Spatiotemporal Analysis Exploring the Effect of Law Enforcement Drug Market Disruptions on Overdose, Indianapolis, Indiana, 2020-2021

Am J Public Health. 2023 Jul;113(7):750-758. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2023.307291.

Abstract

Objectives. To test the hypothesis that law enforcement efforts to disrupt local drug markets by seizing opioids or stimulants are associated with increased spatiotemporal clustering of overdose events in the surrounding geographic area. Methods. We performed a retrospective (January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021), population-based cohort study using administrative data from Marion County, Indiana. We compared frequency and characteristics of drug (i.e., opioids and stimulants) seizures with changes in fatal overdose, emergency medical services nonfatal overdose calls for service, and naloxone administration in the geographic area and time following the seizures. Results. Within 7, 14, and 21 days, opioid-related law enforcement drug seizures were significantly associated with increased spatiotemporal clustering of overdoses within radii of 100, 250, and 500 meters. For example, the observed number of fatal overdoses was two-fold higher than expected under the null distribution within 7 days and 500 meters following opioid-related seizures. To a lesser extent, stimulant-related drug seizures were associated with increased spatiotemporal clustering overdose. Conclusions. Supply-side enforcement interventions and drug policies should be further explored to determine whether they exacerbate an ongoing overdose epidemic and negatively affect the nation's life expectancy. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(7):750-758. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307291).

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Overdose* / drug therapy
  • Drug Overdose* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Indiana / epidemiology
  • Law Enforcement
  • Naloxone
  • Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spatio-Temporal Analysis

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Naloxone
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Narcotic Antagonists