Drug News

Fatal Drug-Related Violence – Mexico
72 bodies found in northern Mexico – UPI.com

SAN FERNANDO, Mexico, Aug. 25 (UPI) — Mexican marines found 72 bodies in northern Mexico after a gunfight with a suspected drug cartel in which one marine and three suspects died, officials said.

Cocaine Overdoses – UK
Cocaine overdoses on the rise – Telegraph.co.uk

The number of people dying from cocaine overdoses have increased 15 per cent in just four years raising fresh concerns over the growing prevalence of the drug.

Out of Rehab – Lindsay Lohan
LiLo released from rehab – Thaindian News

New York, August 25(ANI): Lindsay Lohan has been released from substance abuse rehab.

Marijuana & Drug Trafficking – California
Marijuana plants worth $100 million seized on Calif. farm believed run by drug traffickers – WGNtv.com – Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Authorities say narcotics task force agents have seized an estimated 25,000 marijuana plants worth up to $100 million on a Southern California farm believed to be run by Mexican drug traffickers.

Alcohol Risks – USA Study
Risk For Certain Types Of Breast Cancer Increased By Alcohol Intake – Medical News TODAY

Alcohol increases the risk of lobular and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but not necessarily invasive ductal carcinomas, according to a study published online in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Drugs In Schools – USA
National Study Finds Jump in Drug Use in Public Middle and High Schools – Drug Addiction Treatment

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University released a new report this month, exposing the surge in gang- and drug-infected schools based on students’ responses to a national survey. An estimated 5.7 million public school students are believed to be exposed to school environments that are both gang- and drug-infected.

Drug Addiction – Afghanistan
Afghan women, children turn to drugs – Rawa News

The United Nations estimates there are close to a million drug addicts in the country, more than seven percent of the population

Meth Information – USA
The Truth About Meth, A Devastating And Addictive Drug – Medical News TODAY

On the street it’s known as meth, speed, ice, chalk, crank, fire, glass or crystal. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that wreaks havoc on the entire body, including the user’s oral health. Approximately 10 million Americans have tried methamphetamine, while more than 1.4 million are habitual users.

Inhalants – Mexico
Mexico’s poorest addicts turn to cheap inhalants – USA TODAY

MEXICO CITY — Leonardo Aguilar lives under a bridge in Mexico City. To make money for food, he scatters shards of broken glass in subway cars and lies on them in exchange for a few pesos from shocked commuters.

Drug Dealer - India
Police clueless as Israeli drug dealer goes ‘missing’ – Thaindian News

Panaji, Aug 23 (IANS) Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala who was alleged to have links with Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik’s son has gone missing for more than a month, according to police Monday.

Drug Testing – Russia
Schoolkids to face drug tests in Moscow – themoscownews

The authorities’ war on Moscow’s notorious drug culture is escalating, as schoolchildren and military personnel in the Southeast District will be tested for drugs as part of an experimental program to be launched on August 30. According to some experts, such measures are long overdue.

Drug Investigating – USA
‘Ebonics’ Translators Needed By Justice Department – The Huffington Post

The Smoking Gun (via Gawker) reports that the Justice Department is looking to hire translators fluent in ‘ebonics’ to help monitor, transcribe and translate conversations recorded in drug investigations.

Young Girl Selling Crack - New York
12-year-old girl busted for selling crack - UPI.com

NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (UPI) — A 12-year-old girl was charged with felony drug sales after being arrested for peddling crack cocaine and marijuana on a New York City street, police said.

Drug Fueled Robberies – New York
Bouquet Bandit, Edward Pemberton, Used Flowers To Avoid Suspicion – The Huffington Post

NEW YORK — The city’s so-called Bouquet Bandit told police he used plants as props to deflect suspicion in a series of bank robberies spurred by drinking and drug use, newly released documents show.

Child Drank Methadone – UK
Three-year-old girl in hospital after drinking methadone – DailyRecord.co.uk

A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl remains in hospital after she drank the heroin substitute methadone.

Jail Interview & Rehab – Lindsay Lohan
OK! pays Lohan $1 mn for first post-prison interview – Thaindian News

London, Aug 19 (IANS) It seems trouble spells profit for actress Lindsay Lohan, who will earn $1 million by sharing her experience during her 13-day ordeal in the prison in an exclusive interview to OK! Magazine.
The 24-year-old, who was sentenced to 90 days behind bars for violating her probation relating to a 2007 arrest and was transferred to a drug and alcohol treatment facility Aug 2, is set to make a fortune from speaking about the ordeal, reports contactmusic.com.

