Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most persistent and evolving drug threats facing the United States. While many professionals are familiar with the fundamentals of methamphetamine, today's landscape has changed dramatically. This session will examine the latest trends shaping methamphetamine production, trafficking, and distribution in 2025-2026, including how Mexican cartels continue to adapt their operations and expand their criminal networks. Participants will gain insight into emerging trafficking patterns, the drugs methamphetamine is increasingly encountered alongside, why it remains widely available and popular despite the rise of fentanyl, evolving forms of the drug beyond traditional powder and crystal, current pricing trends, and its growing presence in schools and communities. The workshop will also explore whether any substances are emerging as viable replacements for methamphetamine and why the drug continues to maintain a significant presence in the illicit drug market. Finally, attendees will learn how the Drug Enforcement Administration is responding to these evolving threats through enforcement, intelligence, and disruption efforts.
Course Objectives:
- Examine the latest methamphetamine trends in 2025-2026, including evolving cartel production methods, trafficking strategies, and distribution networks.
- Identify emerging patterns involving methamphetamine, including drugs commonly encountered alongside it, changing forms of the drug, pricing trends, continued popularity, and its impact on schools and communities.
- Understand how the DEA is addressing today's methamphetamine threat through intelligence-driven investigations, interdiction efforts, and partnerships to disrupt criminal organizations.
