Drug News

Opium – India
India expresses concern over opium cultivation in neighbouring countries – Thaindian News

Vienna (Austria), Mar 12(ANI): India has expressed concern that more than 90 percent of the world’s opium production is taking place in its neighbourhood.

Border Control – Mexico & USA
U.S. Customs: Mexican cartels corrupt border agents – Associated Press

McALLEN — Mexican drug cartels are infiltrating federal law enforcement agencies along the southwest border and those charged with weeding them out say they don’t have the money to catch all the corrupt agents, homeland security officials told a U.S. Senate panel Thursday.

Meth Lab Bust – California
Pleasanton brothers ran meth lab, cops say – San Francisco Chronicle

Two brothers were arrested on suspicion of operating a methamphetamine lab hidden in a Pleasanton home, police said Thursday.

Drug Court Sentencing – Oregon
Ore. meth kingpins get more than decade in prison – StatesmanJournal.com

SALEM, Ore. — Two leaders of a Mexico-based methamphetamine ring that operated in Oregon and Washington state have been sentenced to more than a decade in prison.

Drunk Driving – Nebraska
Police: Man Drunk At DUI Sentencing – KETV.com

PAPILLION, Neb. — Authorities said a drunken driver showed up for his sentencing hearing drunk again.

Pre-Teen Inhalant Abuse – USA
12 Year Olds More Likely To Use Potentially Deadly Inhalants Than Cigarettes Or Marijuana – Medical News TODAY

More 12 year olds have used potentially lethal inhalants than have used marijuana, cocaine and hallucinogens combined, according to data released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in conjunction with the 18th annual National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week.

Cocaine – South Carolina
Two arrested following 7-month drug investigation – CarolinaLive.com

The Horry County Police Department has announced the arrests of two people following a drug investigation. Officers launched the investigation after getting complaints of illegal drug activity.

Pill Mills – Florida
Feds Raid Pain Clinics Suspected of Illegally Distributing Millions of Prescription Drugs – abc Good Morning America

A raid on three South Florida pain clinics that are suspected of illegally distributing millions of prescription pills is the start of what authorities call a massive investigation of such “pill mills.”

Teen Drug Use – Nevada
Teen Drug Use on the Rise – LASVEGASNOW.com

LAS VEGAS — A new study by the Partnership for a Drug Free America says teen marijuana and alcohol use is on the rise. But while many are sticking to marijuana and alcohol, in Las Vegas, many teens are making the leap to heroin.

Marijuana – USA
38 percent teens smoking marijuana – Associated Press

A study from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America says 38 percent of high school students have smoked marijuana in the last year.

Meth Addiction & Recovery – Colorado
Surviving meth: Local dads win back their lives, their kids – The Gazette

The stories of two single fathers surviving through meth addiction and recovery.

Cocaine Smuggling – Colorado
Suspected Cocaine Kingpin in Denver Court – Associated Press

A suspected drug kingpin blamed for smuggling millions of dollars worth of cocaine is due in a federal court in Denver.

Rohypnol – Colorado
Reports of Blackouts Believed Caused by ‘Date Rape’ Drugs Boom in Aspen – abc NEWS

A young man who awoke disoriented in a movie theater showing “Avatar” 10 miles from where he had been drinking with friends is one of at least 11 people from the tony ski town of Aspen, Colo., who claimed that someone surreptitiously slipped drugs into their drinks, police say.

Drug & Alcohol Addiction Prevention – Massachusetts
Kitty Dukakis joins panel addressing students about drug abuse – boston.com

Fifty six years after she graduated from Brookline High School, former Massachusetts First Lady Kitty Dukakis returned Thursday to discuss her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction before an audience of current students and parents.

Teen Drug & Alcohol Abuse – North Carolina
Teen drug & alcohol abuse up in NC; first time in decade – WWAY NewsChannel 3

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America/MetLife Foundation Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) shows the first reversal in the consistent decline of teen drug and alcohol abuse since 1998.

Cocaine – Rhode Island
3 Providence, RI, police officers arrested on drug charges, along with 3 other men – Associated Press

SCITUATE, R.I. (AP) — Three Providence police officers, including a narcotics detective and a school resource officer, were arrested Thursday on charges that they helped with a cocaine-dealing operation.

