Transaction Search Form: please type in any of the fields below.
Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 3:24 am
Time: 3:24 am
Results for methamphetamines
12 results foundAuthor: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs Title: Methamphetamine: A European Union Perspective in the Global Context Summary: This study focuses on the supply and use of methamphetamine in Europe. It provides a condensed review of key issues relevant to understanding how Europe stands vis-a-vis the global methamphetamine problem today. Details: Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2009. 30p. Source: EMCDDA-Europol Joint Publications No. 1 Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 115669 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionMethamphetamines |
Author: Torok, Michelle Title: Comparative Rates of Violent Crime Amongst Methamphetamine and Opioid Users: Victimisation and Offending Summary: Background There have been marked changes in methamphetamine use over the past decade as more potent forms of the drug have become increasingly available, particularly crystalline methamphetamine. A major concern of stronger potency methamphetamine is the increased potential for harm, such as psychotic symptoms and violent behaviour. Little is currently known about what effects methamphetamine use has on violent behaviour. The current research was undertaken to improve our understanding of the association between methamphetamine use and violent victimisation and offending. Comprehensive measures including prevalence, type of offence, circumstances surrounding victimisation and offending, and the predictors of violent behaviour were used to achieve a more complex understanding of the issues surrounding methamphetamine use and violence. Methodology A sample of 400 regular methamphetamine and heroin users from the greater Sydney region were interviewed face-to-face regarding their lifetime and most recent experiences of violent victimisation and offending. Participants in the study were recruited through advertisements placed in needle and syringe programs (NSPs), therapeutic communities, street press publications, and word of mouth. To be eligible for inclusion in the survey, respondents had to be at least 18 years of age, have a satisfactory understanding of English, and have used either methamphetamine or illicit opiates at least weekly over the past 12 months. The sample was categorised into three key groups based on whether they used methamphetamine or heroin most regularly: primary methamphetamine users (PM), primary heroin users (PH), and combined primary methamphetamine and heroin users (PMH). Only physical violence was measured in this study, which included assault, armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. Key findings Violent victimisation The lifetime risk of violent victimisation was nearly universal. Across the whole sample, 95% had ever been a victim of violence, and nearly half (46%) had experienced victimisation in the past 12 months. The overwhelming majority had been victimised on multiple occasions across a lifetime measure. Methamphetamine use was not a significant risk factor for violent victimisation. The results indicate that the major predictors of violent victimisation among illicit drug users were severity of alcohol use, a predisposition towards antisocial behaviour (i.e. a childhood history of Conduct Disorder), and drug dealing. The data indicates that being involved in illicit drug markets substantially increases the risk of victimisation and that, at some point, those who remain in these environments have a high risk of being assaulted Almost two-thirds of those who had been victimised were also under the influence of a substance at the time they were last victimised. The substances that were most commonly used prior to the most recent victimisation episode were alcohol (25%), psychostimulants (24%), and illicit opioids (24%). Nearly one-quarter of the respondents had used multiple substances prior to most recently being victimised. Violent offending The prevalence of violent offending was also high, with 82% having ever committed a violent crime, and approximately two in five having violently offended in the past 12 months. There were no group differences in the risk of lifetime offending. In the past 12 months, however, the PM group was more likely to have committed a violent crime than the PH group (51% v 35%). Nearly three-quarters (74%) of the sample had ever committed more than one violent crime. Methamphetamine use significantly increased the risk of violent offending in the past 12 months, particularly more frequent methamphetamine use. The increased risk of violent offending associated with methamphetamine use was consistent across a number of indicators, including being at greater risk for being arrested for assault and weapon offences in the preceding 12 months, and methamphetamine users being at greater risk of committing violent crime within the past month. Apart from methamphetamine use, other factors that were found to increase the risk of committing violence were heavier alcohol use, Conduct Disorder, selling drugs, and being younger. Risk perceptions of violence The majority of the sample perceived that it would be 'unlikely' or 'very unlikely' that