Marijuana Facts – Florida
Florida Marijuana Laws – Mahalo

Florida marijuana laws are effected by the Controlled Substance Act in the United States that outline the laws regarding marijuana violations. According to the act, marijuana is a Schedule I drug, defining it as highly addictive with no medical purposes. Because it is the most commonly used drug in the US, many state lawmakers have moved to seek the decriminalization of marijuana for possessing small amounts, However, Florida has not passed this type of legislation and state law still outlines possession in any amount to be a violation of the law.

College Binge Drinking Prevention – North Carolina
WFU targets alcohol abuse – Winston-Salem Journal

Wake Forest University is taking several steps to curb binge drinking, including notifying parents of all alcohol infractions, opening a new building for student activities and increasing the grade-point average that students must maintain to pledge a fraternity or sorority.

Drug Related Violence – UK
Promoter ‘was executed in drugs dispute’ – THE INDEPENDENT

A nightclub promoter was executed in the street because his drug dealing friends were muscling in on someone else’s patch, police said today…

Drug Testing – Virginia
Editorial: Drug testing in schools – Roanoke.com

Salem schools’ pilot project is reassuring in its aim and methods that emphasize helping students.

Meth – New Jersey
Nicole Bobek, U.S Figure Skater, Sentenced to Five Years’ Probation For Role In Meth Distribution – The Huffington Post

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Former U.S. figure skating champion Nicole Bobek was ordered to spend five years on probation for her role in a New Jersey methamphetamine ring, a sentence that she said would give her a chance to get her life back on track.

Drunk Driving Crackdown – Michigan
Drunken driving crackdown to begin Thursday in Michigan – mlive.com

LANSING — Drunken drivers beware. Police plan to step up patrols beginning Thursday as part of “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” campaign, a drunken-driving crackdown that goes through Labor Day.

Marijuana – Nebraska
Pot Found During Domestic Violence Call – KETV.com

OMAHA, Neb. — Police found 79 marijuana plants on Sunday while investigating as report of domestic violence.

Drug Related Violence – Georgia
Atlanta agrees to pay $4.9 million to family of grandmother shot during botched drug raid – 5 NEWS – Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta has agreed to pay $4.9 million to the family of a 92-year-old woman killed in a botched drug raid.

Meth – Oklahoma
Meth lab found in toddler’s backpack – UPI.com

TULSA, Okla., Aug. 11 (UPI) — Oklahoma police say they arrested the parents of a 2-year-old girl after finding meth lab materials in the toddler’s backpack.

Underage Drinking – USA
Declining Youth Exposure To Alcohol Ads In Magazines – Medical News TODAY

Youth exposure to alcohol advertising in magazines declined by 48 percent between 2001 and 2008, according to a new study by the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Binge Drinking – USA College Students
Changing Student Perceptions Can Reduce Alcohol Abuse – About.com:Alcoholism

Many college students drink excessively because they believe “everyone” is doing it. But when they find out that most students do not binge drink and the heavy drinkers are in the minority, they will reduce their own harmful drinking. When they discover that their behavior is not “normal” they modify their behavior.

Drunk Driving – New York
NYC mother pleads guilty in fatal crash – UPI.com

NEW YORK, Aug. 11 (UPI) — A 32-year-old New York woman has pleaded guilty to 16 counts for crashing a carload of girls while driving drunk, killing one of them.

Cough and Cold Medicine Abuse – USA Teens
Teen Drug Abuse of Cough and Cold Medicine – WebMD

If you’re raising a teenager and you don’t know much about DXM or cough medicine abuse, you’re hardly alone. DXM, or dextromethorphan, is a common ingredient in cough and combination cold medicines. Teens, however, have found another use for cough medicine — getting high. Taking huge doses of cough medicine to get high may sound revolting. In fact, you might assume it’s just an obscure fringe thing.

Liquid Cocaine – UK
Drug smuggler jailed over rum death – Press Association Ltd.

A drug smuggler has been jailed for 20 years for the manslaughter of a taxi driver who died after unwittingly drinking pure liquid cocaine from a rum bottle.

