Louisiana is a state that has been struggling with drug abuse and addiction for decades. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Louisiana had the 19th highest drug overdose death rate in the nation in 2019, with 23.1 deaths per 100,000 people. The state also ranked among the top 10 states for opioid prescriptions, cocaine use, and methamphetamine use.
But which city in Louisiana is the most affected by drug trafficking and its consequences? According to a recent report by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the answer is Shreveport.
Shreveport: The Drug Trafficking Capital of Louisiana
Shreveport is the third-largest city in Louisiana, with a population of about 187,000 people. It is located in the northwest corner of the state, near the borders of Texas and Arkansas. The city is a major transportation hub, with interstate highways, railroads, and an airport connecting it to other parts of the country.
According to the DEA, Shreveport is the primary distribution center for illicit drugs in Louisiana, especially for cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The city is also a source of supply for other areas in the state, as well as neighboring states such as Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
The DEA attributes the high level of drug trafficking in Shreveport to several factors, such as:
1.) The proximity to major drug markets in Texas, especially Dallas and Houston, where drug traffickers obtain large quantities of drugs from Mexican cartels and other sources.
2.) The presence of local gangs and criminal organizations that are involved in drug distribution and violence. Some of the most active gangs in Shreveport include the Bloods, the Crips, the Gangster Disciples, and the Aryan Brotherhood.
3.) The availability of cheap and potent drugs, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, that appeal to users who are seeking a stronger and longer-lasting high. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, is often mixed with heroin or cocaine, increasing the risk of overdose and death. Methamphetamine, a stimulant that can cause paranoia, aggression, and psychosis, is often produced in clandestine labs or smuggled from Mexico.
The Impact of Drug Trafficking on Shreveport and Its Residents
The drug trafficking problem in Shreveport has had a devastating impact on the city and its residents, affecting their health, safety, and quality of life. Some of the negative effects of drug trafficking include:
Increased drug overdose deaths. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, Shreveport had the highest number of drug overdose deaths in the state in 2020, with 156 deaths, a 62% increase from 2019. The majority of these deaths involved opioids, especially fentanyl.
Increased crime and violence. According to the FBI, Shreveport had the highest violent crime rate in the state in 2019, with 1,446 violent crimes per 100,000 people, more than double the national average. The city also had the highest murder rate in the state, with 59 murders, a 22% increase from 2018. Many of these crimes are related to drug trafficking and gang activity .
Decreased economic and social development. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Shreveport had a poverty rate of 24.4% in 2019, higher than the state and national averages. The city also had a lower median household income, a lower educational attainment, and a higher unemployment rate than the state and national averages. These factors make it harder for the city to attract businesses, investors, and tourists, and to provide adequate services and opportunities for its residents.
Conclusion
Shreveport is a city that has been named the drug trafficking capital of Louisiana by the DEA, due to its location, its connections, and its demand for illicit drugs. The city is a major source and destination for drugs such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, which are distributed by local gangs and criminal organizations.
The drug trafficking problem has had a harmful impact on the city and its residents, causing increased drug overdose deaths, increased crime and violence, and decreased economic and social development.
To address this problem, the city needs to work with federal, state, and local authorities, as well as community organizations, to implement effective strategies to prevent, treat, and reduce drug abuse and addiction, and to enhance the safety and well-being of its citizens.