they would be either a victim of violence (78%) or violent offender (87%) in the following 12 months, despite the high prevalence of violent victimisation and offending experienced in the previous 12 months. The majority of respondents had also witnessed high levels of victimisation and offending, and this also appears to have no impact on their own perceived risk of being exposed to violence in the future. Among those who had recently (i.e. in the last 12 months) been a victim of violence, or physically assaulted someone, the perceived risk of future victimisation and offending was higher than those who had not recently been exposed to violence. Key points: Summary of violent crime among illicit drug users - Violent victimisation was almost universal, with 95% of the sample having ever been victimised, and 46% having been a victim of violence in the past 12 months. - Violent offending was also highly prevalent, with 82% of respondents having committed a violent crime across their lifetime, and 41% having done so in the past 12 months. - Methamphetamine use did not increase the lifetime, or past 12 month, risk of violent victimisation. - Heavier methamphetamine use was associated with a significantly higher risk of violent offending in the past 12 months. - The main form of methamphetamine used did not affect risk of violent victimisation or offending. - The perceived risk of being a victim or offender of a violent crime in the following 12 months was very low, despite the high rates of victimisation, and of committing violent crime, in the past 12 months. Details: Hobart, Tasmania: National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, 2008. 43p. Source: Internet Resource: Monograph no. 32: Accessed April 17, 2018 at: http://www.ndlerf.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/monographs/monograph32.pdf Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: http://www.ndlerf.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/monographs/monograph32.pdf Shelf Number: 117106 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse and CrimeDrug-Related ViolenceMethamphetaminesOpioidsVictimizationViolent Crime |
Author: Rodriguez, Nancy Title: Methamphetamine Use Among Recently Booked Arrestees and Detainees in Maricopa County, Arizona Summary: Methamphetamine Use among Recently Booked Arrestees and Detainees in Maricopa County is another in a series of special topic reports for the Arizona Arrestee Reporting Information Network (AARIN). Using data collected from the core interview instrument, the report looks at the percent of adult and juvenile arrestees who use methamphetamine, their social and legal characteristics, treatment history, and other critical factors. Details: Phoenix, AZ: Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety, Arizona State University, 2009. 14p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 5, 2010 at: http://cvpcs.asu.edu/aarin/aarin-reports-1/meth-final-jan-2009.pdf/view Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: http://cvpcs.asu.edu/aarin/aarin-reports-1/meth-final-jan-2009.pdf/view Shelf Number: 119861 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse and CrimeDrug Offenders (Arizona)Methamphetamines |
Author: Missouri. Department of Public Safety and Statistical Analysis Center Title: Nature and Extent of the Illicit Drug Problem in Missouri Summary: The study focused on illicit drug use, the societal impact of illicit drugs, and extent of the illicit drug industry in the State of Missouri. Details: Jefferson City, MO: Missouri Statistical Analysis Center, 2010. 39p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 3, 2010 at:http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/SAC/pdf/2010NATUREANDEXTENTREPORT.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/SAC/pdf/2010NATUREANDEXTENTREPORT.pdf Shelf Number: 120176 Keywords: CocaineDrug OffendersHeroinIllicit Drugs (Missouri)MethamphetaminesNarcotics |
Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction Title: Problem Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Use in Europe Summary: Amphetamine and methamphetamine are two closely related synthetic substances that act as stimulants of the central nervous system. They can be ingested, snorted or injected, and methamphetamine, particularly in its crystalline form, can be smoked. The two substances can be so similar in their effects and appearance that often the user cannot tell them apart. Their effects include elevated mood; a sense of well-being; increased energy, wakefulness, concentration, alertness, and motor and speech activities; improved performance in physical and mental tasks; and reduced fatigue. Among other effects viewed by users as positive and rewarding are decreased social or sexual inhibitions, and the desire to lengthen social interactions or to socialise with others using the drug. This broad range of effects might explain why the use of amphetamines has been reported among many different population groups including soldiers, workers (e.g. truck or taxi drivers, hospital staff), students, sex workers, clubbers or problem heroin users. Of the main illicit drugs, the patterns and geography of amphetamines (1) use in Europe are among the most difficult to describe. There are several reasons for this. First, the