. According to DEA, can be as low as 2 percent.
Mexican black tar heroin in Colorado ranges
Violence
Production
Opium is not cultivated nor is heroin produced Asia, and Mexico. Most of the heroin available in
in Colorado. Heroin is produced in four source Colorado is produced in Mexico.
regions: South America, Southeast Asia, Southwest
Transportation
Mexican DTOs are the principal transporters indicate that heroin is transported into Colorado
of Mexican heroin into Colorado. These DTOs primarily on interstate and U.S. highways,
typically transport heroin into the Denver metro- including US 160, I-25, and I-70. In May 2000
politan area from Nayarit and Sinaloa, Mexico, Colorado State Police seized 1.5 kilograms of
through California and Texas. Private vehicles Mexican brown powdered heroin from two male
are the principal means used to transport heroin Mexican nationals traveling east to Pueblo on US
into Colorado. Operation Pipeline data for 1999 160 in Rio Grande, Colorado. Law enforcement
18
National Drug Intelligence Center
officers found the heroin bundle wrapped in cel- young, single women to serve as couriers on
lophane and hidden between the trunk liner and commercial flights. Law enforcement agencies
the rear quarter panel of the vehicle. Heroin in Aurora, Greeley, and Pueblo report that heroin
seized in Colorado often is transiting the state and is transported to those jurisdictions via couriers
is destined for drug markets in other states. aboard commercial flights transiting Denver
In addition, Mexican DTOs and criminal International Airport. Law enforcement informa-
groups transport heroin to Colorado using com- tion indicates that some heroin is transported to
mercial aircraft and package delivery services. Colorado via package delivery services.
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups often recruit
Distribution
Marijuana
Marijuana, primarily produced in Mexico, is western states, particularly California, by Mexi-
the most widely available and frequently abused can criminal groups and local independent deal-
illicit drug in Colorado. However, law enforce- ers is also available. Marijuana typically is
ment officers generally regard the drug as a lower transported into the state in commercial trucks,
threat than methamphetamine or cocaine because rental and private vehicles, and by package deliv-
marijuana abusers and distributors usually do not ery services. Marijuana produced in Mexico or by
commit violent crimes. Most of the marijuana Mexican criminal groups in Colorado and other
available in the state is produced in Mexico; how- western states is distributed primarily by Mexican
ever, marijuana produced in Colorado and other DTOs and criminal groups at the wholesale level
19
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
and by Hispanic and African American street primary distributors of the marijuana and sin-
gangs at the retail level. Caucasian criminal semilla they produce in Colorado.
groups and local independent dealers are the
Abuse
Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit decline in 2000 and 2001. ADAD reports that
drug in Colorado. The percentage of Colorado marijuana-related admissions increased from
residents who report having abused marijuana in 4,459 in 1997 to 6,339 in 1999. That number
the past month is higher than the percentage decreased to 5,571 in 2000 and to 5,299 in 2001.
nationwide. According to the 1999 and 2000 (See Table 1 on page 3.) In 2001, 38 percent of
NHSDA, 7.8 percent of Colorado residents age 12 marijuana-related treatment admissions were
and over reported having abused marijuana in the under 17 years old, nearly 75 percent were male,
year prior to the survey compared with 4.8 percent and nearly 56 percent were Caucasian, according
nationwide. Marijuana abusers have constituted to ADAD. Marijuana is a secondary drug com-
the largest percentage of self-reported drug abus- monly mentioned by methamphetamine abusers
ers in Colorado since 1995, according to ADAD. admitted to treatment facilities. The exact nature
According to the NDTS, 45 of the 68 Colorado of this link is speculative; however, these meth-
law enforcement respondents who reported mari- amphetamine abusers may be using marijuana to
juana abuse in their jurisdictions indicated a high curb the stimulant effects of methamphetamine.
level of abuse. Marijuana increasingly is a factor in drug-
Marijuana-related admissions to publicly related ED mentions in the Denver metropolitan
funded treatment facilities in Colorado far exceed area. According to DAWN, in the Denver metro-
admissions associated with any other illicit drug. politan area marijuana ED mentions increased
State data indicate rising marijuana-related treat- from 505 in 1997 to 979 in 2001.
