Multi-ton quantities of cocaine and marijuana and increasingly large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin are smuggled into these cities for eventual transportation and distribution throughout the country. Major drug trafficking and money laundering groups operate in Arizona and Mexico. Drug-related violence, homicides, and property crimes are increasingly perpetrated by drug gangs and abusers. Four major and 19 secondary Mexican drug trafficking organizations impact Arizona. Marijuana continues to be the most abused and trafficked drug in the state.
Cocaine is the second most abused drug.
Methamphetamine, due to the nature of its manufacture, poses the most significant policing problem statewide. Drug proceeds are smuggled from Arizona to Mexico in bulk form by vehicles, commerce shipments, private and commercial aircraft, and pedestrians. Easy access to illicit drugs has generated local community drug abuse problems throughout the state. Increased interdiction has frustrated alien and narcotic smugglers. The result has been increased acts of violence toward law enforcement agents.