prevalence of amphetamines use varies greatly between countries. The diversity of user groups is possibly one of the largest of all illicit substances found in Europe. In addition, a small number of countries have problem amphetamines use at the heart of their drug problem and, when this is the case, it has very specific socio-historical and epidemiological characteristics. The stimulant market in Europe also appears to be changing frequently, particularly in nightlife settings, with shifts in popularity between substances such as amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, piperazines or new stimulant drugs such as mephedrone. Finally, Europe is an important producer of amphetamines with several countries reporting illicit production facilities on their territory. The provision of care for those with amphetamines problems is another area in which differences exist between countries. In general, treatment services are more attuned to the needs of amphetamines users in the countries where problematic use of these substances is longer established, while elsewhere services are targeted to the needs of the largest group of problem drug users, mostly opioid users. Organised in two parts, this Selected issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history, health effects, supply and use of amphetamines in Europe, as well as describing their problematic use and the responses to them in the European countries that are most heavily affected. The first part begins with a short history of the use of these drugs and a presentation of the laws that are used to control them. This is followed by an analysis of drug supply information, mainly from police and customs services. The next section gives an overview of the prevalence of amphetamines use in the Europe population. The last section of Part I covers the mental and physical health effects of amphetamines use, including a review of the information on infectious diseases and deaths related to these drugs. In Part 2, countries are grouped in four geographical regions and sub-regions according to their amphetamines problems, with particular attention given to those with significant levels of problem amphetamines use. Treatment responses to amphetamines problems are also described for the different countries or groups of countries. Details: Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2010. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Selected Issue 2010: Accessed August 16, 2011 at: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_120112_EN_EMCDDA_SI10_Amphetamines.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Europe URL: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_120112_EN_EMCDDA_SI10_Amphetamines.pdf Shelf Number: 122402 Keywords: AmphetaminesDrug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse TreatmentMethamphetaminesSubstance Use and Abuse (Europe) |
Author: Degenhardt, Louisa Title: What Do We Know About the Extent of Illicit Meth/Amphetamine Use and Dependence? Results of a Global Systematic Review Summary: Aims: Systematically review existing data on the prevalence of meth/amphetamine use and dependence. The aims of this paper are to: (1) describe the available international data on meth/amphetamine use and dependence; and (2) identify priorities for improving the quality and coverage of such estimates. Methods: Multiple search strategies: a) peer-reviewed literature searches (1990-2008) using methods recommended by the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) group; b) systematic searches of online databases; c) Internet searches to find any other evidence of use; d) repeated consultation and feedback from experts around the globe; e) a viral email sent to lists in the HIV and illicit drug fields. Culling and data extraction followed manualised protocols, with in-built systems of cross-checking and internal consistency. Data were extracted and graded according to predefined variables and quality scored. This paper reports the most recent and highest graded prevalence estimate for the general population and school population and reports the proportion of coverage of the world‟s population for use and dependence estimates, general population and school surveys, age and sex specific estimates, and most recent year of estimates. Results: There was some evidence of meth/amphetamine use or dependence in 181 countries/territories, comprising 99% of the world‟s population aged 15-64 years but there were no prevalence estimates in 104 of these countries. This was common in Asia, Oceania and Africa. School surveys were the most common method used (74 countries); general population surveys of meth/amphetamine use had been conducted in 48 countries. Nine countries had estimated the prevalence of dependence since 1990 (8% of the world‟s population 15-64 years). Estimates of past-year use varied extremely widely; past-year dependence estimates were all less than 1% (0.10-0.74%). Age ranges, methodologies and definitions of “amphetamines” differed widely. Conclusions: There is a global imperative to improve data on the extent of meth/amphetamine use and dependence. There were large gaps in dependence estimates even in high income countries that have the resources and infrastructure to carry out such studies. Public and policy concern about this issue has been increasing largely in the absence of any data on the extent of this “problem”. Any policies or other responses requiring some notion of “scale” are likely to be poorly targeted until this situation changes. Details: Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, 2010. 74p. Source: Internet Resource: Technical Report No. 310: Accessed November 23, 2011 at: http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/sites/all/shared_files/ndarc/resources/TR.310.pdf Year: 2010 Country: International URL: http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/sites/all/shared_files/ndarc/resources/TR.310.pdf Shelf Number: 123434 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionIllegal DrugsMethamphetamines |
Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction Title: Amphetamine: A European Union perspective in the global context Summary: This report is the third in a series of European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)–Europol joint publications dedicated to prevalent illicit drugs. It focuses on amphetamine, a substance belonging to the family often referred to as amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), which covers two main groups of substances: the ‘amphetamines’, which includes amphetamine, methamphetamine and related substances, and the ‘ecstasy-type’ drugs, which includes methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its close relatives methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA).This study focuses on amphetamine production and markets in Europe, set in a global context. The first two EMCDDA–Europol joint publications were dedicated to methamphetamine and cocaine, while ecstasy-type substances, heroin and cannabis will be addressed in future publications. The current patterns of amphetamine use in Europe are influenced by both historical and more recent factors. The use of amphetamine has evolved over the years since it was first synthesised, in 1887. Originally an experimental substance used as a medicine to treat narcolepsy, amphetamine was used as a stimulant and performance enhancer by soldiers in the Second World War. In the late 1940s, it became a product of mass consumption, and it remained a widely prescribed medication well into the 1960s. Since the early 1970s, amphetamine has been an illicitly used and produced drug, and since the 1990s it has experienced renewed popularity in many parts of Europe, especially northern Europe. Although, worldwide, methamphetamine is probably the most widely used synthetic stimulant, in Europe it is amphetamine, mostly in the form of the sulphate salt, that has historically been, and remains, the most produced, trafficked and used synthetic stimulant. Amphetamine, therefore, may be neatly viewed as a ‘European drug’. Paradoxically, amphetamine has attracted much less attention in the European and global media, in policy circles and in academia than other drugs such as cannabis, cocaine or heroin. Even the closely related methamphetamine often seems to get more attention, although, compared with amphetamine, its production and use are much less prevalent in Europe. As a result, comparatively less information and analysis is available on amphetamine than on many other substances. Even so, EMCDDA and Europol data and analysis, as well as the literature reviewed for this report, strongly suggest that the demand and supply of amphetamine in Europe are not secondary issues but warrant careful attention. Overall, amphetamine has stabilised as the second most widely used stimulant drug in Europe today, after cocaine. And in many countries, especially in the north and east of Europe, it is the most consumed stimulant, far ahead of cocaine. In fact, in many of those countries, amphetamine is the second most widely used illicit drug after cannabis. Broadly speaking, the European amphetamine market can be characterised by two main patterns of use. The biggest group of users are generally episodic or occasional users of the drug, most of whom will be relatively well integrated socially, especially in terms of housing and employment status. Patterns of use among this group will vary from occasional experimental use (only once or twice) to regular episodic but intensive periods of use. The typical mode of administration will be nasal insufflation (snorting) or oral ingestion (swallowing). A second, more chronic, pattern of use can also be found in some countries, notably Norway, Latvia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. This pattern of use is characterised by the chronic (i.e. long-term) injection of often high-dose amphetamine. Users tend to be more socially marginalised and have more chronic health problems. In some countries, amphetamine therefore makes up a significant part of the national drug problem, with the concomitant health and social consequences, and the attendant costs to European societies, that this entails. Other consequences derive from the fact that the European amphetamine markets — 2 million Europeans are estimated to have used the drug in the last year — represent highly profitable ‘business opportunities’ for organised crime. Although some amphetamine is produced in ‘kitchen-type’ laboratories set up by chemistry students to supply a group of local