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2013 Heroin Domestic 

Monitor Program

DEA-DCW-DIR-059-15 

September 2015

DEA 

Intelligence 

Report
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Table of Contents

Message from the Chief of Intelligence...............................................................v

Executive Summary.............................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................2

Qualified Samples..............................................................................................3

Exhibits Classified as unknown.............................................................................3

2013 HDMP Results.........................................................................................5

Heroin Adulterants and Diluents.........................................................................6

Regional..........................................................................................................7

City by City......................................................................................................7

2013 Heroin Counts, Purities, Prices, Origin

and City by Geographic Region.......................................................................15

Geo-Probes: Views from Additional Cities.......................................................16

2013 Summary of Findings..............................................................................16

HDMP Consumers...........................................................................................17

Appendix A: 2012 Heroin Counts, Purities, Prices, 

Origin and City by Geographic Region............................................................18

Appendix B: 2011 Heroin Counts, Purities, Prices, 

Origin and City by Geographic Region............................................................19

Appendix C: Definitions...................................................................................20
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Message from the Chief of Intelligence

This report presents data and conclusions from the Heroin Domestic Monitor Program 

(HDMP) conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for calendar year 

(CY) 2013. The HDMP provides data on the price, purity, and geographic source of 

heroin sold at the retail-level in 27 U.S. cities. The data contained in this report are 

based on actual undercover heroin purchases made by DEA and its law enforcement 

partners on the streets of these cities.

While the U.S. heroin retail market remains roughly divided by the Mississippi River, 

with Mexican black tar and brown powder heroin dominating west of the Mississippi and 

white powder heroin from South America more common in the east, HDMP statistics for 

2013 indicate that Mexico maintains a slight edge over South America as the primary 

source of the heroin sold at the retail-level in the United States. In 2013, Southwest 

Asian heroin continued to account for only a small portion of HDMP exhibits with its 

availability limited primarily to east coast markets such as Boston, Massachusetts; 

Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, DC. In 2013, and for the eighth consecutive 

year, no Southeast Asian heroin samples were purchased through the HDMP. 

Since its inception in 1979, DEA’s Heroin Domestic Monitor Program has proven to be a 

valuable indicator for detecting trends and changes in retail-level heroin trafficking. The 

HDMP remains an important assessment and analytical tool for drug policymakers, law 

enforcement authorities, and drug abuse researchers throughout the nation. 

Douglas W. Poole

Assistant Administrator

Chief of Intelligence

Intelligence Division
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Executive Summary 

The Heroin Domestic Monitor Program (HDMP), a retaillevel heroin purchase program, provides data analysis about 

the price, purity, and geographic source of heroin sold at the 

retail (street) level in 27 U.S. cities. In 2013, a total of 699 

qualified samples were purchased. Of those samples, 357 

were classified as Mexican (MEX) heroin (293 MEX and 64 

alleged Mexican white (See Figure 1)), 334 were classified 

as South American (SA) heroin, and 8 were classified as 

Southwest Asian (SWA) heroin. During 2013, for the eighth 

consecutive year, no Southeast Asian (SEA) heroin samples 

were purchased through the HDMP. 

The 2013 HDMP data indicate that Mexico was the primary 

source of the heroin sold at the retail-level in the United 

States and continued to dominate drug markets west of 

the Mississippi River. In 2013, MEX heroin had the lowest 

recorded average purity in the HDMP at 16.9 percent, a 

decrease of 0.7 percentage pointsa from 2012. MEX heroin 

average price per milligram pure decreased to $1.12b in 

2013 from the 2012 price of $1.40 per milligram pure. 

However, alleged Mexican white heroin samples exhibited 

the highest average purity in the program at 35.5 percent 

with an average price of $1.21 per milligram pure. Eightynine percent of alleged Mexican white heroin samples were 

purchased east of the Mississippi River. 

In 2013, HDMP data indicated that heroin exhibits classified 

as an “Unknown” (UNK) signature were encountered most 

often in the eastern and Midwestern United States where SA 

heroin typically dominates the market. Of particular interest 

is the fact that 57 of the 64 (89.1 percent) heroin exhibits 

classified as UNK which displayed the characteristics of 

“alleged Mexican white” heroin were purchased east of the 

Mississippi River, in cities identified as traditional SA heroin 

markets. These cities include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, 

Chicago, Detroit, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, 

Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, St. 

Louis, and Washington, DC. This is likely an indication that 

the current retail heroin market in each of these cities is in 

transition and that Mexican drug trafficking organizations 

(DTOs) continue to expand their role in white heroin 

markets. 

South America remained the primary source of heroin 

available east of the Mississippi River. HDMP data revealed 

SA heroin average purity in the program at 35.1 percent, a 

a A percentage point is a unit expressing the arithmetic difference between two percentages, e.g., a decline of one percentage 

point would be a decrease from 10 percent to 9 percent. (A complete list of other definitions is available in Appendix C.)

b All prices are listed in U.S. dollars throughout the paper. 

1

Figure 1: New Formal 

Signature for Mexican 

White Heroin 

Since the inception of the 

HDMP, the formal signature for 

Mexico has encompassed both 

brown and black tar Mexican 

produced heroin. Over the last 

several years however, DEA’s 

Special Testing and Research 

Laboratory (SFL1) has tracked 

the phenomenon of alleged 

Mexican white powder heroin 

(AMW) produced from opium 

harvested in Mexico. Please 

note that a new formal signature 

for Mexican white powder i.e. 

“MEX-SA” (indicating Mexican 

origin for heroin samples with 

South American processing) was 

established by SFL1 on 

May 1, 2015. For the 2013 

HDMP annual report however, the 

terms “unknowns” and alleged 

Mexican white” will continue to 

be used to characterize these 

exhibits. Retroactive analysis 

of 2013 HDMP exhibits for the 

purpose of assigning the new 

signature is not possible as these 

exhibits have been destroyed. 

Nevertheless, SFL1 analysis 

indicates that Mexico is the sole 

source of this new type of heroin 

therefore 2013 HDMP exhibits 

classified as “alleged Mexican 

white” are incorporated into the 

overall MEX heroin signature 

analysis statistics outlined in the 

2013 HDMP assessment of retail 

heroin availability.

slight decrease of 0.2 percentage points from 2012. HDMP data further indicated that the average 

price per milligram pure for SA heroin decreased in 2013 to $1.04, a decline from the 2012 price of 

$1.15 per milligram pure. 
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SWA heroin continued to account for only a small portion of HDMP exhibits (8 of 699 exhibits). 

HDMP data revealed that the average purity of SWA heroin increased in 2013 to 23 percent, an 

increase of 4.4 percentage points from 2012. SWA heroin’s retail price of $1.23 per milligram pure 

was the highest average price recorded in the HDMP for the year and represents an increase of 

0.13 percentage points from 2012. SWA heroin exhibits were purchased in Boston; Baltimore; and 

Washington, DC. 

Exhibits classified as UNK were purchased in all but four of the HDMP cities. Heroin exhibits 

are classified as UNK when their signature profiles are inconsistent with the signature profiles of 

authentic heroin samplesc collected from the four geographic source regions: Mexico, South America, 

Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia. 