ment admissions through 1999, followed by a
Availability
Marijuana is the most widely available illicit 901.6 kilograms in 1999, 718.1 kilograms in 2000,
drug in Colorado. According to the NDTS, mari- and 1,591.5 kilograms in 2001. Law enforcement
juana availability was reported as high by 53 of officials seized 2,348.1 kilograms of marijuana in
68 Colorado law enforcement respondents. Most 1999 and 1,520.9 kilograms in 2000 as part of
of the marijuana available in the state is produced Operation Pipeline and 175.1 kilograms in 2000 as
in Mexico. Marijuana produced in Colorado and part of Operation Jetway.
other western states, primarily California, also is The percentage of drug-related federal sen-
available. High potency marijuana produced in tences that were marijuana-related in Colorado was
Canada is becoming increasingly available in significantly lower than the national percentage in
Colorado’s metropolitan areas. FY2001. According to USSC data, approximately
Seizure data reflect the ready availability of 13 percent of drug-related federal sentences in Col-
marijuana in Colorado. According to FDSS data, orado in FY2001 were marijuana-related compared
federal law enforcement officials in Colorado with nearly 33 percent nationally. There were 21
seized 882.5 kilograms of marijuana in 1998, marijuana-related federal sentences in Colorado in
20
National Drug Intelligence Center
FY1997, 29 in FY1998, 20 in FY1999, 18 in sinsemilla was available for $2,000 to $4,000 per
FY2000, and 20 in FY2001. From October 1998 to pound and $200 per ounce during the second
May 2001, 25 of the 86 OCDETF investigations quarter of 2001. A marijuana cigarette typically
initiated in Colorado were marijuana-related. sold for $3 to $10 statewide in FY2002. DEA
Marijuana prices vary throughout Colorado. reports that high potency BC Bud, also known as
According to the DEA Denver Division, mari- triple-A, which is produced in British Columbia,
juana produced in Mexico or western states sold Canada, is becoming increasingly available in
for $500 to $1,000 per pound in Denver in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins,
FY2002; locally produced sinsemilla sold for and Greeley. BC Bud sells for $3,000 to $5,000
$1,000 to $3,000 per pound and $200 to $300 per per pound where it is available.
ounce. In FY2002 in Colorado Springs, mari- According to the Domestic Cannabis Eradica-
juana from Mexican sources sold for $300 to tion/Suppression Program (DCE/SP), a DEA pro-
$1,200 per pound and $100 to $150 per ounce. gram that supports 88 state and local law enforce-
Locally produced sinsemilla sold for $1,500 to ment agencies, 10,862 outdoor and 3,584 indoor
$3,200 per pound and $100 to $150 per ounce. In cannabis plants were eradicated in Colorado in
Grand Junction marijuana from Mexican sources 2000; 1,948 outdoor and 2,222 indoor cannabis
sold for $800 per pound and $150 per ounce, and plants were eradicated in 2001.
Violence
The production and distribution of marijuana cultivation sites in Colorado in 2001. According to
occasionally have been linked to violent crime in Denver law enforcement officials, street gangs that
Colorado. Law enforcement officials report that distribute marijuana commit violent crimes such as
outdoor cannabis growers often use countersurveil- assault, auto theft, drive-by shooting, and homi-
lance equipment, trip wires, and explosives to cide, some of which have been related to their mar-
secure their cultivation sites. According to DCE/SP ijuana distribution activities.
statistics, 20 firearms were seized from cannabis
Production
Most of the marijuana available in Colorado July 2002 the Grand Valley Joint Drug Task Force
is produced in Mexico. However, marijuana pro- eradicated 10,300 cannabis plants from a grow
duced by Mexican criminal groups and Caucasian site operated by a Mexican group near Gateway.
local independent dealers in Colorado and other The site was situated in a secluded canyon on
western states, primarily California, also is avail- U.S. Bureau of Land Management property. A
able. Marijuana produced in Canada is becoming local resident discovered the site and reported its
increasingly available. location to task force officers. The individual also
Outdoor cannabis cultivation reportedly reported observing four armed men near the site.