friends, it is likely that the vast majority is manufactured in middling to large, sometimes ‘industrial size’, facilities. And, in this case, production and wholesale trafficking are in the hands of criminal organisations, some of which are able to operate throughout Europe, and even beyond, and which reap the corresponding profits. The decrease in the number of amphetamine production facilities dismantled in Europe in recent years does not necessarily make for comforting news, as forensic intelligence suggests that there is an increase in the production capacity of the facilities seized in key producer countries. The information available suggests that Europe is the world’s number one producer of amphetamine, with much of the production consumed within European borders. However, Europe also produces amphetamine that is usually exported to the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, where it is sold under the name ‘captagon’ (see p. 12). For conceptual clarity, the production and use of amphetamine in Europe needs to be distinguished from the production and export of amphetamine sold as captagon outside the European Union (EU). Patterns of use, including dose and route of administration, also are likely to differ considerably between these products. All this emphasises the need for careful monitoring of the production, trafficking and use of amphetamine in Europe today and is one of the reasons why the EMCDDA and Europol have joined efforts to publish the present report. Based on the latest statistical data, intelligence reports and original analysis, this joint publication hopes to enhance the understanding of amphetamine, an often overlooked but nevertheless key component on the European scene for stimulant drugs. -- See earlier report in DMG Gray Literature Database at #115669 -- Details: Luxembourg: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2011. 50p. Source: EMCDDA-Europol Joint Publications No. 3: Internet Resource: Accessed February 21, 2012 at https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/emcdda-europol_joint_publications._amphetamine_a_european_union_perspective_in_the_global_context.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Europe URL: https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/emcdda-europol_joint_publications._amphetamine_a_european_union_perspective_in_the_global_context.pdf Shelf Number: 123592 Keywords: AmphetaminesDrug Abuse and AddictionMethamphetaminesNarcotics Production |
Author: Sweeney, Josh Title: Decrease in use of ecstasy/MDMA Summary: Recent data from the Australian Institute of Criminology’s Drug Use Monitoring in Australia program indicate a decrease in the use of ecstasy among police detainees. Specifically, only five percent of police detainees in 2010 and 2011 reported using ecstasy; 50 percent lower than in 2009 when ecstasy use peaked at 11 percent. Key findings Recent data from the Australian Institute of Criminology’s Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) program indicate a decrease in the use of ecstasy among police detainees. Specifically, only five percent of police detainees in 2010 (n=187) and 2011 (n=170) reported using ecstasy; 50 percent lower than in 2009 (n=428) when ecstasy use peaked at 11 percent. Self-report data also indicate that ecstasy was considered by users to be lower in quality and harder to obtain in 2011 compared with earlier years. Ecstasy users also reported a decrease in the number of people selling the drug. The decline in ecstasy use coincides with a reported increase in methamphetamine use (Macgregor and Payne 2011) and the findings are consistent with data recently released by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Sindicich & Burns 2011) and in the 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) report (AIHW 2011). Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2012. 4p. Source: DUMA Research in Practice No. 26: Internet Resource: Accessed March 11, 2012 at http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/8/9/C/%7B89C0AB4B-1F28-4CA8-8483-1CE90142BC25%7Drip26.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/8/9/C/%7B89C0AB4B-1F28-4CA8-8483-1CE90142BC25%7Drip26.pdf Shelf Number: 124443 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionEcstasyIllegal DrugsMethamphetamines |
Author: Bouchard, Martin Title: Estimating the Size of the Canadian Illicit Meth and MDMA Markets: A Multi-Method Approach Summary: This study addresses the lack of reliable estimates on the scope of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS: amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy/MDMA) production in Canada. Such a study allows for a thorough assessment of Canada’s role in global ATS production and exportation. Using a multi-method approach, this research derives more accurate estimates of: the total number of ATS users in Canada than currently exists, including an estimate of the quantity of ATS consumed domestically; the total number of actors active on the supply side of ATS markets than currently exists; the total production volume of ATS in Canada than currently exists, including an estimate of the number of active ATS labs; and, the total amount of ATS exported from Canada. This report begins with a literature review of patterns in ATS use and production