Comparison of 2007 HDMP data to 2013 data reflected a 23.4 percent decrease in exhibits whose 

signature was classified as UNK by the DEA Special Testing and Research Laboratory (SFL1). In 

2007, 171 HDMP exhibits were classified as UNK, while in 2013 that number decreased to 131 which 

include alleged Mexican white heroin. In 2013, Miami; Atlanta; and Philadelphia all experienced 

notable increases in heroin exhibits whose geographic source of origin was classified as UNK. The 

number of UNK signature exhibits purchased in Detroit and New York City remained consistent with 

the numbers reported in the HDMP 2012 report and other cities such as Baltimore; Chicago; St. 

Louis; and Washington, DC, all experienced notable decreases. However, approximately 50 percent 

of the exhibits classified as UNK in 2013 displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white 

heroin. While South America remained the primary source of heroin available east of the Mississippi 

River; 89 percent of alleged Mexican white heroin exhibits were purchased east of the Mississippi 

River. 

Introduction 

The HDMP, a retail-level heroin purchase program, collects data on the price, purity, and geographic 

origin of street level heroin available in major metropolitan areas of the United States. Each quarter, 

the DEA Intelligence Division provides funding for the purchase of retail (street level) heroin samples 

in 27 metropolitan areas. Each purchase is submitted for in-depth chemical analysis at the DEA 

SFL1. 

The goal of the HDMP is to provide federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, as well 

as drug policy makers and drug abuse researchers, with information regarding the domestic heroin 

problem at the street level. HDMP data analyses reveal changes in heroin availability, price and 

purity, adulterants and diluents, use patterns, and marketing practices. Through Heroin Signature 

Analysisd, SFL1 also determines the geographic origin of each qualified heroin sample submitted to 

the program. 

Since its inception more than 30 years ago, the HDMP has proved a valuable and reliable indicator 

for the detection of trends in U.S. retail-level heroin trafficking. The program also has provided 

accurate assessments of the fluctuations in the domestic retail availability of heroin sourced from 

each of the major heroin source areas – Mexico, South America, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia. 

Most recently, HDMP data have tracked the increasing presence of alleged Mexican white powder 

heroin available at the retail-level, particularly in the East and Midwest sections of the United States. 

In years past, the HDMP also documented the increased availability in the early to mid-1980s of SEA 

heroin at the retail-level in a number of U.S. cities; further documented significant increases in the 

mid-1990s in the amount of SA heroin available at the retail-level, particularly in the key metropolitan 

2

c An authentic heroin sample met at least one of the following criteria: 1) a heroin exhibit seized in heroin producing countries; 

2) a heroin exhibit seized in a heroin/opium processing laboratory in a heroin/opium source country; 3) a heroin exhibit 

transported directly to the United States from a source country and seized at a U.S. land, sea, or airport port of entry.

d Heroin signature analysis is a program developed by the DEA to identify the geographic source area of a heroin sample. 

Heroin signature analysis is based on exhaustive chemical profiles of authentic samples acquired from each of the four 

major heroin source areas: Mexico, South America, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia.
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heroin markets of the northeastern United States; and, in the early 2000s, HDMP program data 

highlighted the growth in competitive drug markets containing heroin from multiple geographic 

sources. 

The HDMP was initiated in DEA’s New York Division in 1979 and, to this day, particular attention is 

paid to HDMP results for New York City as it remains one of the most prominent heroin destination 

and distribution centers in the United States. Between 1979 and 1991, the number of DEA offices 

that participated in the HDMP fluctuated between 6 and 12. In 1991, DEA expanded the HDMP 

to include one city in each of the DEA 21 domestic divisions. Between 1995 and 1999, Baltimore; 

Orlando; and El Paso joined as program participants. San Antonio and Richmond were added 

as participants in early 2003. In 2006, the program was expanded further to include Pittsburgh; 

Minneapolis; and Portland, Oregon. In January 2010, the El Paso Division transferred the program 

from El Paso, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and in September 2011, Minneapolis-St. Paul was 

removed from the HDMP. 

As previously noted, the HDMP is conducted in 27 metropolitan areas, as opposed to nationwide 

sampling. Consequently, attempts to calculate a national average for price and purity cannot be 

extrapolated solely from program results because the sampling reflects local user preferences and 

market availability. The dynamics of the local heroin market are unique to each metropolitan area; the 

2013 HDMP data accurately reflect long-term local trends as well as changes in price per milligram 

pure and purity in the participating cities. 

Qualified Samples 

The DEA offices in most cities where the HDMP is conducted are tasked with 10 street-level heroin 

purchases per quarter, or a total of 40 purchases per year. In New York City however, 15 purchases 

are made per quarter, a total of 60 per year. The following cities purchase only five exhibits per 

quarter, a total of 20 per year: Albuquerque; Houston; Orlando; Pittsburgh; Portland; Richmond; and 

San Antonio. In 2013, Houston’s purchases were reduced from 10 purchases per quarter to five 

purchases per quarter, in part because the Houston heroin market is traditionally MEX. Typically, 980 

heroin samples were scheduled to be purchased during 2013 as part of the HDMP; however, due to 

budgetary restrictions during the middle part of 2013, only 851 heroin samples were funded. 

The total number of samples included in HDMP analysis varies year to year based on a number of 

factors. For example, some purchased exhibits are determined to contain no controlled substance; 

some are determined to contain another controlled substance such as cocaine; and others, while 

containing heroin, do not include a sufficient amount to allow for geographic signature classification. 

In a number of instances, the results of the geographic origin analysis are inconclusive. Such 

samples are not included in this report. Those that are included in the yearly HDMP analysis are 

deemed “qualified samples,” signifying that price, purity, and geographic source data could be 

determined for the exhibit. 

Exhibits Classified as Unknown 

Each year, hundreds of heroin exhibits are purchased through the HDMP. The SFL1 analyzes these 

exhibits to determine the price, purity, and geographic source of origin. Heroin exhibits are classified 

as UNK when their signature profiles are not consistent with the signature profiles of authentic heroin 

samples collected from the four geographic source regions (Mexico, South America, Southeast 

Asia, and Southwest Asia). According to the SFL1, since heroin is manufactured through a series 

of chemical processing steps, signature analysis is expected to result in a certain number of exhibits 

whose signature is UNK or undetermined. Generally, 4 to 7 percent of heroin exhibits that result in a 

signature that is UNK or undetermined is considered the norm. 

3
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*Unknown Heroin

West

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Albuquerque 1 35.5% $0.26

Dallas — — —

Denver 1 16.6 3.35

Houston 5 2.7 4.87

Los Angeles 2 26.9 0.71

Phoenix 4 19.6 0.84

Portland — — —

San Antonio — — —

San Diego 1 18 0.75

San Francisco — — —

Seattle 2 3.7 1.12

St. Louis 1 2.5 8.42

TOTAL 67 24.2% $2.00

SFL1 continues to classify a significant number 

of heroin samples as UNK signature exhibits 

and in 2013, a total of 131 such heroin exhibits 

were purchased through the HDMP. Of these 

samples, 107 were purchased east of the 

Mississippi River and 24 were purchased west 

of the Mississippi River. Sixty-four of the UNK 

signature exhibits displayed the characteristics 

of alleged Mexican white heroin with an average 

purity of 35.5 percent and cost an average of 

$1.21 per milligram pure. There were 35 UNK 

signature exhibits analyzed by the SFL1 that 

demonstrated a mixed profile of SA and MEX 

heroin. The mixed profiles and other UNK 

exhibits had an average purity of 24.2 percent 

and cost an average of $2 per milligram pure. 