Marijuana – South Carolina
South Charlotte house fire turns into drug bust – msnbc.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fire investigators made an unusual discovery while fighting a house fire Sunday night. Now, the home’s owner is under arrest.

Alcohol Abuse & Addiction – Australia
One in five Aussies abuses, becomes addicted to alcohol in lifetime – Thaindian News

Melbourne, Aug 10 (ANI): One in five Australians abuses or becomes addicted to alcohol in their lifetime, revealed a first nationwide study on the prevalence of drinking problems.

Teen Substance Abuse Prevention – New Hampshire
Society seeks people to Adopt a Beach – Seacoastonline.com

HAMPTON — Charles Rosa walks to the beach every day and takes a dip into the Atlantic Ocean as part of his campaign to raise money to continue educating teens on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Marijuana – Illinois
Father, son arrested in marijuana case – abc 7 NEWS WLS-TV

August 9, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — A father and his adult son face drug charges after authorities say they discovered a sophisticated marijuana growing operation and as much as $5 million in pot.

Kids Snorting Bath Salts – Scotland
Twenty Scots kids hospitalised after snorting new ‘legal high’ drug Ivory Wave – DailyRecord.co.uk

TWENTY Scots kids were taken to hospital after snorting a powerful “legal high” party drug sold as bath salts.

Underage Drinking – USA
Hospital Emergency Department Visits Involving Underage Alcohol Use – SAMHSA

Newswise — A new report released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights the extent of the underage drinking problem in the nation through the lens of alcohol-related emergency department visits involving adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20.

Marijuana – USA Fashion Designer’s Son
Richard Hilfiger ARRESTED: Tommy’s Son Rich Hil Busted For Marijuana Possession – The Huffington Post

Richard Hilfiger, son of designer Tommy Hilfiger was arrested and charged with one felony count of possession of marijuana for sale, TMZ.com reports. The 20-year-old rapper, who goes by “Rich Hil,” was pulled over by police while driving in Hollywood and the officers found the drugs in his car. His bail was set at $20,000 and has already been posted.

Meth Smuggling – Arizona
Authorities: Pregnant teen tries to smuggle meth into Arizona – azcentral.com

SAN LUIS - Agents at the San Luis port of entry in southwestern Arizona arrested a pregnant teenager after they found her trying to smuggle methamphetamine into the U.S.

Adolescents Using Crack Cocaine – UK
Children as young as 11 taking drugs: NHS – GULF TIMES

Children as young as 11 are taking crack cocaine in London, according to NHS figures released yesterday.

Heroin – New Jersey
Police detain Lawrence man on drug charges, outstanding warrants – nj.com

WEST WINDSOR — A 21-year-old from Lawrence was arrested Sunday after police conducted a traffic stop and confiscated more than 700 bags of heroin — with an estimated street value of $7,500 — along with over $17,000 in cash, police said.

Marijuana – Georgia
2 California men face drug charges in Georgia – wrdw.com

ATLANTA (AP) — Two California men face drug charges after authorities say they flew 75 pounds of marijuana into Georgia, where they planned to sell it.

Prescription Drugs – USA Celebrity
Anna Nicole Smith Trial: Doctors Say They Were Trying to Help Outlandish Reality Star – abc GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Doctors and Smith’s Longtime Companion Howard Stern Are Accused of Conspiring to Prescribe Drugs to an Addict

Addiction Leads to Murder – Tennessee
Kelley Cannon: From Life of Privilege to Life Behind Bars – abc NEWS / 20/20

Kelly and Jim Cannon: Nashville Marriage Marred by Addiction Ends in Murder

Children of Drug Addicts – Michigan
Michigan foster children describe struggles; ‘Most people don’t care about children,’ one says – mlive.com

KALAMAZOO — Her mother is a drug addict. Her father “wants to do his own thing.”

Marijuana – California
$1.7 Billion Worth Of Pot Seized By The Californian Police Officers – Thaindian News

July 30, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): The police personnel in California have uttered that they have seized $1.7 billion worth of marijuana plants in the mountains of Sierra Nevada. The policemen have also incarcerated 97 individuals over the past three weeks on the suspicion of being connected to Mexican drug leagues. Most of the incarcerated individuals happen to be Mexican nationals.

