90% of cocaine in US comes through Mexico, says State Department report

An astronomical 90 percent of the cocaine consumed in the United States is actually pushed into its territory from Mexico, says the latest International Narcotics Control Strategy Report by the U.S. Department of State. However, the report observes that while a huge amount of cocaine enters via Mexico, its origins are in Central and South America.

Studies show that some of the world’s deadliest yet avant-garde narcotic trafficking organizations operate an extensive network in Colombia. Most traffickers use state-of-the-art contraband equipment to clandestinely ship huge quantities of cocaine to the U.S. As a part of their modus operandi, cocaine cartels generally ship large consignments from Colombia to Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala or other transit points in Mexico, from where they make their way into America.

The State Department is particularly concerned about Costa Rica owing to its strategic geographic location, extremely porous borders and poorly patrolled waters. The report states that Costa Rican authorities seized a total of 24.5 metric tons (MT) of cocaine in 2016, which was a whopping 44 percent increase when compared to seizures made in 2015. Additionally, the cash seizures from cocaine proceeds exceeded $9.8 million in 2016.

Similarly, the amount of illegal coca plant cultivation in Colombia rose to 42 percent between 2014 and 2015. Figures show that between 90 and 94 percent of heroin is routed to the U.S. through Mexico. To make matters worse, the State Department even believes that synthetic drugs such as fentanyl are entering the country through the southern borders. These distressing numbers further endorse the idea of a physical barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border.

A devastating drug

In today’s fast-paced world, the fear of lagging being in the rat race, as well as ease of availability, has driven many vulnerable people across different strata of society and age groups toward cocaine. Apart from alcohol, cocaine is the most common drug which causes the maximum number of emergency room visits nationwide.

On inhalation or ingestion, cocaine causes a dopamine rush that produces significant sensations of euphoria. As in the case of any intoxicant or drug, repeated use of cocaine can cause considerable alterations in the brain’s reward circuit and other brain systems, which could lead to dependence.

Cocaine abuse can often result in constricted blood vessels, faster heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. Also, ingesting large quantities of cocaine can lead to bizarre, unpredictable and violent behavior. Other long-term effects of cocaine use include severe paranoia, Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders. Besides the harm caused to one’s physical health, the drug also impairs an individual’s mental health.

Sovereign Health can help

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If you or a loved one is battling addiction to cocaine or any harmful substance, get in touch with Sovereign Health to access the latest and innovative treatment methods at our state-of-the-art drug addiction treatment centers spread across the U.S. Whether you are looking for drug addiction treatment centers in California or at a place closer home, call at our 24/7 helpline number 866-698-4295 or chat online to know about the most effective drug addiction treatment programs at our reliable drug rehab treatment centers.