“Coatesville, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Lebanon have experienced an increase in organized and deliberate drug-related violence perpetrated by street gangs and independent robbery crews that target other criminals, particularly drug dealers in possession of cash.”

“NDIC assesses with high confidence that the influence of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) will increase in eastern Pennsylvania drug markets, particularly in areas not already dominated by New York area gangs. Areas where Mexican DTOs most likely will expand their operations include communities where Mexican migrant and permanent populations are rising, such  as Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York.”

The above passages are from the “Eastern Pennsylvania Drug and Gang Threat Assessment 2011” report; an article in the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era (May 20, 2011) asked if, “As gangs and the drug trade continue to infiltrate Lancaster County, local law enforcement officials are hoping for federal help in the fight?”

Columbia is on a  major US highway between two growing Pennsylvania cities mentioned in the report; like it or not, Columbia is a target community, too.