One of the biggest threats to North Carolina is Mexican drug trafficking organizations. They are major players in the drug trade, smuggling illegal substances into the state to be distributed to lower level traffickers, mostly street gangs and independent dealers. These organizations import drugs such as a heroin, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana and then sell them to Mexican-American, Caucasian and African American street gangs and trafficking organizations.

The drug most abused in North Carolina is marijuana. A good deal of what's available is grown right in the state, outdoors. The Appalachian Mountain Range, federal forests and swamps are popular spots for these crops to be cultivated.  Local law-enforcement agencies have to be on the lookout marijuana spots, destroying them once found.  Besides the homegrown variety of marijuana, the drug is also shipped in from Canada and Mexico.  Both Mexican and Vietnamese drug trafficking organizations act as wholesalers, selling the drugs to independent sellers or groups.

While cocaine can be found in North Carolina, in recent years its availability has decreased. Seizures of drug shipments not only in North Carolina but also along the Mexican, US border are at least partly responsible for this.  The cocaine that does reach North Carolina is sold in the state and also shipped to other parts of the country, particularly along the East Coast, in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, West Virginia and states in the Midwest.

Methamphetamine use has been problematic the last few years. The drug is shipped into the state and also manufactured in independent labs. The number of independent meth labs in the state was a huge concern in the past. However, through efforts of law enforcement agencies, the amount of labs has decreased along with lab incidents such as explosions, fires and injuries. However, while the domestic manufacturing of meth has decreased, the amount of the drug in the state has not.  Mexican drug trafficking organizations ship lots of meth into North Carolina.  Therefore, the use and distribution of meth is still problematic.

Heroin abuse has grown in recent years.  The primary types of heroin available are Mexican black tar and brown heroin.  It is the shipped in from South America, Southwest and Southeast Asia, Miami Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York.

Ecstasy is most popular amongst younger individuals, particularly those in high school and college.  They also are used by people who routinely hang out in clubs, bars and concert goers.  Club drugs, particularly ecstasy, are also popular on military basis throughout the state.  Besides ecstasy, GHB, LSD, Ketamine, PCP and mushrooms are fairly popular as well.

Pharmaceutical drug abuse is also a huge concern.  Drugs such as Hydrocodone Methadone, Oxycodone, Codeine and Morphine are the most commonly abused. There is also a fair amount of Valium and Xanax abuse as well.