D-E-A: Jersey's heroin is purest in U-S
TRENTON, N.J. The state of New Jersey has the dubious distinction of having the purest heroin in the country for the second straight year. That's a source of concern for the medical community and law enforcement. Federal Drug Enforcement Agency tests of heroin samples obtained from New Jersey streets showed 71-point-four percent purity in 2002, nearly twice the national average. The D-E-A says in the 2003 report, due out soon, New Jersey again will hold the top spot.
New Jersey is the first stop in the country for many drug traffickers, which means less of the heroin on the state's streets has been diluted with additives or resold.
The higher purity rates are causing an array of problems for law enforcement and health officials. Purer heroin means more overdoses, and it makes kicking the habit more difficult.
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