within and beyond Canada. Drawing from this past research, a series of methods and data sources that will allow the production of an estimate of the size of these populations for the present study are laid out. The remainder of the report presents the results from the various estimation methods that were applied to assess the size of various segments of the ATS market in Canada. The conclusion provides the main highlights and recommendations from the overall study. The review of the literature on trafficking and production found that there is too much uncertainty in regards to the existing data to truly assess the role of Canada in the global ATS trade. There are no established estimates of the size of production and the amount of ATS lab seizures remains low. While Canada ranked 6th in the world in the amount of methamphetamine seized in 2007 with 1.54 metric tons, the figure for the previous years was as low as 60kg. Finally, the review found that two methods for estimating the size of the ATS market in Canada (multiplier methods and capture-recapture methods) have shown more promise in obtaining reliable estimates of illegal populations, including drug dealers and producers. To derive these estimates, existing survey, arrest, and seizure data were used. Procedures used included multiplier methods, synthetic estimation methods, capture-recapture methods, and economic modeling methods. When possible, two methods were used to estimate a segment of the market. In most analyses, the diverse methods yielded consistent results, but much more research is required to provide further validation of this study’s results. Working with small and sparse data increases the levels of uncertainty that already exist in these estimation exercises. This report should be approached as a first step in developing standard methods that academics and policy makers can use to make systematic assessments of the ATS and other illicit drug markets in Canada and beyond. Our efforts should therefore be viewed as an exploration that lays the groundwork for a Canada-wide study with a strong emphasis on collecting fieldwork data. Assessments of the demand-side of the ATS market, based on synthetic estimation techniques, suggest that there are roughly 52,000 meth users and 270,000 ecstasy users in Canada. This estimate is based on a low count of data which combines the general population that is twelve years and older, the homeless population, and the inmate population. This total count of 320,000 likely underestimates the population of ATS consumers. Adjustments for 50% underreporting (high count) suggest a much larger total population of about 480,000 users (77,788 meth users and 402,677 ecstasy users). The assessment of the supply-side of this market relied on arrest data. The market is predominately male, but no more so than other illegal drug markets and crime settings in general. The population estimates suggest that steep increase occurred between 1999 and 2009 in Quebec, echoing what has been found through other indicators in Canada. One limit in our analysis was that we were unable to provide a valid estimate of importers, exporters, and producers. These populations are small, captured offenders have a higher likelihood of being incarcerated for longer time periods (and thus be unavailable for recapture), and simply not enough offenders get re-arrested in Quebec for these methods to be usable. The populations of meth and ecstasy dealers were estimated using both capture-recapture and multiplier estimates. Based on arrest data from Quebec, the capture-recapture estimate resulted in 3,458 meth dealers and 4,561 ecstasy dealers in Quebec. This allowed us to infer Canadian populations of 14,303 meth dealers and 16 980 ecstasy dealers. Results from the multiplier procedure for Canada that was based on a user:dealer ratio provided some validation at the higher end for meth and lower end for ecstasy—the population of meth dealers was estimated from a low of 3,457 to a high of 11,113 dealers, while the population of ecstasy dealers was estimated from a low of 17,897 to a high of 57,525 dealers. Once again, the substantial range that emerges from the multiplier procedure calls for considerable caution and additional verification with different data sources from a variety of regions. Estimates of the population of labs and producers were derived using diverse methods. The number of ATS labs was estimated using an economic model. This estimate ranged from a low of 560 labs to a high of 1,400 ATS labs in Canada. Such information was subsequently carried over to estimate the number of producers in the country. A ratio of 3.5 producers per lab was established, resulting in an estimated low of 1,960 ATS producers if 560 labs were in operation to a high of 4,900 producers if 1,400 labs were in operation in Canada. Both ATS production and consumption were estimated in order to arrive at a final estimate of how much meth could be reasonably exported from Canada. Such an analysis would lend some substance to persistent claims and debate regarding Canada’s pivotal position in the international ATS trade. Using the results from the economic model as a starting point, overall production was estimated at 2,297 kg if the lower-end 560 labs scenario was accurate and 5,743 kg if the