DEA Omaha Division Sees Significant Increase in Methamphetamine Seizures
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division has seen a 31% increase in methamphetamine seizures in 2019, reporting approximately 1,437 pounds, estimated at $9 million dollars, collected across the region during the first six months of the year
In 2018, agents from the Omaha Divisions’ five states – Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota – seized 1,639 pounds of methamphetamine.
“The Omaha Division is saturated with Mexican-sourced methamphetamine, as evidenced by the low price and high purity,” Special Agent in Charge Richard Salter Jr., said in a news release. “In 2005, Congress passed the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act which basically forced domestic meth producers out of business. Mexican cartels took advantage of the vacuum that was created and are now producing hundreds of pounds of highly potent methamphetamine which is coming across our very porous Southwest border.”
Today’s methamphetamine is 71% cheaper than it was in 2005 and agents are seizing loads in double digit and occasional triple digit quantities. In 2005, at the peak of domestic methamphetamine production, it was uncommon for agents in the Midwest to seize multiple pound quantities of meth in a single raid. Fourteen years later, agents in the Omaha Division reported 14 seizures of 30 or more pounds of meth in the first six months of 2019. Agents in Iowa hit upon 119 pounds in a recent raid.
“It’s a dangerous substance and DEA agents are working hard to rid our communities and schools of this poison,” Salter said.
– DEA Omaha Division
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