Pubdate: Thu, 23 Dec 2004 Source: Ocean County Observer (NJ) Copyright: 2004 Ocean County Observer Contact: http://www.injersey.com/observer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1212 Author: Michael Pasterchick Jr. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Note: Special Agent in Charge U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration HEROIN PURITY TAKES DOWNWARD DIRECTION Pursuant to the recent release of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Domestic Monitoring Program results regarding street-level heroin purity in the United States, New Jersey registered a double-digit reduction in purity. While New Jersey leads the nation in heroin purity, the extremely good news for New Jersey was the dramatic drop in heroin purity over last year. The DEA DMP provides data on the price, purity, and geographic source of heroin being sold at the retail or street level in 23 U.S. cities. The data is based on actual undercover heroin purchases made by DEA agents on the streets. The DMP is an important assessment and analytical tool for DEA, law enforcement officials, drug policy makers, and drug abuse researchers throughout the nation. The DMP reported New Jersey's street level heroin purity at 61.3 percent. Last year, it was 71.4 percent. Over the past nine years, heroin seizures by law enforcement in New Jersey have increased more than 1,300 percent. New Jersey law enforcement consistently ranks within the top five states for federal-wide heroin seizures. In fiscal year 2004, DEA New Jersey seized more than 400 pounds of pure heroin. This significant drop in purity of street-level heroin over last year's results directly reflect the accomplishments achieved by all law enforcement attacking the supply and importation of heroin into New Jersey. Michael Pasterchick Jr., Special Agent in Charge U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration - --- MAP posted-by: Derek