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Drug Situation: North Carolina has experienced
a significant increase in drug trafficking activity, some of it due to a recent
influx of Mexican nationals into the state. Since 1980, Raleigh's Hispanic
population of immigrants grew 1,189 percent, or by an estimated 72,580
immigrants. Also, since 1980, Charlotte's Hispanic population of immigrants
grew 962 percent, or an estimated 77,092 immigrants. Greensboro's Hispanic
immigrants grew 962 percent as well, or by an estimated 62,210 immigrants.
These figures are only estimates due to the difficulty in identifying the
number of immigrants located throughout the state with illegal residency. While
the immigrants themselves may not be involved in trafficking, their presence
allows traffickers from Mexico to hide within ethnic Mexican communities. They
most commonly transport and distribute cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
In addition, the rapid population growth in areas such as Raleigh has resulted
in additional crime, including an increase in drug trafficking
activity. |