UNK signature heroin exhibits purchased in 

Newark, New Jersey during 2013 showed the 

highest average purity at 60.6 percent, while 

in San Juan, 1 UNK signature exhibit reflected 

the lowest purity at 2.3 percent. UNK signature 

heroin exhibits purchased in Philadelphia 

and Atlanta had relatively high purity levels of 

58.3 percent and 52.3 percent, respectively. 

During 2013, one UNK heroin signature 

exhibit purchased in San Juan, Puerto Rico 

reflected the highest price per milligram pure at 

$21.74, while an UNK signature heroin exhibit 

purchased in Albuquerque, New Mexico showed 

the lowest recorded price per milligram pure of 

$0.26 (see Table 1).

The HDMP data from 2007 compared against 

2013 data reflected a 23.4 percent decrease in 

heroin exhibits whose signature was classified 

as UNK by the SFL1. In 2007, 171 HDMP 

exhibits were classified as UNK, while in 2013, 

that number decreased to 131 to include 

alleged Mexican white heroin.

Signature analysis and other reporting indicate 

a significant number of these UNK heroin 

samples show similar characteristics or profiles 

that may indicate two possible scenarios: 

•	 White heroin production in Mexico using 

the South American processing method.

•	 Mixing of SA and MEX heroin by 

traffickers.

Both of the possibilities noted above suggest 

that Mexican DTOs are expanding their white 

heroin trafficking operations into markets 

traditionally dominated by SA heroin. SFL1 

analysis of 2013 HDMP data reflects that 

64 of the 131 (48.9 percent) heroin exhibits 

4

*Unknown Heroin: Does not include Alleged Mexican White Heroin. 

Preport Parameters: Only Unknown samples are shown. January 1 to 

December 31, 2013.

Price Unit: Per milligram pure. 

Raw Data: Outliers were not omitted.

(An outlier is an element of a data set that distinctly stands out or “lies outside” most of 

the values in a set of data. For the purposes of the HDMP, outliers are heroin samples that 

have a purity of less than 0.5 percent, or a price greater than $16.00 per milligram pure. 

Outliers are not used in the calculation of HDMP averages or included in trends.)

(U) Table 1: 2013 Source of Origin Unknown: 

Heroin Counts, Purities, Prices, Origin, and City by Geographic Region

*Unknown Heroin

East

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Atlanta 2 52.3% $1.39

Baltimore 3 13.6 0.45

Boston 4 20.1 0.82

Chicago 6 8.8 0.51

Detroit 2 25.2 0.87

Miami 3 7.5 4.01

New Orleans 1 7.0 5.95

New York 8 33.4 1.75

Newark 2 60.6 1.18

Orlando — — —

Philadelphia 8 58.3 0.44

Pittsburgh 3 24.9 1.43

Richmond 2 18.7 2.17

San Juan 1 2.3 21.74

Washington, DC 5 14.1 1.91
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classified as UNK displayed the characteristics of “alleged Mexican white” heroin. These exhibits 

were purchased in Atlanta; Baltimore; Boston; Chicago; Detroit; Miami; Newark; New Orleans; New 

York City; Orlando; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Richmond; St. Louis; and Washington, DC. Additionally, 

35 UNK signature exhibits analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile of SA and MEX heroin. 

These exhibits were purchased in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Newark, New York City, 

Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, and Washington, DC. The presence of UNK signature heroin 

in cities where SA heroin has been the predominant type of heroin available for years is likely an 

indication that the current retail heroin market in each of these HDMP cities is in transition. 

2013 HDMP Results 

GENERAL 

In 2013, a total of 699 qualified samples were purchased under the HDMP. Of those samples, 357 

were classified as MEX heroin (293 MEX and 64 alleged Mexican white), 334 were classified as SA 

heroin, and eight were classified as SWA heroin. In 2013, and for the eighth consecutive year, no 

SEA heroin samples were purchased through the HDMP.

According to 2013 HDMP data, MEX heroin showed the lowest average purity at 16.9 percent while 

alleged Mexican white heroin samples exhibited the highest average purity in the program at 35.5 

percent. SA heroin samples exhibited an average purity at 35.1 percent. SWA heroin averaged 23 

percent pure during 2013. MEX samples reflected an average price per milligram pure at $1.12. The 

average price per milligram pure for alleged Mexican white, SA, and SWA heroin was $1.21, $1.04, 

and $1.23, respectively. 

From 2012 to 2013, the average price per milligram pure of MEX heroin decreased $0.28, while the 

average purity of MEX heroin decreased from 17.6 percent in 2012 to 16.9 percent in 2013. The 

average price per milligram pure of SA heroin decreased $0.11 in 2013, from the 2012 price of $1.15 

per milligram pure. In 2013, the average purity of SA heroin decreased 0.2 percentage points. The 

purity of SWA heroin increased from 18.6 percent in 2012 to 23 percent in 2013, while the average 

price per milligram pure increased from $1.10 in 2012 to $1.23 in 2013. 

5

(U) Table 2. Heroin Samples: Origins, Purities, and Prices

Heroin Sources 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

South America Samples 341 346 323 375 334

South America percent pure 33.6% 25.9% 31.1% 35.3% 35.1%

South America price per milligram pure $1.28 $1.75 $1.18 $1.15 $1.04

Mexico Samples 322 309 296 339 293

Mexico percent pure 24.7% 14.7% 16.8% 17.6% 16.9%

Mexico price per milligram pure $1.11 $2.00 $1.35 $1.40 $1.12

Alleged Mexico White Samples N/A N/A N/A N/A 64

Alleged Mexico White percent pure N/A N/A N/A N/A 35.5

Alleged Mexico White price per milligram pure N/A N/A N/A N/A $1.21

Southwest Asia samples 31 39 23 12 8

Southwest Asia percent pure 15.8% 20.9% 12.3% 18.6% 23%

Southwest Asia price per milligram pure $1.94 $1.21 $1.66 $1.10 $1.23

N/A: Not Available
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Table 2 reflects 2013 values for heroin price and purity by source area and includes price and purity 

values for the period 2009 through 2013, inclusive. The figures in Table 3 (see page 15) reflect the 

characteristics of heroin purchased in the 27 unique heroin markets sampled by the HDMP. The 

values shown in both tables are “snapshots” and are not representative of national averages. 

Heroin Adulterants and Diluents 

Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is produced from morphine by a chemical process known as acetylation. 

The morphine is extracted from opium, which is derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver

somniferum L). Adulterants are impurities in the final product that are carried over from the opium 

poppy plant or the extracted opium (such as morphine), substances that are produced as by-products 

during heroin processing (such as monoacetylmorphine), or substances that are added during the 

heroin processing to modify the charter of the heroin (such as quinine). Adulterants have physiological 

effects of their own and may be added in order to enhance or mimic the effects of the heroin. 

Diluents are pharmacologically inactive substances such as lactose, mannitol, starch, and sucrose, 

added to the heroin to increase bulk, i.e., cutting agents. 

SA ADULTERANTS & DILUENTS 

•	 Analysis of 2013 HDMP exhibits identified caffeine as one of the most commonly used 

adulterants for SA heroin and was present in 40 percent of the HDMP SA heroin exhibits. 

Approximately 23 percent of SA HDMP exhibits analyzed in 2013 were unadulterated. A few SA 

heroin exhibits contained adulterants such as diphenhydramine (12 percent), acetaminophen 

(6 percent), quinine (5 percent), and benzocaine (5 percent). Diltiazem, procaine, lidocaine, 

thiamine, and aspirin were also routinely detected. The most common diluent identified in 

SA heroin exhibits was mannitol (identified in 44 percent of the exhibits), followed by lactose 

(identified in 34 percent of the exhibits). Approximately 13 percent of SA heroin exhibits 

analyzed in 2013 contained no diluents.