higher-end 1,400 labs scenario was accurate. Such results must be approached with caution since the estimates are based on a single cook per lab in a given year—it may very well be the case that ATS labs produce multiple batches and will likely yield much larger quantities than we estimate. Adjusting these estimates to two ‘cooks’ per lab resulted in a low-end estimate of 4,594 kg and high-end estimate of 11,485 kg of meth in Canada. Depending on the scenario, Canadian producers would export between 38% and 75% of domestic ATS production. Using a multiplier method to derive a quantity per user ratio, meth consumption for Canada was estimated between 678 kg and 847 kg. Ecstasy consumption was estimated between 1,643 and 2,054 kg. Combining meth and ecstasy resulted in a total ATS consumption range of 2,321 to 2,902 kg in Canada. Based on mid-point estimates for consumption and seizure data, an excess of 1,733 kg to 8,624 kg of Canadian ATS was estimated for annual exportation. This would suggest that 38% (if 1733 kg of production) or 75% (if 8624 kg of production) of ATS produced in Canada is exported. Information was also added regarding the quantity of Canadian produced ATS overseas to produce an estimate of any ATS unaccounted for by Canadian users or law enforcement agencies around the world. This suggested that an excess of 288 to 7,179 kg of ATS was available for consumption overseas after domestic and international seizures and consumption were subtracted from overall production. The estimates produced for the purpose of this report suggest that Canada produces as little as 0.6% of the world’s supply or as much as 4.6%. Canada would not be considered as a major ATS producer under most standards. Based on the estimates produced in this report, Canada is no more and no less of a player today than it was five years ago. Five specific recommendations could improve these estimates over the long term: establish a more concerted effort to monitor national trends in synthetic drug markets, especially on the supply side; monitor trends in domestic illegal ATS precursor importation; monitor trends in Canadian produced synthetic drugs in other countries; adopt wastewater analysis as a method to estimate the quantity of ATS used in large Canadian cities; and make use of capture-recapture methods for the purpose of estimating the size of illegal markets a priority for Canada as a whole. Details: Ottawa: Research and National Coordination, Organized Crime Division, Law Enforcement and Policing Branch, Public Safety Canada, 2012. 75p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 19, 2012 at: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2012/sp-ps/PS4-125-2012-eng.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Canada URL: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2012/sp-ps/PS4-125-2012-eng.pdf Shelf Number: 125690 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Trafficking (Canada)Drug Trafficking ControlEcstasyMethamphetamines |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Title: Transnational Organized Crime in West Africa: A Threat Assessment Summary: Key Findings • The flow of cocaine through West Africa appears to have declined to about 18 tons, down from a peak of 47 tons in 2007. These 18 tons would be worth US$1.25 billion at wholesale in Europe, providing West African traffickers with substantial income. • Modes of conveyance for cocaine from South America to Europe via West Africa have shifted over time in response to enforcement efforts. Much of the cocaine headed to West Africa today comes from Brazil, where Nigerian crime groups are exporting the drug. Recently, these groups have been moving into containerized consignments and maritime shipping, adopting these methods in addition to their traditional methods of air couriering and postal shipments. From West Africa, an increase in the use of Benin as a departure point for air couriers has been noted. • Methamphetamine production in the region is a growing concern, with two methamphetamine laboratories detected in Nigeria in 2011-2012. The main market for West African-made meth is East Asia, and to a lesser extent, South Africa. The income from trafficking West African-made methamphetamines to East Asia is remarkably high for such a new flow, but the long-term prospects are limited in light of competition from producers located in the destination markets. • Due to the economic downturn, the flow of smuggled migrants from West Africa to Europe has declined in recent years. The prominence of the many routes has shifted significantly, with routes moving eastwards. • Given the number of weapons still circulating from past conflicts in the region, there is very little need to import large numbers of weapons into West Africa. Most of the illicit flow of weapons in the region is diverted or stolen from licit national stocks held by to 20,000 firearms from Libya does represent a serious threat to stability in the region, a threat that appears to have been realized in northern Mali. • The prevalence of fraudulent medicines is highest not in the markets where profits would be the greatest, but in those where chances of detection are lowest. At least 10% of the imported medicines circulating in West Africa are fraudulent, posing a grave threat to public health and safety. • Maritime piracy has generated renewed attention in the Gulf of Guinea, with 22 pirate attacks occurring off the coast of Benin in 2011. In 2012, Togo became the new hotspot for attacks on petroleum tankers. These vessels are attacked because there is a booming black market for fuel in West Africa. • Unless the flows of contraband are addressed, instability and lawlessness will persist, and it will remain difficult to build state capacity and the rule of law in the region. Each of these flows requires a tailored response, because the commodities involved respond to distinct sources of supply and demand. Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2013. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 27, 2013 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/tocta/West_Africa_TOCTA_2013_EN.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Africa URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/tocta/West_Africa_TOCTA_2013_EN.pdf Shelf Number: 127736 Keywords: CocaineDrug TraffickingFirearms TraffickingFraudulent MedicinesHuman SmugglingMaritime CrimeMethamphetaminesOrganized Crime (West Africa)Piracy/Pirates |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Global SMART Programme Title: Indonesia: Situation Assessment on Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Summary: The manufacture, trafficking and use of crystalline methamphetamine is now the greatest drug threat to Indonesia. Crystal methamphetamine seizures rose 79 per cent in 2011 to 1,161 kg from the 649 kg seized in 2010, the report says, noting that while cannabis remains the most widely used illicit drug in Indonesia, crystalline methamphetamine use has expanded continually during the past several years, particularly among laborers, students and commercial sex workers. Ecstasy, popular with Indonesian young adults, continues to be the third most widely used illicit drug in Indonesia. The report, Indonesia Situation Assessment on Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (2013), highlights the latest trends and emerging concerns related to ATS in Indonesia, with the aim of gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the crystalline methamphetamine and ecstasy situation in Indonesia. Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2013. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 4, 2013 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/indonesia//publication/2013/Indonesia_ATS_2013_low.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/indonesia//publication/2013/Indonesia_ATS_2013_low.pdf Shelf Number: 127822 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Abuse and CrimeIllicit Drugs (Indonesia)Methamphetamines |
Author: McGuffog, Ingrid Title: Drug Use and Drug Control Policy: Evaluating the Impact of Precursor Regulation on Drug Use Behaviour Summary: Controlling the availability of illicit drugs and their use is an exemplar of a wicked problem. Reducing the scale of the illicit drugs market through suppressing supply has proven extremely difficult. A recent systematic review of studies by Cunningham and colleagues who have produced a series of research papers examining the impact of precursor regulations on various methamphetamine outcomes in North America, argue this research represents the most compelling evidence to date that 'precursor regulations, or indeed any supply control strategy, can have significant impacts on the retail market for illicit drugs'. The review of this work concludes that the question for future research is 'not so much whether precursor regulations work, but which regulations work best and in what context'; this is the starting point for my research. The market for methamphetamine is entrenched, broad and dynamic and represents an important criminological and public health problem in Australia. Within Australia the production of methamphetamine has been concentrated in Queensland and that state government has responded by developing a coercive regulatory framework which co-opts pharmacies into a partnership with drug law enforcement that is aimed at preventing the diversion of licit precursor chemicals to the illicit market for manufacture into methamphetamine. In 2005, the Queensland Pharmacy Guild in partnership with the Queensland Police Service developed an electronic medication recording system Project STOP, - which is a real-time web based database used by police to track and apprehend 'pseudo runners' - to facilitate adherence to the compulsory requirements of recording and reporting sales of pseudoephedrine placed upon them by both health regulations and the criminal law. In my thesis, I refer to the family of innovations (legislative, policy and technological interventions) underpinning the police-pharmacy partnership as Third Party Policing (TPP). Details: Brisbane: Griffith University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 2012. 270p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed May 7, 2018 at: https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/366750/McGuffog_2013_02Thesis.pdf?sequence=1 Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/366750/McGuffog_2013_02Thesis.pdf?sequence=1 Shelf Number: 150096 Keywords: Drug Abuse and AddictionDrug Control PolicyDrug MarketsIllicit DrugsMethamphetamines |