|
Drug Situation: Chicago is the major
transportation hub and distribution center for illegal drugs throughout the
Midwest, due to its geographic location and multi-faceted transportation
infrastructure. Commercial trucks, passenger vehicles, package delivery
services, air packages or couriers, and railways are the most common means
traffickers use to transport drugs into Chicago.
The majority of the investigations conducted by the
Division target one of the following drug trafficking groups: Mexico-based
poly-drug organizations, Colombian cocaine and heroin trafficking
organizations, and Nigerian/West African groups trafficking in Southeast and
Southwest Asian heroin.
Chicago-based street gangs such as the Gangster
Disciples, Vice Lords, and Latin Kings control the distribution and retail sale
of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Most law enforcement agencies in Illinois
cite the violent crime associated with gang-related drug trafficking as the
most serious criminal threat to the state. Violent crime associated with street
gangs, while declining in some major urban areas, is increasing in suburban and
rural areas as these gangs expand their drug markets. |