•	 SA heroin exhibits purchased in Puerto Rico continued to contain significant amounts of the 

adulterant xylazine, while SA exhibits purchased in Chicago and St. Louis contained the 

adulterant diphenhydramine. Thirty-four SA heroin exhibits analyzed under the HDMP program 

were also found to contain cocaine.

MEX ADULTERANTS AND DILUENTS 

•	 Despite low purity levels, approximately 79 percent of MEX HDMP exhibits analyzed in 2013 

were unadulterated with only a few that contained adulterants such as lidocaine (4 percent), 

caffeine (4 percent), and diphenhydramine (9 percent). Cocaine was also identified in 

approximately 4 percent of MEX heroin exhibits. 

•	 Lactose was identified as the most common diluent for MEX heroin and was noted in 44 percent 

of the HDMP exhibits. Sucrose was detected in 12 percent of the exhibits, while diacetamide 

and dextrose were discovered in less than 10 percent of the purchases. No diluents were 

identified in approximately 30 percent of MEX heroin exhibits analyzed in 2013.

SWA ADULTERANTS AND DILUENTS 

•	 Only eight SWA heroin exhibits were purchased via the HDMP in 2013. Common adulterants 

detected in these exhibits included caffeine and acetaminophen. Caffeine was found in 50 

percent of SWA heroin exhibits and acetaminophen was also found in 50 percent of exhibits. 

Mannitol was the most common diluent found in SWA heroin and was present in 75 percent of 

the SWA heroin exhibits analyzed in 2013. 

6
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Seattle

Chicago

San Juan

New Orleans

Albuquerque

Denver

Portland

St. Louis

Miami

Orlando

Atlanta

San Francisco

Los Angeles

San Diego Phoenix

Detroit

Dallas

San Antonio

Houston

Boston

New York Pittsburgh

Newark

Philadelphia

Baltimore

Washington, DC

Richmond

Regional 

Generally, the U.S. heroin market remains geographically divided by the Mississippi River. East 

of the Mississippi River, particularly in the northeast corner where the largest U.S. heroin user 

populations are located, SA heroin continued to dominate the market. In 2013, of the HDMP qualified 

samples that were classified as SA heroin, 92.5 percent were purchased east of the Mississippi 

River. Of the HDMP qualified samples that were classified as MEX (to include alleged Mexican white) 

heroin, 82.9 percent were purchased west of the Mississippi River. In 2013, all SWA heroin exhibits 

were purchased east of the Mississippi River. 

City By City 

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 

In 2013, 14 qualified HDMP samples were purchased in the Albuquerque metropolitan area; each 

was classified as MEX heroin. The purity of the exhibits averaged 17.8 percent, while the average 

cost was $0.65 per milligram pure. Compared to the 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of MEX 

heroin in Albuquerque decreased 1.2 percentage points, while the price per milligram pure of MEX 

heroin increased by $0.08. 

One HDMP exhibit purchased in Albuquerque in 2012 was classified as an UNK signature. The purity 

of this exhibit was 35.5 percent with a cost of $0.26 per milligram pure. 

ATLANTA, GEORGIA 

Heroin remains available in Atlanta, primarily in the city’s urban center and surrounding area. In 

2013, 17 qualified samples were purchased; each was classified as SA heroin. The average purity of 

the SA heroin samples was 38.4 percent, at an average cost of $1.34 per milligram pure. Compared 

to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of SA heroin decreased by 1.4 percentage points, while the 

average price per milligram pure of SA heroin decreased by $0.11. 

7

(U) Figure 2. Heroin Domestic Monitor Program Participating Cities
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In 2013, nine heroin samples purchased in Atlanta were classified as UNK signature. Seven of the 

UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin with 

an average purity of 55.2 percent and cost an average of $0.56 per milligram pure. The remaining 

two UNK exhibits had an average purity of 52.3 percent and cost an average of $1.39 per milligram 

pure. 

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 

Heroin is widely available in metropolitan Baltimore and can be purchased on numerous corners in 

open-air markets or “heroin shops” (houses) in east and west Baltimore, in either high purity or diluted 

form. 

In 2013, 24 qualified samples were purchased; 23 were classified as SA heroin. These exhibits 

reflected an average purity of 13.7 percent, at an average cost of $0.67 per milligram pure. 

Compared to 2012 HDMP data, average SA heroin purity decreased by 5.5 percentage points, while 

the average price per milligram pure decreased by $0.03. 

One SWA heroin HDMP exhibit was purchased in Baltimore in 2013. The exhibit was 2.0 percent 

pure, and cost $2.17 per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data when three SWA heroin 

exhibits were purchased, the purity of the SWA heroin purchased in 2013 significantly decreased by 

19.3 percentage points, while the price per milligram pure increased significantly by $1.58. 

Seven heroin exhibits purchased in Baltimore in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Four of 

the UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin 

with an average purity of 30.6 percent and cost an average of $0.60 per milligram pure. Three of 

the UNK signature exhibits purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. Of 

these exhibits, the average purity was documented at 13.6 percent and cost an average of $0.45 per 

milligram pure. 

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Heroin remained widely available in Boston during 2013. The continued availability and relative 

affordability of the drug highlights the city’s position as a major eastern U.S. heroin market. A total of 

24 qualified samples were purchased; 23 were classified as SA heroin. These exhibits reflected an 

average purity of 20.5 percent and an average price of $0.80 per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 

HDMP data, the average purity of SA heroin increased by 4.5 percentage points, while the average 

price per milligram pure decreased by $0.82. 

One SWA heroin HDMP exhibit was purchased in Boston in 2013. The exhibit was 17.4 percent pure, 

and cost $0.34 per milligram pure. This exhibit represents the first SWA heroin HDMP purchase in 

Boston since the inception of the program in 1979.

Five HDMP exhibits purchased in Boston in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. One of the 

UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin 

with a purity of 18.1 percent and cost $0.64 per milligram pure. Four of the UNK signature exhibits 

purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. Of these exhibits, the average 

purity was documented at 20.1 percent and cost an average of $0.82 per milligram pure. 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

In 2013, 23 qualified HDMP exhibits purchased in Chicago were classified as SA heroin. The 

average purity of these heroin exhibits increased to 16.4 percent and the average price was $0.72 

per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of SA heroin increased by 3.2 

percentage points, while the average price per milligram pure increased by $0.26. 

8
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Eleven HDMP exhibits purchased in Chicago in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Five of 

the UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin 

with an average purity of 24.8 percent and cost an average of $0.45 per milligram pure. Six of the 

UNK signature exhibits purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. Of 

these exhibits, the average purity was documented at 8.8 percent and cost an average of $0.51 per 

milligram pure. 

DALLAS, TEXAS 

In 2013, MEX heroin accounted for all of the 34 qualified HDMP samples purchased in the Dallas 

area. The purity of these exhibits averaged 12.1 percent, while the average cost was $0.61 per 

milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, purity decreased significantly by 10.3 percentage 

points, while the average price per milligram pure decreased by $0.06. 

DENVER, COLORADO 

HDMP data confirm that MEX heroin is the predominant heroin available in Denver and was the only 

type purchased in the city through the HDMP during 2013. All 33 qualified samples were identified 

as MEX heroin, and had an average purity of 22 percent and an average price of $1.40 per milligram 

pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of MEX heroin decreased by 9.9 percentage 

points, while the price per milligram pure of MEX heroin increased by $0.60. 

