As of 2007, meth and meth lab seizure data suggests that approximately 80 percent of the methamphetamine used in the United States originates from larger methamphetamine laboratories operated by Mexican-based syndicates on both sides of the border, and that approximately 20 percent comes from small toxic labs in the United States.

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, only 5.5% of all federal crack defendants are high-level dealers.

In general, most heroin comes from opium poppy farms in SW Asia (the “Golden Crescent,” primarily Afghanistan and Pakistan), SE Asia (the “Golden Triangle,” primarily in Myanmar), and Latin American (primarily Colombia). Heroin trafficking is heavy worldwide. According to U.N. sponsored survey, as of 2004, Afghanistan accounted for production of 87 percent of the world's heroin.

Cocaine looks like a white crystalline powder. It is often sold in aluminum foil, plastic/paper packets, or small vials. The cocaine that is distributed on the street in two main forms: powder cocaine and crack cocaine. Crack is cocaine hydrochloride that has been processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water into a freebase cocaine — chips, chunks, or rocks. On the illicit market, crack is sold in small, inexpensive dosage units.