Shortage boosting cocaine prices

DETROIT, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. government's drug czar credits border control and law enforcement efforts with a cocaine shortage that is pushing up prices in many cities.

John P. Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, said the average price of a kilogram of cocaine in Detroit has risen as much as 70 percent in the past year. Apparent shortages also are pushing up prices in New York, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Cleveland, the Detroit Free Press said Wednesday.

The price of a kilogram of cocaine, or 2.2 pounds, has jumped 41 percent this year, from $17,000 to $24,000, The Indianapolis Star said.

Detroit police spokesman James Tate said much of the drug use in Detroit has shifted to marijuana, the Free Press said.