One HDMP exhibit purchased in Denver in 2013 was classified as an UNK signature. The exhibit 

was 16.6 percent pure, and cost $3.35 per milligram pure. 

DETROIT, MICHIGAN 

Detroit is a major heroin user market as well as a transshipment point to other communities in 

Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky. During 2013, the HDMP identified SA heroin as the most prevalent 

type available in the city, and accounted for all 22 qualified HDMP samples. These samples averaged 

40.3 percent pure, while the average cost per milligram pure was $0.77. Compared to 2012 HDMP 

data, the average purity of SA heroin increased by 3.8 percentage points, while the price per milligram 

pure increased by $0.23. 

Eleven HDMP exhibits purchased in Detroit in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Nine of 

the UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin 

with an average purity of 39.2 percent and cost an average of $0.74 per milligram pure. One of the 

UNK signature exhibits purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. Both 

the mixed profile exhibit plus the one remaining UNK signature exhibit had an average purity of 25.2 

percent and cost an average of $0.87 per milligram pure. 

HOUSTON, TEXAS 

MEX black tare, the heroin type traditionally encountered in the Houston area, accounted for 19 of 

the qualified HDMP purchases in 2013. These exhibits averaged 3.5 percent pure with an average 

cost per milligram pure of $3.58. Compared to the MEX heroin exhibits purchased in 2012, purity 

increased by 0.4 percentage points while the price dropped to $1.86 per milligram pure. 

Five HDMP exhibits purchased in Houston in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. The 

average purity of these exhibits was documented at a low 2.7 percent with an average cost of $4.87 

per milligram pure. 

9

e MEX black tar heroin is described as a black, hard gummy substance resulting from a crude processing method that leaves 

behind impurities. Black tar heroin may be smoked and is also dissolved, diluted, and injected.
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

15

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 

In 2013, 35 qualified HDMP samples were purchased in Los Angeles; 34 were classified as MEX 

heroin. The purity of these exhibits averaged 25.2 percent, while the average price was $0.42 per 

milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of MEX heroin increased by 1.5 

percentage points and there was a decrease in price of $0.16 per milligram pure. 

One SA heroin exhibit was purchased in Los Angeles in 2013 under the HDMP. The purity of this 

exhibit was analyzed at 89 percent and cost $0.37 per milligram pure. This was the first SA HDMP 

exhibit purchased in Los Angeles since 2010. 

Two HDMP exhibits purchased in Los Angeles in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. The 

average purity of these exhibits was documented at 26.9 percent with an average cost of $0.71 per 

milligram pure. 

MIAMI, FLORIDA 

In 2013, of the 18 qualified HDMP samples purchased in the Miami area, 16 were classified as SA 

heroin. The SA exhibits purchased had an average purity of 21.9 percent and an average price of 

$2.17 per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity for SA heroin increased 

by 6.5 percentage points, while the average price per milligram pure decreased by $0.69. 

In 2013, two MEX heroin exhibits were purchased in Miami. The average purity of these exhibits was 

documented at 14.3 percent with an average cost of $2.87. In 2012, only one MEX heroin exhibit 

was purchased in Miami under the HDMP and was analyzed at 16.2 percent pure with a cost of $2.13 

per milligram pure. 

Eight HDMP exhibits purchased in Miami in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Five of the 

UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin with 

an average purity of 9 percent and an average cost of $4.29 per milligram pure. Three other UNK 

exhibits had an average purity of 7.5 percent and cost an average of $4.01 per milligram pure. 

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 

In 2013, 29 qualified HDMP samples were purchased in the Newark metropolitan area; each was 

classified as SA heroin. The SA heroin exhibits averaged 57.9 percent pure and cost an average 

of $1.01 per milligram pure. The purity of the SA heroin available in Newark decreased by 0.5 

percentage points between 2012 and 2013, and the price increased $0.24 per milligram pure. 

Four HDMP exhibits purchased in Newark in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Two of the 

UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin and 

had an average purity of 66.8 percent and cost an average of $0.37 per milligram pure. One UNK 

signature exhibit purchased in Newark in 2013 demonstrated a mixed profile. This exhibit as well 

as one other UNK exhibit had an average purity of 60.6 percent and cost an average of $1.18 per 

milligram pure. 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 

In 2013, 17 qualified HDMP samples were purchased in the New Orleans area; each was classified 

as SA heroin. These exhibits averaged 33.1 percent pure, with an average price of $1.63 per 

milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of SA heroin increased 

significantly by 10.7 percentage points and the average price per milligram pure increased by $0.44. 

10
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

1116

Seven HDMP exhibits purchased in New Orleans in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Six 

of the UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white 

heroin with an average purity of 28.9 percent and cost an average of $2.52 per milligram pure. The 

remaining UNK exhibit had a purity of 7 percent and cost $5.95 per milligram pure. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK 

Particular attention is paid to HDMP results for New York City, which remains one of the most 

prominent heroin destination and distribution centers in the United States. Data from 2013 confirm 

that SA heroin continues to dominate HDMP heroin purchases in the New York metropolitan area. Of 

the 44 qualified exhibits purchased in New York City during 2013, 43 were classified as SA heroin. 

Analysis revealed that these samples had an average purity of 43.3 percent and an average price of 

$0.73 per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of SA heroin decreased 

by 1.7 percentage points and the average price per milligram pure increased by $0.12. 

In 2013, one MEX heroin exhibit was purchased in New York. The purity of the exhibit was analyzed 

at 29.8 percent and cost $2.40 per milligram pure. One previous MEX heroin exhibit purchased in 

New York in 2011 was analyzed at 11.5 percent pure and cost $4.14 per milligram pure. 

Ten HDMP exhibits purchased in New York in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Two of the 

UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin with 

an average purity of 78.1 percent and cost an average of $0.36 per milligram pure. Four of the UNK 

signature exhibits purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. The mixed 

profile exhibits along with 4 other UNK signature exhibits had an average purity of 33.4 percent and 

cost an average of $1.75 per milligram pure. 

ORLANDO, FLORIDA 

In Orlando, 11 qualified HDMP exhibits were purchased in 2013; each was classified as SA heroin. 

These exhibits averaged 25.8 percent pure with an average cost of $1.34 per milligram pure. 

Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of SA heroin decreased by 3.4 percentage points, 

while the average price per milligram pure increased by $0.61. 

Seven HDMP exhibits purchased in Orlando in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. According 

to SFL1 forensic analysis, all 7 of the UNK signature exhibits purchased in Orlando displayed the 

characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin with an average purity of 20.7 percent and an average 

cost of $1.50 per milligram pure. 

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 

SA heroin remains heavily trafficked and widely available in Philadelphia. In 2013, all 23 qualified 

exhibits purchased under the HDMP were SA heroin. The purity of these heroin exhibits averaged 

64.8 percent, which represents the highest average heroin purity recorded among all HDMP 

participating cities in 2013. The average price for these same heroin exhibits was $0.50 per milligram 

pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the purity of SA heroin in Philadelphia decreased by a notable 

12 percentage points, and the average price per milligram pure increased by $0.03. 

