DEA: N.J. HEROIN IS PUREST IN U.S.

TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey's heroin was found to be the purest in the
nation for the second straight year, a dubious distinction that has sparked
concern in the medical and law enforcement communities.

Federal Drug Enforcement Agency tests of heroin samples obtained from New
Jersey streets showed 71.4 percent purity in 2002, nearly twice the
national average. In the 2003 report, due out soon, New Jersey again will
hold the top spot, DEA spokesman Rusty Payne told The Star-Ledger of Newark.

"You can't buy any better heroin in the world than you can buy in New
Jersey," said Michael Pasterchick, special agent in charge of the Newark
DEA office.

The average purity of samples taken in 2002 in Philadelphia was 66.3
percent, in New York 61.5 percent, in Baltimore 22.9 percent and in San
Francisco 12.1 percent, according to the DEA.

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.

The new heroin is also pure enough to be snorted or smoked, which makes it
more attractive to younger people.

The Newark DEA has made the drug its top priority, devoting half its
manpower to root out heroin dealers. Heroin seizures have increased 600
percent in the past five years, Pasterchick said.