Which U.S. Cities Have Had the Most Illegal Drug Labs Raided by the DEA Over the Past 10 Years?
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been relentless in its pursuit to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the United States. And they have done so with great success. Over the past decade, they’ve conducted countless raids on illegal drug labs, disrupting the production and distribution of harmful illicit substances. You may be surprised as to which cities have seen the most DEA raids on drug labs, shedding light on the regions where this illicit activity is most prevalent. In this report, the team at Joslyn Law Firm delves into the cities that have experienced the most drug busts at the hands of the DEA over the past 10 years.
Click to view the full-size infographic
Michigan is a Hot Spot for Drug Busts
Michigan faces a serious challenge with illegal drug production and other drug-related crimes. While the state has a long history of drug crimes, this problem is just as prevalent, if not more, today. While Michiganders are fighting to control the opioid epidemic, methamphetamine is making a big comeback. Factors contributing to Michigan’s drug problem include:
1.) Geographical Location: Michigan’s proximity to Canada is a major source of illicit drugs and makes it a prime target for drug traffickers. Furthermore, the state is virtually surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, meaning there are multiple modes of transportation in and out of the area.
2.) Economic Conditions: Areas with high unemployment rates and limited economic opportunities are more susceptible to drug-related activities. As of 2022, 1.4 million Michiganders (about one tenth of the state’s total population) fell below the poverty line.
3.) Availability of Precursors: Michigan is a major producer of chemicals that can be used in the manufacturing of synthetic drugs, making it a desirable location for drug labs.
4.) Demand for Illicit Substances: The demand for drugs, particularly opioids and methamphetamine, has increased in recent years, driving the establishment of more local drug labs.
The DEA has worked closely with local law enforcement agencies to identify and dismantle drug labs, often relying on intelligence gathering and surveillance techniques. Police raids on drug labs in Michigan have resulted in the seizure of large quantities of drugs, the arrest of individuals involved in the drug trade, and the disruption of criminal networks. However, their work is far from over.
Ohio has Also Seen its Fair Share of Drug Lab Raids
In our state of Ohio, Akron has faced a significant drug epidemic in recent years, leading to rising overdose deaths, drug-related crime, drug busts, and other drug-related arrests. Law enforcement agencies have been actively working to combat the illegal drug trade in the city, which has been plagued by issues such as:
- Methamphetamine: Akron has been a hot spot for methamphetamine production and distribution. The availability of precursor chemicals in the region has contributed to the growth of meth labs just as it has in Michigan.
- Opioids: The opioid crisis has also impacted Akron, with a rise in opioid abuse and, consequently, heroin addiction. This has led to increased drug overdoses and related crimes.
- Fentanyl: The presence of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, has posed a serious threat to public health in Akron. Illicit drug manufacturers often lace their product with fentanyl to increase the potency of the drug.
Despite efforts from law enforcement, the drug problem in Akron remains a significant challenge. It will require a comprehensive approach involving law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community leaders to address the underlying causes of drug abuse and apprehending those responsible for drug production and distribution.
The Impact of a Police Raid on Illegal Labs Across the US
DEA raids on drug labs have had a significant impact on the drug trade but their tactics will need to continue to evolve to keep up with increasingly clever tactics deployed by drug rings. By disrupting the production and distribution of illicit substances, these operations can help reduce drug-related crime, overdose deaths, and public health risks associated with the drug trade.
Rounding out the top five states for DEA drug lab raids in our study are North Carolina, Illinois, and California. These states have experienced a significant number of raids on illegal drug labs, reflecting the prevalence of drug-related activities in these regions. North Carolina, in particular, has seen a rise in methamphetamine production, while Illinois has faced challenges related to the opioid crisis. California, as a large and populous state, has a complex drug landscape, with various illicit substances being produced and distributed throughout the state.
At Joslyn Law Firm we’re dedicated to defending you no matter the crime. Whether it be accused of drugged driving, facing drug charges, or any other type of criminal defense, we will work hard to make sure your rights are protected.
U.S. Cities With the Most Illegal Drug Labs Raided Over the Past 10 Years
| City | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Total Illegal Drug Lab Raids 2014-2023 | |
| 1 | Kalamazoo, MI | 10 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| 2 | Akron, OH | 10 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| 3 | Milton, FL | 9 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| 4 | Houston, TX | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 20 |
| 4 | Port Huron, MI | 5 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| 6 | Jackson, MI | 6 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| 7 | Christiansburg, VA | 4 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| 7 | Flint, MI | 2 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| 9 | Battle Creek, MI | 1 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| 9 | Rockingham, NC | 4 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| 11 | Lexington, SC | 4 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 16 | |
| 12 | Mount Vernon, IL | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| 13 | Allegan, MI | 3 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| 13 | Fresno, CA | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| 15 | Lancaster, OH | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| 16 | Quincy, IL | 0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| 16 | Wilmington, NC | 0 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| 16 | Daytona Beach, FL | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| 16 | Watertown, NY | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| 20 | Jacksonville, NC | 0 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 20 | Cortland, NY | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 20 | Benson, NC | 1 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 20 | Binghamton, NY | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 20 | Los Angeles, CA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 10 |
Illegal Drug Lab Raids in the U.S. Every Year Over the Past 10 Years
| Year | Number of Illegal Drug Lab Raids |
| 2014 | 658 |
| 2015 | 930 |
| 2016 | 411 |
| 2017 | 135 |
| 2018 | 160 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 231 |
| 2021 | 176 |
| 2022 | 133 |
| 2023 | 75 |
States Ranked by Total Number of Drug Lab Raids Over the Past 10 Years
| State | Illegal Drug Lab Raids 2014-2023 | |
| 1 | Michigan | 454 |
| 2 | North Carolina | 403 |
| 3 | Ohio | 243 |
| 4 | Illinois | 172 |
| 5 | California | 171 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 149 |
| 7 | Florida | 142 |
| 8 | South Carolina | 126 |
| 9 | Kentucky | 120 |
| 10 | New York | 116 |
| 11 | Virginia | 106 |
| 12 | Tennessee | 85 |
| 13 | Texas | 58 |
| 14 | Missouri | 57 |
| 15 | Iowa | 53 |
| 16 | Georgia | 51 |
| 17 | Indiana | 41 |
| 17 | Maine | 41 |
| 19 | Kansas | 38 |
| 20 | Oklahoma | 33 |
| 21 | New Jersey | 30 |
| 22 | Alabama | 29 |
| 22 | Colorado | 29 |
| 24 | Oregon | 27 |
| 25 | Arkansas | 18 |
| 26 | Massachusetts | 15 |
| 27 | New Hampshire | 15 |
| 28 | Utah | 13 |
| 29 | Arizona | 12 |
| 30 | Louisiana | 11 |
| 31 | Maryland | 10 |
| 31 | Wisconsin | 10 |
| 33 | Minnesota | 8 |
| 34 | Nevada | 7 |
| 34 | Rhode Island | 7 |
| 36 | Mississippi | 5 |
| 36 | South Dakota | 5 |
| 36 | West Virginia | 5 |
| 39 | Connecticut | 4 |
| 39 | Nebraska | 4 |
| 41 | Delaware | 3 |
| 41 | Montana | 3 |
| 41 | Washington | 3 |
| 44 | Idaho | 2 |
| 44 | New Mexico | 2 |
| 44 | Wyoming | 2 |
| 47 | Alaska | 1 |
| 47 | Vermont | 1 |
| 49 | Hawaii | 0 |
| 49 | North Dakota | 0 |
This page was last updated by Brian Joslyn