Drunk Driving – New Jersey
Mount Olive Municipal Court: Quadruple drunk limit for driver – Mount Olive Chronicle

MOUNT OLIVE TWP. – In-patient rehab, jail time, more than $1,000 in fines and a 10 year license suspension were the penalties for a Woodbridge man who admitted in court on Monday, Feb. 22, that he drove while four times over the limit for legal intoxication.

Drunken Gambling Lawsuit – Indiana
Ky. gambler sues casino for drunken losses – UPI.com

PAOLI, Ind., March 4 (UPI) — A Kentucky businessman has filed a lawsuit against an Indiana casino for loaning him $75,000 — which he lost — while he was drunk, court records showed.

Cocaine – UK
The Big Question: Is Britain’s cocaine problem out of control, and what can we do about it? – The Independent

A report released by the Home Affairs Select Committee suggests that cocaine is now seen as socially acceptable in Britain and that while much is being done to tackle the supply side of the cocaine industry not enough is being done to address the spiraling demand. The report by MPs came a day after a separate NHS report identified a worrying increase in hospital admissions relating to cocaine use among teenagers.

Drunk Driving – Michigan
Grand Junction woman was drunk and texting while driving, police say – Kalamazoo News

WAVERLY TOWNSHIP — A 19-year-old Grand Junction woman was drunk and texting on her cell phone when she crashed her car early Wednesday in Van Buren County, police said.

Drug Overdoses – Pennsylvania
In Camden, overdose victims add to a string of recent deaths – philly.com

THE EVIDENCE of a troubled neighborhood was scattered all over an empty lot on Berkley Street, in Camden, yesterday morning, even after police removed the body of a female who overdosed there.

Prescription Drug Addiction – USA
Burt Reynolds recovering after open-heart surgery – Thaindian News

… Reynolds, 74, had also recently completed a month-long stint in rehab, in which he sought treatment for an addiction to prescription drugs.

Heroin – Utah
Alpine Council: ‘In our neighborhood, it is heroin’ – Daily Herald

Are your kids skipping Sunday School to do heroin?

Ecstasy – Kansas
Texas man detained with 436,000 Ecstasy pills – Thaindian News

WICHITA, KANSAS (BNO NEWS) – A Texas man was charged for possessing with intent to distribute Ecstasy pills, prosecutors said Thursday.

“Spice” – World News
More Bans on “Spice” – Drug Addiction Treatment

Spice, a product which has been portrayed as a natural herbal mix of substances such as vanilla and Baybean, is being banned more and more by various groups and agencies. Spice actually contains a type of synthetic cannabinoid. It has been legally marketed as a harmless product – a “legal high”. It is sold under various names including K2, Spice Diamond, Spice Gold and Spice Silver.

Meth – USA
Meth Mouth Can Signal Addiction to Dentists – About.com: Alcoholism

When otherwise healthy young people show up at the dentist with severe oral health problems, it should signal to the dentist that the patient may be addicted to methamphetamine. Patients who exhibit symptoms of “meth mouth” are more likely to be injection drug users, according to a new study.

Drug & Alcohol Bust – India
Holi haul! 2,000 held with illicit liquor, drugs – Thaindian News

Lucknow, March 2 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Police had a busy day ahead of Holi as they made a huge haul of illicit liquor, hashish, marijuana and other intoxicants and arrested as many as 2,055 people in a state-wide haul, officials said Tuesday. Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Brij Lal told reporters here Tuesday evening: “we have seized as much as 27,253 litres of illicit liquor from some 250 hooch brewing units during the state-wide 24-hour campaign launched by us between February 27 and 28.”

Heroin – USA
Buffalo man sentenced for operating a heroin trafficking ring – Thaindian News

A Buffalo, New York man was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release for operating a heroin distribution ring, prosecutors announced on Monday.

Prescription Drug Abuse – USA
Teen and Pre-Teen Prescription Drug Abuse - The Latest Dope – Ezine @rticles

There is a new drug pusher in town. He does not hang out down the alley or on the street corner. And it is not heroin or crack this time. The drugs are what most people would call medicines and more teens abuse them than of all types of illicit drugs combined, excepting only marijuana.

