Cocaine poses the "leading drug threat in the United States," far outpacing heroin, a new federal report shows. In fact, the document prepared by Johnstown-based National Drug Intelligence Center ranks heroin fourth on a list of nationwide concerns -- behind methamphetamine and marijuana. But the report also notes that heroin continues to cause acute problems in the Northeastern U.S., where there are "strong and lucrative markets" for the drug. Pennsylvania, including Cambria and Somerset counties, is no exception. "Heroin is our No. 1 problem," said Detective Jason Hunter, Somerset County Drug Task Force coordinator. [continues 807 words]
Cocaine poses the "most significant drug threat" in a five-state area that includes Pennsylvania, while heroin also remains a major problem, a new federal report has found. At the same time, pharmaceutical abuse is rising and methadone-related overdoses are increasing in the region, the 2008 National Drug Threat Assessment says. The document, produced by the Johnstown-based National Drug Intelligence Center, does not have any specific information on Cambria or Somerset counties. Local drug trends vary, although authorities agree with many of the study's conclusions. And they say an unprecedented level of in-school drug education is just as important as enforcement in the battle against abuse. [continues 710 words]