Ten HDMP exhibits purchased in Philadelphia in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Two of 

the UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin 

with an average purity of 48.1 percent and cost an average of $0.97 per milligram pure. Eight of 

the UNK signature exhibits purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. Of 

these exhibits, the average purity was documented at 58.3 percent and cost an average of $0.44 per 

milligram pure. 
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

1712

PHOENIX, ARIZONA 

In 2013, 28 qualified HDMP samples were purchased in Phoenix, each was identified as MEX heroin. 

The average purity of these heroin samples was 26.4 percent with an average price of $0.58 per 

milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the purity of MEX heroin increased by 4.7 percentage 

point. The average price per milligram pure decreased by $0.25. 

Four HDMP exhibits purchased in Phoenix in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. The 

average purity of these exhibits was 19.6 percent with an average cost of $0.84 per milligram pure. 

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 

HDMP data indicate that SA heroin remains the primary heroin available at the retail level in 

Pittsburgh. During 2013, a total of 15 qualified heroin samples were purchased in Pittsburgh; each 

was classified as SA heroin. The average purity of SA heroin samples was 47.8 percent with an 

average price of $1.03 per milligram pure. When compared to 2012 HDMP data, the purity of SA 

heroin increased by 9.9 percentage points and the average price per milligram pure increased by 

$0.02. 

Four HDMP exhibits purchased in Pittsburgh in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. One of 

the UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin 

with a purity of 74.2 percent and cost of $0.59 per milligram pure. Two of the UNK signature exhibits 

purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. The mixed profile exhibits, along 

with one other UNK signature exhibit had an average purity of 24.9 percent and cost an average of 

$1.43 per milligram pure. 

PORTLAND, OREGON 

In 2013, 20 qualified samples were purchased in Portland and all were classified as MEX heroin. 

These samples exhibited an average purity of 16.9 percent and an average price of $1.65 per 

milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity decreased by 3.9 percentage 

points and the average price decreased by $0.11 per milligram pure. 

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 

The 2013 HDMP data indicate that SA heroin dominates the Richmond street-level heroin market. A 

total of 13 qualified heroin samples were purchased during 2013; 12 were analyzed as SA heroin. 

These samples showed an average purity of 20.5 percent and an average price of $1.46 per milligram 

pure. Compared to 2012 SA samples, purity decreased 2.1 percentage points and the average price 

per milligram pure decreased by $0.22. 

Richmond also purchased one MEX heroin exhibit in 2013 analyzed at 10.2 percent pure with a cost 

of $3.06 per milligram pure. One MEX heroin exhibit purchased in Richmond in 2012 was 5.3 percent 

pure with a cost of $5.55 per milligram pure. 

Five HDMP exhibits purchased in Richmond in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. Three of 

the UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin 

with an average purity of 17.5 percent and cost an average of $1.39 per milligram pure. One of the 

UNK signature exhibits purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. Both the 

mixed profile exhibit as well as one other UNK signature exhibit had an average purity of 18.7 percent 

and cost an average of $2.17 per milligram pure. 
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

1318

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 

In 2013, all 20 qualified HDMP samples purchased in San Antonio were classified as MEX heroin. 

These exhibits had an average purity of 7.1 percent and an average price of $0.91 per milligram pure. 

Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the purity of MEX heroin decreased by 1.4 percentage points and the 

price per milligram pure increased by $0.20. 

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 

In 2013, 30 qualified HDMP samples were purchased in San Diego; all were classified as MEX 

heroin. These exhibits reflected an average purity of 26.4 percent and an average cost of $0.69 per 

milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity decreased by 4 percentage points, 

while the average price per milligram pure increased by $0.04. 

Only one HDMP exhibit purchased in San Diego in 2013 was classified as an UNK signature. The 

exhibit was 18 percent pure, and cost $0.75 per milligram pure. 

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 

The 2013 HDMP data confirm that MEX heroin remains the prevalent type of heroin available at 

the retail-level in San Francisco. Thirty-one qualified heroin exhibits were purchased in the San 

Francisco area in 2013 and all were classified as MEX heroin. These exhibits reflected an average 

purity of 5.2 percent and an average price of $1.29 per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP 

data, the average purity decreased by 0.5 percentage points, while the average price per milligram 

pure increased by $0.06. 

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 

In 2013, 19 qualified samples were purchased in San Juan; all were classified as SA heroin. The 

exhibits averaged 13.4 percent pure and cost an average of $1.70 per milligram pure. Compared to 

2012 HDMP data, the average purity decreased by 5.3 percentage points, while the average price per 

milligram pure decreased by $0.07. 

One HDMP exhibit purchased in San Juan in 2013 was classified as an UNK signature. The exhibit 

was 2.3 percent pure, and cost $21.74 per milligram pure. 

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 

MEX heroin, primarily MEX black tar, remains the most prevalent type of heroin purchased on the 

streets of Seattle and all 26 qualified HDMP heroin samples purchased in Seattle in 2013 were 

classified as MEX heroin. The exhibits had an average purity of 15.6 percent and cost an average 

of $1.14 per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, average purity increased by 9.9 

percentage points, while the average price per milligram pure decreased by $0.71. 

Two HDMP exhibits purchased in Seattle in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. These 

exhibits had an average purity of 3.7 percent with an average cost of $1.12 per milligram pure. 

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 

In 2013, 24 qualified HDMP exhibits purchased in St. Louis were classified as SA heroin. The 

average purity of these heroin exhibits increased to 46.8 percent and the average price was $1.02 

per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 HDMP data, the average purity of SA heroin decreased by 8.6 

percentage points, while the average price per milligram pure increased by $0.49. 
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

1419

Eight HDMP exhibits purchased in St. Louis in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. According 

to SFL1 forensic analysis, 7 of the UNK signature exhibits purchased in St. Louis displayed the 

characteristics of alleged Mexican white heroin with an average purity of 40.4 percent and an average 

cost of $0.62 per milligram pure. The remaining UNK signature exhibit was 2.5 percent pure with a 

cost of $8.42 per milligram pure. 

WASHINGTON, DC 

Washington, DC has a well-entrenched heroin market. New York City is the predominant source 

city for the heroin distributed in the Washington, DC area with Philadelphia and Baltimore acting as 

secondary sources. 

Prior to 2011, SA heroin dominated the Washington, DC market. However, HDMP data from the 

last three years suggest that the heroin market is in transition. In 2013, of the 22 qualified HDMP 

samples purchased in Washington, DC; 16 were classified as SA heroin. The purity of these exhibits 

averaged 22 percent pure, while the average price was $1.04 per milligram pure. Compared to 2012 

HDMP data, the purity of SA heroin decreased by 9.7 percentage points, while the average price per 

milligram pure increased by $0.21. 

SWA heroin accounted for 6 of the 22 qualified HDMP heroin samples purchased in Washington, 

DC in 2013. SWA heroin exhibits reflected an average purity of 27.4 percent and cost an average 

of $1.22 per milligram pure. Between 2012 and 2013, the average purity of SWA heroin available 

in Washington, DC, increased significantly by 11.6 percentage points and the average price per 

milligram pure decreased by $0.08. As previously noted, only two other HDMP participating cities 

(Baltimore, Maryland and Boston, Massachusetts) indicated a limited amount of SWA heroin 

availability at the retail level during 2013. 

Eight HDMP exhibits purchased in Washington, DC, in 2013 were classified as an UNK signature. 