yields more cannabis than indoor cultivation in Outdoor cannabis operations typically are con-
Colorado. However, smaller, indoor cannabis cealed among legitimate agricultural crops or on
growing operations are more common throughout remote National Forest Service lands. Indoor can-
the state. Mexican criminal groups cultivate nabis grows are common, and there have been
large-scale outdoor sites containing thousands of significant seizures of indoor grows containing
cannabis plants in remote areas of Colorado. In 1,000 or more cannabis plants. Indoor operations
21
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
Transportation
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups based in Marijuana also is transported by couriers
Mexico and California are the primary transport- traveling aboard commercial aircraft, but to a
ers of Mexico-produced marijuana and of mari- much lesser extent. The Boulder County Drug
juana produced by Mexican criminal groups in Task Force reports that BC Bud available in its
western states. Caucasian local independent dis- jurisdiction is transported from British Columbia
tributors and a limited number of Mexican crimi- via Denver International Airport. The Task Force
nal groups transport Canada-produced marijuana reports that at least three organizations supply
to Colorado through northwestern states. BC Bud to the Boulder area. These organizations
Marijuana typically is transported into Colorado have been connected to several seizures of high-
along the state’s interstate highway system. Opera- grade marijuana at Denver International Airport
tion Pipeline data from 2000 indicate that I-25 is the in 1999 and 2000, including one of 40 pounds
highway most often used to transport marijuana to and another of 75 pounds. Couriers on commer-
Colorado, although I-70 also is frequently used. cial flights also transport marijuana to drug mar-
Interstate 76 typically is used to transport marijuana kets in other states via connecting flights through
from Colorado to destinations in other states. The Colorado airports.
Four Corners-Durango area is a major transit area A small amount of marijuana is transported to
for marijuana being transported from Arizona, Cali- Colorado via package delivery services. Accord-
fornia, and New Mexico to cities such as Boston, ing to the Rocky Mountain HIDTA, many law
Chicago, and New York. Commercial, private, and enforcement agencies in Colorado report that
rental vehicles generally are used to transport mari- marijuana is transported into the state in packages
juana into and through the state. that typically contain from 5 to 10 pounds of the
22
National Drug Intelligence Center
Distribution
Mexican DTOs and criminal groups dominate Street gangs, primarily African American
the wholesale distribution of marijuana produced and Hispanic, are the principal retail distributors
in Mexico and western states. African American of Mexico-produced marijuana in Colorado’s
and Hispanic street gangs also distribute all varie- metropolitan areas. According to law enforce-
ties of marijuana at the retail level. Caucasian ment officials, dozens of gangs based in every
local independent dealers distribute locally pro- metropolitan area of the state distribute mari-
duced marijuana at the wholesale and retail levels. juana; major gangs that distribute marijuana
Mexican DTOs and local independent producers include 18th Street, Crenshaw Mafia Gangster
also supply marijuana to Colorado street gangs for Crips, Gangster Disciples, and Sureños 13.
retail distribution. Caucasian criminal groups in Wholesale quantities of marijuana typically
Boulder, Denver, and Jefferson Counties are the are wrapped in cellophane, paper, duct tape, or a
primary distributors of BC Bud in Colorado. combination of the three and are distributed from
23
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
residences and businesses, including bars, night- one-quarter-ounce amounts. Retail sales gener-
clubs, and restaurants. Retail quantities of mari- ally take place on street corners and in residences.
juana typically are packaged in plastic bags in
Raves
Throughout the 1990s high energy, all-night dances known as raves, which feature techno music
and flashing laser lights, increased in popularity among teens and young adults. Raves occur in
most metropolitan areas of the country. They can be held at either permanent dance clubs or tem-
porary “weekend event” sites set up in abandoned warehouses, open fields, empty buildings, or
civic centers. Club drugs are a group of synthetic drugs often sold at raves and dance clubs. MDMA
is one of the most popular club drugs. Rave managers often sell water, bubble gum, glow sticks, and
mentholated cream at rave parties. “Ravers” drink water to offset dehydration caused by MDMA;
chew bubble gum to prevent the grinding of teeth, which is a common side effect of abusing MDMA;
wave glow sticks in front of their eyes because MDMA stimulates light perception; and apply men-
tholated cream to their nostrils to produce a rush of feeling called freeze.