Drug & Alcohol Abuse By Teens – USA
U.S. teen alcohol, drug abuse on upswing – UPI.com

NEW YORK, March 2 (UPI) — The number of U.S. teens who say they used alcohol or drugs rose in 2009 compared with 2008, a survey indicates.

Drug Trafficking – USA
Michael Douglas In ‘Vanity Fair’: I Put Career Over Fathering Cameron – The Huffington Post

Michael Douglas covers the new Vanity Fair and inside he opens up about his son Cameron, who faces at least ten years in prison for trafficking meth, and trying to get fatherhood right the second time around with his family with Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Marijuana – USA
AP IMPACT: Drug Gangs Taking Over US Public Lands – abcNEWS/U.S.

Not far from Yosemite’s waterfalls and in the middle of California’s redwood forests, Mexican drug gangs are quietly commandeering U.S. public land to grow millions of marijuana plants and using smuggled immigrants to cultivate them.

Drug Overdose – USA
Three Cave Creek girls sent to hospital for overdose – azcentral.com

Three middle-school girls in Cave Creek were transported to a hospital Friday afternoon, after they apparently overdosed on Tylenol cold medicine while at school, according to Deputy Chief Frank Salomon of the Phoenix Fire Department.

Drunk Driving – Australia
90-year-old loses licence for speeding, drunk driving – Thaindian News

Melbourne, Feb 28 (IANS) A 90-year-old man lost his driving licence in Australia’s Victoria state after he was clocked over-speeding and detected with double the alcohol limit, police said.

Meth – USA
Great-grandmother gets 5 years on meth charges – The Associated Press

A Northern California great-grandmother has been sentenced to prison after being convicted on methamphetamine charges.

Heroin – USA
Abington Heights drug policy working, officials say, but heroin problem remains – thetimes-tribune.com

Two years after Abington Heights School District officials began responding to a growing heroin problem, statistics show a slight drop in the number of students in trouble over drug and alcohol abuse.

Illicit Drugs – Canada
Government Of Canada Works With Nova Scotia To Help Prevent Young People From Using Illicit Drugs – Medical News TODAY

Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, announced today the Government of Canada’s support for a project that will help prevent rural youth in Nova Scotia from taking illicit drugs. Greg Kerr made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health.

Drug Trafficking Arrest – USA
Timmonsville officers hurt in drug bust – CarolinaLive.com

Timmonsville Police arrested a man Thursday night on charges of trafficking drugs.

Alcohol & Drugs – Famous Authors
The Drunks And Drug Addicts Of Literature – The Huffington Post

A few weeks ago, LIFE set up a gallery of the biggest drunks and drug addicts in literature. It’s no secret that many of the greatest authors throughout history have had some serious problems with substance abuse, but which were the worst? And did it affect their writing?

Alcohol – Canada
Doherty’s life-saving move – The Canadian Press

TORONTO — There was no California dreamin’ for the family of the late Halifax singer Denny Doherty, who co-founded the 1960s sunshine pop group the Mamas & the Papas. Emberly Doherty, his daughter, says her mother insisted he leave Los Angeles in the ’70s to escape the local rock ’n’ roll party scene that sparked his alcohol addiction.

Prescription Drug Theft – USA
Hickman Co. Emergency Officials Investigated – WSMV.com

The TBI confirmed it began an investigation at the request of the district attorney. The allegation is that prescription drugs were being stolen out of county ambulances for personal use.

Drunk Driving – USA
BREAKING NEWS: Erma Brown Pleads Guilty to DUI Crash that Killed Mother, Two St. Joe Students – WSAZ.com

The woman charged in that fiery crash that killed a mother and two St. Joe High School students has decided to avoid a trial and plead guilty to the charges.

Marijuana – USA
Police Find 12-Foot Tall Marijuana Plants In House – KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb. — A 24-year-old man faces drug and child abuse charges after police said they found marijuana plants growing inside his house.

Ecstasy – Australia
‘Party drug’ ecstasy hurts users’ complex memories – Thaindian News

Melbourne, Feb 16 (ANI): Ecstasy takers face difficulties when it comes to performing difficult memory tasks, a new Australian research has found.

Teens – Drugs & Alcohol – USA
Survey: Brookfield teens say they think schools don’t care – newstimes.com

“This survey identifies 40 assets that influence youth and their behaviors,” Montgomery said Monday. “We’re looking at the premise that the more youth have to do, the less likely they are to be involved in risky behavior.”