Three of the UNK signature exhibits purchased displayed the characteristics of alleged Mexican white 

heroin with an average purity of 36.8 percent and an average cost of $0.64 per milligram pure. Five 

of the UNK signature exhibits purchased and analyzed by the SFL1 demonstrated a mixed profile. Of 

these exhibits, the average purity was documented at 14.1 percent and cost an average of $1.91 per 

milligram pure. 
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

1520

(U) Table 3: 2013 Heroin Counts, Purities, Prices, Origin, and City by Geographic Region

Southwest Asian

Heroin

South American

Heroin Mexican Heroin Alleged Mexican

White Heroin

EAST

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Atlanta — — — 17 38.4% $1.34 — — — 7 55.2% $0.56

Baltimore 1 2% $2.17 23 13.7 0.67 — — — 4 30.6 0.60

Boston 1 17.4 0.34 23 20.5 0.80 — — — 1 18.1 0.64

Chicago — — — 23 16.4 0.72 — — — 5 24.8 0.45

Detroit — — — 22 40.3 0.77 — — — 9 39.2 0.74

Miami — — — 16 21.9 2.17 2 14.3% $2.87 5 9 4.29

New Orleans — — — 17 33.1 1.63 — — — 6 28.9 2.52

New York — — — 43 43.3 0.73 1 29.8 2.40 2 78.1 0.36

Newark — — — 29 57.9 1.01 — — — 2 66.8 0.37

Orlando — — — 11 25.8 1.34 — — — 7 20.7 1.50

Philadelphia — — — 23 64.8 0.50 — — — 2 48.1 0.97

Pittsburgh — — — 15 47.8 1.03 — — — 1 74.2 0.59

Richmond — — — 12 20.5 1.46 1 10.2 3.06 3 17.5 1.39

San Juan — — — 19 13.4 1.70 — — — — — —

Washington, 

DC 6 27.4 1.22 16 22 1.04 — — — 3 36.8 0.64

Southwest Asian

Heroin

South American

Heroin Mexican Heroin Alleged MexicanWhite Heroin

WEST

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Albuquerque — — — — — — 14 17.8% $0.65 — — —

Dallas — — — — — — 34 12.1 0.61 — — —

Denver — — — — — — 33 22 1.40 — — —

Houston — — — — — — 20 3.5 3.58 — — —

Los Angeles — — — 1 89% $0.37 34 25.2 0.42 — — —

Phoenix — — — — — — 28 26.4 0.58 — — —

Portland — — — — — — 20 16.9 1.65 — — —

San Antonio — — — — — — 20 7.1 0.91 — — —

San Diego — — — — — — 30 26.4 0.69 — — —

San 

Francisco — — — — — — 31 5.2 1.29 — — —

Seattle — — — — — — 26 15.6 1.14 — — —

St. Louis — — — 24 46.8 1.02 — — — 7 40.4% $0.62

TOTAL 8 23% $1.23 334 35.1% $1.04 293 16.9% $1.12 64 35.5% $1.21

Report Parameters: Only qualified samples are shown. January 1 to December 31, 2013

Price Unit: Per milligram pure.
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

1621

Geo-Probes: Views from Additional Cities

Since 2001, DEA has conducted an initiative under the HDMP known as Geographical Probes, 

or Geo-Probes. The goal of the Geo-Probes is to gain additional information about existing and 

emerging heroin markets in areas outside the 27 designated HDMP cities. In order to accomplish 

this, DEA provides funds for additional heroin sample purchases in selected cities across the United 

States. 

Geo-Probe data, while important in identifying emerging threats and market trends, are not calculated 

as part of the national average and are not compared against program-wide HDMP samples. 

In 2013, under the Geo-Probe Initiative, heroin purchases were made in the following areas: 

Bellingham, Washington; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Jacksonville, Florida; 

and in Ventura County, California. 

•	 In June 2013, a Geo-Probe was conducted in Bellingham. A total of 5 MEX heroin exhibits 

were purchased that averaged 30.3 percent pure with a cost of $4.46 per milligram pure. 

•	 In June and July 2013, a Geo-Probe conducted on Cape Cod resulted in the purchase of one 

SA heroin exhibit and one UNK exhibit. The SA exhibit was 10.1 percent pure with a cost of 

$1.46 per milligram pure. The UNK exhibit, which displayed the characteristics of alleged 

Mexican white heroin, was 6.9 percent pure with a cost of $3.45 per milligram pure. 

•	 A Geo-Probe conducted in Grand Rapids in June 2013 resulted in the purchase of four SA 

heroin exhibits and one UNK heroin exhibit. The SA exhibits averaged 20 percent pure with 

a cost of $0.90 per milligram pure. The UNK exhibit, which displayed the characteristics of 

alleged Mexican white heroin, was 15.4 percent pure with a cost of $1.03 per milligram pure. 

•	 A Geo-Probe in Jacksonville in February 2013 resulted in the purchase of 2 UNK heroin exhibits 

with an average purity of 10.1 percent pure and an average cost of $5.66 per milligram pure. 

One of the UNK signature exhibits purchased in Jacksonville displayed the characteristics of 

alleged Mexican white heroin. 

•	 A Geo-Probe conducted in Ventura County in March 2013 resulted in the purchase of four MEX 

heroin exhibits that averaged 31.6 percent pure with a cost of $0.28 per milligram pure. 

2013 Summary of Findings 

Although 2013 HDMP statistics indicate that Mexico maintains a slight edge over South America as 

the primary source of the heroin sold at the retail-level in the United States, the U.S. heroin market 

still remains roughly divided by the Mississippi River, with MEX brown powder heroin and black tar 

heroin dominating west of the Mississippi and South America white powder more commonly available 

east of the Mississippi River. Of the HDMP qualified samples classified as SA heroin, 92.5 percent 

were purchased east of the Mississippi River. Of the qualified samples purchased west of the 

Mississippi River, 82.9 percent were classified as MEX (to include alleged Mexican white) heroin. 

In 2013, HDMP data indicated that heroin exhibits classified as an UNK signature were encountered 

most often in the eastern and Midwestern United States where SA heroin typically dominates the 

market. Of particular interest is the fact that 57 of the 64 (89.1 percent) heroin exhibits classified 

as UNK which displayed the characteristics of “alleged Mexican white” heroin were purchased east 

of the Mississippi River, in cities identified as traditional SA heroin markets. These cities include 

Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Newark, Orlando, 
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

1722

Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, St. Louis, and Washington, DC. This is likely an indication that 

the current retail heroin market in each of these cities is in transition and that Mexican DTOs continue 

to expand their role in white heroin markets. 

SWA heroin availability remained confined to a few markets, such as Baltimore, Boston, and 

Washington, DC. 

The supply of SEA heroin available to the United States remained severely limited, and 2013 marked 

the eighth consecutive year in which no SEA heroin samples were purchased through the HDMP. 

The 2013 HDMP data reflected that heroin exhibits classified as UNK which displayed the 

characteristics of alleged Mexican heroin exhibited the highest average purity in the program at 35.5 

percent with an average price of $1.21 per milligram pure. 

HDMP data reflected a decline in the average purity of SA heroin from 37.3 percent in 2005 to 35.1 

percent in 2013. In 2013, 10 HDMP cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Newark, New York City, 

Orlando, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Juan, St. Louis, and Washington, DC reported a decline in 

the average purity of SA heroin available in their respective retail markets when compared with 2012 

purity levels. 