Club Drugs
MDMA. The increasing availability and cocaine abuse, including confusion, depression,
abuse of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymetham- sleeplessness, anxiety, and paranoia. The physical
phetamine), particularly among teenagers and effects can include severe dehydration, muscle
young adults, pose a growing threat to Colorado. tension, involuntary teeth clenching, blurred
MDMA, also known as ecstasy, XTC, E, and X, vision, and increased heart rate and blood pres-
is a stimulant and low-level hallucinogen. sure. MDMA can also cause a marked increase in
MDMA was patented in 1914 in Germany where body temperature leading to muscle breakdown,
it was sometimes given to psychiatric patients to kidney failure, cardiovascular system failure,
assist in psychotherapy, a practice never approved stroke, or seizure. MDMA abuse may result in
by the American Psychological Association or long-term, permanent damage to parts of the
the Food and Drug Administration. Abuse of the brain that are critical to thought and memory.
drug can cause psychological problems similar to MDMA is increasingly available and abused
those associated with methamphetamine and in Colorado. According to DAWN data, MDMA
24
National Drug Intelligence Center
25
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
26
National Drug Intelligence Center
routinely encountered, particularly around the GHB and its analogs are not available in most
campus of Colorado State University in Fort Col- parts of the state. Few counties report ready avail-
lins. The Grand-Routt-Moffat Counties Narcotic ability, and many counties report that GHB and its
Enforcement Team (GRAMNET)—with jurisdic- analogs are infrequently, if ever, seized by law
tion over Grand, Routt, Moffat, and Jackson enforcement. In Denver GHB and its analogs
Counties—reports that retail quantities of ket- occasionally are seized during routine traffic stops
amine from Mexico are available for purchase and rave parties. Despite limited statewide avail-
from Mexican criminal groups. There were five ability, GHB and its analogs are becoming more
nonfatal overdoses of ketamine in the task force available in some areas. In Boulder the use of
area in 2001. Law enforcement chemists in Den- GHB is suspected in several sexual assault cases
ver have discovered ketamine in tablets seized or involving female university students. Almost all of
purchased by law enforcement that were mar- the GHB abused in Colorado is produced in the
keted as MDMA. state. GHB producers typically make enough of
GHB and Analogs. The threat to Colorado the drug to supply themselves and several friends
from GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and its for a short period of time—1 to 2 days—so that
analogs is low but increasing. GHB and its ana- little distribution occurs. GHB is commonly sold
logs—GBL, BD, GHV, and GVL—also are for $5 to $10 per dose. GHB analogs are available
known as liquid MDMA, scoop, grievous bodily at some disreputable health food stores, gyms, and
harm, and Georgia home boy. GHB is a depres- via the Internet.
sant that occurs naturally in the body and is nec-
essary for full functioning of the brain and GHB Analogs
central nervous system. GHB analogs are drugs
Analog Chemical/Alternative Name
that possess chemical structures that closely
resemble GHB. Overdoses of GHB and its ana- GBL gamma-butyrolactone
furanone di-hydro
logs can occur quickly; some signs include
dihydrofuranone
drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of conscious-
ness, impaired breathing, and occasionally BD 1,4-butanediol
death. These drugs often are used in the com- tetramethylene glycol
mission of drug-facilitated sexual assault sucol-B
butylene glycol
because of their sedative effects. Overdoses are
common but rarely lethal and can trigger coma. GVL gamma-valerolactone
Abusers in some Denver clubs have become so 4-pentanolide
accustomed to overdosing on GHB and becom-
GHV gamma-hydroxyvalerate
ing unconscious that they write a large “G” on
methyl-GHB
the backs of their hands to inform other dancers
not to call for help should they pass out.
Hallucinogens
Psilocybin. Also known as cubes, liberty ceremonies by the indigenous people of Mexico
caps, magic mushrooms, mushies, mushrooms, were considered sacred and were called “God’s
psilocybes, and shrooms, psilocybin is the psy- flesh” by the Aztecs. In the 1950s the active
choactive ingredient found in certain mush- ingredients psilocyn and psilocybin were iso-
rooms, notably, two Mexican species— lated from the Mexican mushrooms. Psilocyn
Psilocybe mexicana and Stropharia cubensis. and psilocybin produce effects similar to those
Hallucinogenic mushrooms used in religious of LSD.