Syringe Drugs – Canada
Vancouver’s ’safe house’ for drug addicts draws controversy – USAToday

VANCOUVER — It’s a little after 10 a.m., and Nipper Perry has quickly readied a syringe filled with the illegal morphine he scored on the street minutes earlier.

Families Dealing With Addiction – USA
Is ‘Financial Tough Love’ the Right Approach for Drug Addicts? – ABC World News

A private family crisis played out for the world to see. The brother of American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is now accused of killing his own father in an alcohol induced rage. Mark Kerrigan’s problems with addiction have been ongoing for years. His parents even sued their son for more than $100,000, reportedly to push him toward recovery.

Meth – USA
Two arrested after meth materials are found in vehicle parked in West Main retail district – Kalamazoo Gazette

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP — Two men were arrested after deputies found materials used in the production of methamphetamine while searching a vehicle in the busy West Main Street retail district, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.

Marijuana Rehab – New Zealand
Potheads to be forced into rehab – Stuff.co.nz

Chronic pot-smokers will be forced into rehabilitation, with the Government supporting a proposal in a new Law Commission report.

Illegal Drugs – USA
Kansas couple charged of running a drug house near local elementary school – Thaindian News

TOPEKA, KANSAS (BNO NEWS) – A male and a female were indicted on Thursday with two counts of maintaining a residence for the purpose of storing and distributing cocaine and marijuana in Lenexa, Kansas, prosecutors said.

Heroin – UK
North West: Anthrax Case Confirmed By HPA In Blackpool – Medical News Today

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS Blackpool can confirm they are investigating the death of a drug injecting heroin user in Blackpool.

Meth – USA
Police say they believe meth lab caused fire at Red Roof Inn – Kalamazoo News

KALAMAZOO — Kalamazoo police say they believe it was a small explosion from a methamphetamine lab that touched off a fire at the East Cork Street Red Roof Inn around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Heroin – USA
O’Fallon, Illinois man guilty in heroin overdose death case – Thaindian News

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS (BNO NEWS) – A man of O’Fallon, Illinois, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a federal indictment on count of distributing of heroin resulting in death, prosecutors announced.

Overdose – USA
Slain girl’s mom guilty in overdose death – UPI.com

BROCKTON, Mass., Feb. 10 (UPI) — A Massachusetts woman is guilty of murdering her 4-year-old daughter by giving the girl a fatal drug overdose, a jury has determined.

Prescription Drugs – USA
Middle-schoolers suspended for drug use – UPI.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 9 (UPI) — An ambulance was called to a middle school in Jefferson County, Ky., after 12 students allegedly took an unknown prescription drug, officials said.

Drugs – USA
Local man gets prison time — no drug rehab – TheUnion.com

There’ll be no drug rehab for a man who rammed police cars during a snowy chase in Grass Valley last year. Nevada County Superior Court Judge Robert Tamietti opted against drug rehab for William Hennefer. Instead, he sentence the Grass Valley man Monday to state prison.

Steroids – USA
Letter to the Editor: Save it for Hollywood, McGwire – delcotimes.com

Former baseball slugger Mark McGwire showed up the other night on Bob Costas’ “Studio 54 Show” all teary eyed. He had just announced what the whole world already suspected, that he had been using steroids and HGH since 1989.

Drunk Driving – USA
58 DUI drivers arrested in Oregon during Super Bowl weekend – Thaindian News

PORTLAND, OREGON (BNO NEWS) – Fifty-eight drivers were arrested this weekend for drunk driving in Oregon, state authorizes said on Monday.

Meth – USA
Drug bust in ND nets 7 pounds of meth – The Associated Press

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Two men from Washington state face felony drug charges in North Dakota after a big drug bust. Highway Patrol Capt. Eldon Mehrer (MARE) said that the street value of the 7 pounds of methamphetamine is between $350,000 and $500,000.

Crack Cocaine – USA
Man Tries To Buy Crack With Credit Card, Robbed, Then Arrested – Thaindian News

Michigan, Feb 9, (THAINDIAN NEWS) A man has been detained by the police after he attempted to buy crack cocaine not with cash, but with his credit card.