Between 2009 and 2013, the purity of MEX heroin at the retail-level dropped from 24.7 percent 

to 16.9 percent. In 2013, seven HDMP cities including Albuquerque, Dallas, Denver, Portland, 

San Antonio, and San Francisco all reported a decline in the purity of MEX heroin available in 

DEA Headquarters

White House

Congress ONDCP

Intelligence Community State Department

Drug Researchers DEA Field Divisions

INTERPOL DOJ

State and Local Law Enforcement Other Federal Agencies

DOD

their respective retail markets when 

compared with 2012 purity levels. 

HDMP Consumers 

The HDMP is the sole U.S. Government 

source of data on the origin, price, and 

purity of heroin available on the streets 

of the United States and, as such, is 

an important assessment and trending 

tool for DEA, other federal, state, 

and local law enforcement agencies, 

drug policy makers, and drug abuse 

researchers throughout the nation. The 

HDMP results are frequently included 

in intelligence and investigative reports 

designed to corroborate trends and 

inform DEA, other government agencies 

including Congress and the White 

House Office of National Drug Control 

Policy (ONDCP) about the U.S. heroin situation. The HDMP remains a valuable indicator of trends 

in the retail market and when used in conjunction with other information provides DEA with an overall 

long-term assessment of heroin trafficking in the United States. 

(U) Figure 3. Heroin Domestic Monitor 

Program Clients
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

1823

(U) Appendix A: 2012 Heroin Counts, Purities, Prices, Origin, and City by Geographic Region

Southwest Asian

Heroin

South American

Heroin Mexican Heroin Southeast Asian

Heroin

EAST

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Atlanta 30 39.8% $1.45

Baltimore 3 21.3% $0.59 22 19.2 0.70 1 12.8% $0.41

Boston 31 16.0 1.62

Chicago 16 13.2 0.46

Detroit 26 36.5 0.54

Miami 20 15.4 2.86 1 16.2 2.13

New Orleans 21 22.4 1.19

New York 41 45.0 0.61

Newark 29 58.4 0.77

Orlando 14 22.4 1.95

Philadelphia 32 76.8 0.47

Pittsburgh 1 32.9 1.13 14 37.9 1.01

Richmond 15 22.6 1.68 1 5.3 5.55

San Juan 36 18.7 1.77

Washington, 

DC 8 15.8 1.30 8 31.7 0.83

Southwest Asian

Heroin

South American

Heroin Mexican Heroin Southeast Asian

Heroin

WEST

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Albuquerque 20 19% $0.57

Dallas 41 22.4 0.67

Denver 32 31.9 0.80

Houston 1 2.3% $8.70 34 3.1 5.44

Los Angeles 37 23.7 0.58

Phoenix 1 93.9 0.12 37 21.7 0.83

Portland 20 20.8 1.76

San Antonio 20 8.5 0.71

San Diego 29 30.4 0.73

San 

Francisco 42 5.7 1.23

Seattle 24 5.7 1.85

St. Louis 18 55.4 0.53

TOTAL 12 18.6% $1.10 375 35.3% $1.15 339 17.6% $1.40

Report Parameters: Only qualified samples are shown. January 1 to December 31, 2012

Price Unit: Per milligram pure.
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

24

(U) Appendix B: 2011 Heroin Counts, Purities, Prices, Origin, and City by Geographic Region

Southwest Asian

Heroin

South American

Heroin Mexican Heroin Southeast Asian

Heroin

EAST

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Atlanta 1 17.5% $2.72 13 25.5% $1.04 2 22.2% $1.73

Baltimore 8 6.0 1.12 17 13.8 0.62 4 3.2 4.32

Boston 24 16.4 1.34

Chicago 16 13.6 0.58

Detroit 15 36.2 0.54

Miami 14 22.1 2.27 2 14.1 2.49

New Orleans 21 24.2 1.53

New York 2 30.6 0.94 56 37.5 0.99 1 11.5 4.14

Newark 1 13.6 2.56 29 46.0 0.93

Orlando 17 24.5 1.09

Philadelphia 29 63.6 0.60

Pittsburgh 11 34.2 1.18 1 27.6 1.51

Richmond 1 19.8 2.20 12 18.9 1.45 1 25.6 2.60

San Juan 22 17.6 2.82

Washington, 

DC 8 10.9 2.20 7 16.2 1.54 4 5.6 3.33

Southwest Asian

Heroin

South American

Heroin Mexican Heroin Southeast Asian

Heroin

WEST

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Number

of

Samples

Purity Price

Albuquerque 18 15.8% $0.73

Dallas 36 13.2 0.84

Denver 37 22.9 0.68

Houston 18 3.9 5.94

Los Angeles 35 20.8 0.87

Phoenix 1 84.3% $0.01 16 27.3 0.65

Portland 17 24.6 0.69

San Antonio 13 8.1 0.85

San Diego 1 65.3 0.25 33 36.6 0.37

San 

Francisco 29 3.9 1.40

Seattle 29 3.9 2.05

St. Louis 2 18.0% $1.13 18 30.1 1.17

TOTAL 23 12.3% $1.66 323 31.1% $1.18 296 16.8% $1.35

19

Report Parameters: Only qualified samples are shown. January 1 to December 31, 2012

Price Unit: Per milligram pure.
UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

25

Appendix C: Definitions 

Adulterant: A pharmacologically active substance that is added to heroin to enhance or mimic the 

effect of heroin. A good example is acetaminophen, an analgesic compound, often 

found with heroin. That said, many current heroin adulterants do not meet this criteria 

as they may have an adverse effect or, possibly, no effect to the heroin. Adulterants 

can be added to heroin shipments immediately after production, in transit, or prior to 

distribution. While dextromethorphan for Southwest Asian heroin and diltiazem for 

South American heroin are examples of adulterants that are added immediately after 

production, xylazine for Puerto Rico and quinine for Washington, DC-Baltimore are 

examples for city-specific adulteration prior to distribution. 

Diluent: An inert ingredient (pharmacologically inactive compound) used to increase the bulk of 

 a finished product. Typical diluents are sugars, starches, and inorganic salts. 

Heroin Signature Analysis: A program developed by DEA to identify the geographic source area of 

a heroin sample. Heroin signature analysis is based on an exhaustive chemical profile 

of authentic samples acquired from each of the four major heroin source areas: South 

America, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Southwest Asia. 

Heroin Signature Classification: The result of heroin signature analysis. Origin classifications 

currently defined include Mexican (MEX), South American (SA), Southeast Asian (SEA), 

and Southwest Asia (SWA) heroin. Samples meeting these classifications are referred 

to as “qualified samples.” When the results of signature analysis are inconclusive, the 

sample is listed as “unknown” or “unclassified.” 

Insufficient Weight: A sample of heroin that is too small for signature analysis. Generally, an exhibit 

should weigh at least 1 gram net, including diluents and adulterants. This amount 

ensures at least 150 milligrams of pure heroin are available for signature analysis. 

Net Weight: The total weight of the heroin exhibit, including diluents and adulterants, excluding it 

packaging. 

Price per milligram pure: The price of the sample divided by the pure weight, expressed in 

milligrams. Price per milligram pure provides a constant over time so that prices of 

samples of differing weights and purity can be compared. 

Pure Weight: The weight of pure heroin is determined by multiplying the purity of a sample by its net 

weight. 

Purity: The amount of heroin present in the sample compared to all other substances. Purity is 

expressed as a percent. 

Qualified Sample: A heroin sample that can be analyzed and classified by the SFL1 to the source. 

Unknown: A sample of heroin analyzed by the SFL1, but for which the results of the analysis 

do not match any of the standard origin classifications (refer to Heroin Signature 

Classification).

20

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