South Carolina is at a crossroads at what to do about the ever increasing drug problem in the state. South Carolina is both a transit state and a distribution area for illicit drugs throughout the eastern United States. Various criminal organizations transport drugs into South Carolina for distribution in other states. Most drugs are transported into the state via private and commercial vehicles. The state sits at a key junction of three major interstate highways that straddle the eastern United States. The close proximity to Atlanta makes South Carolina a natural distribution point for Atlanta based drug traffickers. Cocaine, particularly crack cocaine, continues to pose the most serious threat to South Carolina, however, methamphetamine is making significant strides to flood the market in the state. Heroin constitutes a low threat to South Carolina, and availability and abuse are concentrated in urban areas and coastal regions of the state. The state has a significant problem with the abuse of Oxycontin and its diversion facilitated by doctors associated with pain management clinics.

The primary drug of abuse in the State of South Carolina is cocaine, and its derivative cocaine base (crack). Many of the violent crimes in the state are directly associated with the distribution and abuse of cocaine HCL and crack. Multi kilogram cocaine investigations and seizures are common place throughout the state.

Methamphetamine trafficking in South Carolina is a significant threat to the state. Production and abuse in the state are increasing. DEA Columbia has had a number of methamphetamine cases resulting in multi-pound quantities being seized. The primary traffickers of methamphetamine are Mexican immigrants both legal and illegal.

Ecstasy (MDMA) is readily available in several cities in South Carolina, predominantly in the population centers of Greenville and Columbia and those cities along the state’s coastal area like Myrtle Beach and Charleston. During the past year there has been a significant increase in Ecstasy distribution throughout the state, with traffickers operating out of the state capitol in Columbia distributing a significant portion of the Ecstasy sold. Recent data indicates that Atlanta has become a significant hub for MDMA distribution in South Carolina. Law Enforcement agencies are attempting to infiltrate organizations distributing Ecstasy, but are hampered by the cost of Ecstasy currently available on the street. There have been increasing incidents of LSD distribution and abuse, as well as incidents of Rohypnol and Ketamine appearing in entertainment clubs in communities along the coast and upstate.

OxyContin is also a significant threat to the state. There is widespread abuse of the drug commonly diverted via pain management clinics, forged, stolen or altered prescriptions as well as by doctor shopping – visiting numerous physicians to obtain drugs in excess of what should be legitimately prescribed – and through theft from pharmacies, nursing homes and private residences. According to public health officials in the state, OxyContin increasingly is abused in South Carolina. South Carolina has seen a dramatic rise in emergency room visits, overdoses and treatment admissions due to the use and abuse of Oxycontin.

There is obviously a major concern for drug use and abuse in the state of South Carolina that needs to be addressed immediately. If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, please don’t hesitate to contact a successful, effective, proven and renowned drug rehabilitation center today.