Georgia Drug Statistics

The state of Georgia represents the final destination for many drugs that are being transported to the West Coast. Due to an easily accessible series of interstates, and extensive rail and bus transportation routes, Georgia is a prime location and ideal transit point for illegal drugs. Being located between New York City and Miami, I-95, is the central drug distribution hub for trafficking on the East Coast. In addition Highway 20 runs directly from Georgia to the gulf coast, which is another common route for drug smuggling.

With the 9.3 million legal residents in the state of Georgia, Hispanics make up approximately 5% of the population. Law enforcement intelligence also noted that as the Hispanic population has grown, there is a direct increase in the amount of Mexican drug smugglers in the state. The Mexican drug smuggling population has been identified as one of the biggest threats in the state of Georgia and traffics such drugs as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

Law enforcement and Drug Enforcement Agency agents continue to identify various smuggling routes, methods of concealment and money-laundering scams by other foreign drug traffickers such as West Africans, Southeast Asians, Caribbean and South Americans. Asian drug smuggling rings have been identified as being the second most predominant threat to international drug trafficking in the state of Georgia.

Mexican drug rings are responsible for transporting in large amounts of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug in the state of Georgia, with crack cocaine being the next. Because of increased efforts by military personnel, local law enforcement and DEA agents, cocaine transportation and smuggling efforts from international sources has been directly impeded.

Georgia also experiences some methamphetamine transportation, but since government legislation regulated the sales of pseudoephedrine over-the-counter, seizures of meth labs in the state have been declining steadily. However, this has resulted in a direct increase of Mexican produced meth being shipped into the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Heroin availability is stable throughout the state of Georgia, with the most common types found on the street being Southwest Asian, Mexican and South American. Other drugs found in the state include; LDS, MDMA, GHB and the pharmaceuticals Vicodin, OxyContin, Xanax and Lorcet.

Due to the fact that drug abuse is so common in today’s society there are experts at drug and alcohol treatment centers who are trained to help. When someone is ready to make that first call there will be no shock or surprise by the staff. What will be encountered instead is a welcoming environment surrounded by people who have are also working toward a drug free life, and people who are there to help. Drug addiction can affect anyone, no matter what your life is, or was.

Research shows that most American adults have tried some kind of drug at one point in their lives. Teen and young adult drug use is increasing at an alarming rate. The residents of Georgia are no different. It is important for addicts to understand that there is no shame in seeking help, you are not alone. If you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol problem, contact a drug and alcohol treatment center. The staff can help defeat any feelings of shame as well as the addiction.