Majority of Illinois Offenders Jailed for Drug Possession, Not Dealing, in 2002

September 25, 2006 Majority of Illinois Offenders Jailed for Drug Possession, Not Dealing, in 2002 In 2002 (the most recent year for which data was available), 45% of drug offenders entering prison were convicted for dealing; 54% of entering offenders were convicted for possession. In 1993, 68% of drug offenders entering prison in Illinois were convicted of dealing; 31% of entering drug offenders served time for possession. Between 1983 and 2002, the number of state prisoners serving time for drug possession or sales increased from five percent of the state prison population, or 456 inmates, in 1983, to 38% in . . .