Underage Drinking Prevention – USA
Senators Call On FDA To Rule On Alcoholic Energy Drinks – npr

It’s no surprise that people in their 20s are big consumers of these combo products. They look cool and fun. Up to 25 percent of college students seek out that buzz-chill mix, and they think it helps them stay up longer and drink more, researchers say.

Drug Abuse – USA Celebrity
Mike Tyson Talks Cocaine, Prostitutes And More – The Huffington Post

“I’d be sitting down and drinking and doing cocaine, talking to girls, doing anything. Everything,” said Tyson. “Then I make it home and I’m tripping out at home.”

Drug Cartel Leader Dead – Mexico
Mexico announces death of cartel leader – UPI.com

MEXICO CITY, July 30 (UPI) — Mexico announced a victory in its war on drug trafficking by confirming the death of “Nacho” Coronel, a leader of the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel.

Drug Court & Rehab Needed – Mississippi
A call to action – Laurel Leader-Call

Recently, Citizens for a Better Mississippi founded a project to combat the need of a drug court in Jones County. These problems of having citizens who need drug rehab is not something new. It is working in city and counties across America. These drug courts have allowed citizens to return to their communities and to become productive citizens.

Spice Ban – US Military
DoD Prohibits Use of ‘Spice’ – Naval Medical on dcmilitary.com

K2, an herbal drug which causes hallucinogenic effects similar to marijuana often referred to as ‘‘spice” and marketed as an ‘‘all natural” incense has led to a crackdown of its use by the Department of Defense.

Adolescent Substance Abuse Awareness – USA Study
Risk of Teens’ Drug Involvement Goes Down With Nurturing Family Relationships – MeD India

The positive impact of family relationships and religious affiliation could bring down the risk of teenagers getting involved with drugs, states a new study.

Cocaine Bust – Colombia
Eight held over $100m cocaine haul – THE INDEPENDENT

US officials working with Colombian authorities said yesterday that they had arrested eight alleged drug traffickers and seized more than $100m-worth of cocaine.

Injection Drugs & HIV – Global Prevention
‘Seek, Test, Treat And Retain’ - New Global Report Launched By The International AIDS Society Recommends A New Paradigm For Treating IDU’s – Medical News TODAY

Against the backdrop of some of the globe’s fastest growing HIV epidemics in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, a report launched at the XVIII International AIDS  conference (AIDS 2010) in Vienna makes the case for a new model for scaling up treatment and prevention of HIV amongst Injecting Drug Users (IDUs).

Marijuana – New Jersey
Rutgers Just Says No to Pot Growing for NJ – First Coast News

TRENTON, N.J. — Rutgers University will not be getting into the marijuana-growing business.

Drugging Children – USA
Drugging Children: Unrecognized Form of Child Abuse? – abc NEWS / Health

Mom Accidentally Poisons Child With Cough Meds; Researcher Sees Problem as Child Abuse

Drug Smuggling Attempts Blocked – Arizona
Agents thwart 6 drug smuggling attempts on border - Associated Press

NOGALES, Ariz. (AP) — Agents at the Nogales port of entry in southeastern Arizona say they stopped six separate drug smuggling attempts over the weekend.

Cocaine Smuggling – USA
Moscow criticizes extradition of pilot to US – 9&10 News

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia has criticized the arrest of a Russian pilot in Liberia by U.S. intelligence agents for alleged smuggling of South American cocaine.

Musicians Ban Alcohol – UK
Take That ban alcohol on tour – Thaindian News

London, July 22 (ANI): Members of the English pop band Take That have decided to ban backstage booze when they start their tour in 2011.

Heroin – Florida
Drug ring member allegedly smuggled heroin – UPI.com

MIAMI, July 22 (UPI) — A Colombian drug ring’s senior member, extradited to the United States, was charged in Miami with smuggling heroin, court records indicated.

Risky Drinking – USA
Caffeine and Alcohol: A New Fad With a Bad Buzz – The Huffington Post

Red Bull, Rock Star, Jolt, Monster, Amp — heard of these beverages? As the summer sun blazes, and late night parties abound, there are a lot of sleepy folks out there reaching for energy boosting drinks to get through the day. And if that was not enough caffeine for you, when it’s time to hit the bar scene, move over Carrie Bradshaw and the girlie Cosmo — the beverage of choice at local hot spots is blending high caffeinated drinks like Red Bull with vodka. The common belief is that “You can dance all night on Red Bull cocktails.”