U.S. Sentencing Commission releases report on methamphetamine trafficking trends

WASHINGTON, DC—June 13, 2024 – The United States Sentencing Commission released a comprehensive report analyzing methamphetamine trafficking offense trends, sentencing patterns and the impact of increasing methamphetamine purity over the past 20 years. last years.

The report highlights the rise of methamphetamine as the most prevalent drug in the federal criminal justice system, dominating federal caseloads since fiscal year 2014. In fiscal year 2022, methamphetamine accounted for approximately half of all federal drug trafficking offenses.

Main findings:

• Prevalence of methamphetamine: Methamphetamine has consistently been the predominant drug in the federal system since 2014. In FY22, it accounted for nearly 50% of all federal drug trafficking offenses.
• Increase purity: The purity of methamphetamine trafficked into the United States has increased significantly. Commission data shows that two-thirds of the meth tested in federal cases is 96 percent pure.
• Change in production: Methamphetamine production has largely moved outside the United States. As a result, sentencing enhancements targeting domestic production and importation have become less common, with only ten individuals receiving environmental damage enhancements in FY22.
• Impact of purity on sentences: Sentences for methamphetamine offenses are influenced by statutory sanctions and guidelines that take into account the purity of the drug. However, different laboratory testing practices across the country affect the sentences imposed.
• Length of sentences: Those convicted of methamphetamine trafficking received the longest average sentences of any federal drug trafficking offense, averaging 91 months.
• Mandatory minimum penalties: A higher percentage of people convicted of methamphetamine trafficking faced mandatory minimum sentences compared to other drug trafficking offenses (74.2% vs. 56.6%).

The full report, which provides detailed information on methamphetamine trafficking trends and sentencing practices, is available on the United States Sentencing Commission website.

Read the report

This report highlights the evolving nature of methamphetamine trafficking and its significant impact on the federal criminal justice system, providing critical data to inform sentencing policies and practices.