27
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
The physical effects of psilocybin can include enforcement agencies in Colorado describe psilo-
nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, yawning, cybin availability in their jurisdictions as “con-
drowsiness, tearing, facial flushing, enlarged stant.” Psilocybin mushrooms are grown in
pupils, sweating, and lack of coordination. The various parts of Colorado. Many individuals in
chemical takes effect within 20 to 30 minutes and Colorado grow their own psilocybin mushrooms
lasts about 6 hours depending on dosage. Other from kits legally obtained from counterculture
physical effects include dizziness, diarrhea, dry groups. Criminal groups in Simla supply psilocy-
mouth, and restlessness. The psychological and bin mushrooms to the Denver metropolitan area.
physiological effects of the drug include changes Boulder is reportedly a hub for psilocybin distri-
to auditory, visual, and tactile senses. Colors bution throughout the western United States.
reportedly appear brighter and users report a DEA reports that an entrenched organization in
crossing of the senses, for example, seeing a Boulder distributed 400 to 500 pounds of psilocy-
sound and hearing a color. bin mushrooms per month for at least a decade at
Psilocybin has been abused in Colorado for prices ranging from $600 to $800 per pound. The
decades and is the most frequently encountered organization was dismantled in June 2002, and
hallucinogen in the state. A number of law two psilocybin production sites were seized.
Diverted Pharmaceuticals
28
National Drug Intelligence Center
Outlook
Methamphetamine will continue to pose a The threat posed by heroin may increase in
primary drug threat to Colorado. Methamphet- Colorado. The demand for high purity, low cost
amine likely will remain a greater threat than heroin will ensure the continued flow of heroin
any other illicit drug in the state. Methamphet- from Mexico to Colorado. New heroin abusers
amine produced by Mexican DTOs and criminal likely will continue to prefer smoking or
groups in Mexico, California, and Arizona will snorting the drug; however, as their tolerance
be increasingly available as the drug gains in increases, some abusers will switch to injecting
popularity. Stimulative effects similar to those as the primary method of administration. As her-
produced by cocaine, but at lower prices, will oin abuse increases, so will the number of her-
continue to fuel this gain. However, low meth- oin-related deaths, medical complications, and
amphetamine purity, increasing public aware- treatment admissions.
ness of the dangers of methamphetamine abuse, Marijuana will remain the most widely available
and increasing law enforcement focus on meth- and commonly abused drug in Colorado. Marijuana
amphetamine producers and distributors may from Mexico and western states will continue to be
impede the advancing popularity of the drug. readily available. High potency BC Bud is expected
Tightened federal and state regulations govern- to increase in availability.
ing the purchase of precursor chemicals will
continue to affect the availability and purity of The popularity of club drugs will continue to
locally produced methamphetamine. The cost of grow. MDMA, already regarded as a mainstream
environmental cleanup of toxic waste from drug in the metropolitan areas, will continue to
methamphetamine laboratories will continue to increase in popularity throughout the state. Mexi-
rise if the number of laboratories seized in the can DTOs and criminal groups, already suspected
state increases. of distributing MDMA in wholesale quantities in
several jurisdictions, may play an increasing role
Powdered and crack cocaine will remain a in MDMA transportation and distribution. GHB
serious threat to Colorado. The number of admis- may become more popular among young abusers
sions to publicly funded treatment facilities may as these individuals become accustomed to the
continue to decrease; however, rising ED men- drug’s effects and thus begin to view it as a com-
tions and deaths in the Denver metropolitan area paratively safe substance.
will continue to contribute to the magnitude of
the threat. Cocaine distributors will increasingly Abuse of other club drugs such as LSD and
target young club drug users in Denver. Conse- ketamine and the hallucinogen psilocybin, particu-
quently, the threat posed by cocaine may increase larly among youth, will lead to increased admis-
dramatically in Denver and its surrounding sub- sions for treatment, long-term healthcare concerns,
urbs. In addition, if methamphetamine purity lev- and further strains on social welfare and law
els remain low, some methamphetamine users enforcement agencies. Diverted pharmaceuticals
may switch to cocaine. will remain a considerable threat to Colorado.
29
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
30
National Drug Intelligence Center
Sources
State and Regional
Denver Westword
31
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
State of Colorado
Department of Human Services
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
Department of Public Safety
Bureau of Investigation
Colorado State Patrol
Division of Criminal Justice
32
National Drug Intelligence Center
33
Colorado Drug Threat Assessment
Other
Associated Press
Columbia University
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse
34
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