Miami, the city known as the hub of cocaine trafficking in its heyday is now leading the way in the waning cocaine trend, according to the Miami Herald. Though the reasons for this drop in cocaine presence are multiple, including the bleak economic system, it seems the drug is being replaced with cheaper and easier to obtain substances.
One factor that has played a role in the declining popularity of cocaine is that the drug war has reportedly driven cocaine prices up. An already expensive drug, traffickers are now cutting the product and making it less potent. Not only do you have to spend more for cocaine, but what you end up with isn’t as strong as what you would’ve got 20 years ago, for instance.
Another factor is the booming prescription drug trade. Using prescription drugs for a recreational high has become far more popular over the years. Although prescriptions can be expensive as well, they are often easier to obtain and potentially less dangerous than buying on the black market from a street corner dealer.
According to the Miami Herald the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine addiction and the number of people being admitted to emergency rooms for cocaine overdoses have both dropped dramatically.
In 2010, 549 addicts sought out treatment for their problems with cocaine and crack-cocaine. The year before that number was 918, signifying a 41% drop. From 2008 to 2009, the number of emergency room admittances for cocaine overdoses dropped 14%. Some of this is also due to less potent product though; if the cocaine isn’t pure you will have fewer people accidentally overdosing.
There were over 9,000 drug related deaths last year in the state. 6,090 of these deaths were attributed to prescription drugs, an increase of 50%. So while some could say the drug war has caused a decline in the use of cocaine, you could also argue that decline was traded for an increase in prescription drug deaths, signaling that users don’t stop using because of the threat of crime or because of increased enforcement at any level, but rather they switch to less expensive and less risky substances instead.
Regardless of the substance, however, you will face criminal drug charges and those charges will have the potential to send you to prison. Having an advocate on your side offers some level of confidence as you face the charges and the potentially life changing consequences they carry.
Whether you are accused of possessing cocaine or dealing prescription drugs, we can help with your legal defense. Contact us today for a free consultation on your case.