Drug News

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS – USA
Prescription drug abuse kills more than heroin and cocaine – WAFF
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The Centers for Disease Control reports prescription drug overdoses account for more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS – USA
Special grand jury to probe doctor shopping – Newsday
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A special grand jury will be empaneled in Suffolk County to investigate doctor shopping and the possible criminal conduct of physicians in the prescribing of painkiller pills. DA Thomas Spota said his office has seen a surge in fatal car accidents and criminal activity related to prescription drug abuse.

ECSTASY – USA
Feds nab police captain in coke, Ecstasy ring – Tallahassee Democrat
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A captain with the Opa-Locka Police Department and seven others were indicted Thursday after a two-year federal investigation into a cocaine, Ecstasy and Oxycodone ring operating in South Florida.

HEROIN – USA
Geneva woman has been to 100 funerals for heroin victims – Daily Herald

In the past 10 years, Lea Minalga estimates she’s been to more than 100 funerals in the West and Northwest suburbs — all for young people who overdosed on drugs, mostly heroin. Many of them were teenagers. “Sadly, I know most of them.”

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS/HEROIN – USA
Deadly resurgence – Denton Record Chronicle
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Heroin: That was the drug of the old days when junkies nodded on street corners, and it killed entertainers like Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin and John Belushi. Heroin: That’s the drug of today, when prescription medication abusers buy is as a cheaper alternative for the same euphoria they get from OxyContin, Vicodin and Dilaudid. It’s the drug of choice for half the abusers in Denton and the North Texas area.

ALCOHOL – USA
Sunday alcohol sales start in some Georgia cities – Anderson Independent Mail
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Retailers in several Georgia cities began ringing up beer, wine and liquor Sunday for the first time since voters in many communities statewide ended more than a century of banning alcohol sales on what many consider a day of worship. Keidra Dobbs of Duluth said she was “definitely excited” to be able to pick up some beer Sunday from a package store near her house before settling down to watch sports. “It’s been kind of an inconvenience,” Dobbs said. “Like last week, when I had to rush to get to the store by 11:45 Saturday night before they stop selling.”

ALCOHOL – AUSTRALIA
Alcohol causes ‘one in five’ deaths by injury – The West Australian
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Alcohol contributes to one in five of all deaths from injury in WA, including almost one-quarter of all road accident fatalities, new figures show.

CLUB DRUGS – UK
Third of clubbers who take mephedrone may be addicted, survey finds – The Guardian
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Three in 10 clubbers who take the drug mephedrone exhibit symptoms associated with addiction, a study has found. Many users of the banned substance, sometimes called “meow meow”, had several signs of dependence, including withdrawal effects, failed attempts to give up, and taking larger and larger doses.

Prescription Drug Abuse – USA
Quest Diagnostics reports use of prescription opiates by American workers has increased by 40% – THE MEDICAL NEWS

Accidents do happen, but many times the incident could have been prevented when it is a result of prescription drug abuse.

Ending Drug Abuse – Georgia
Annual summit focuses on breaking cycle of drug abuse – times-georgian.com

Former NFL star Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson became aware of the effects of alcohol as a 10-year-old. He did not abuse the drug himself at that age, but he saw how it affected his mother and stepfather’s relationship.

Mephedrone Ban Request – European Union Nations
EU Calls For Ban on ‘Meow Meow’ Drug – MeDINDIA

The European Commission Wednesday called for a ban on suspected killer drug mephedrone, a popular ecstasy-like party drug known as “meow meow”, sold on the Internet and available in 12 EU nations.

Drug Trafficking – Massachusetts
Mass. Arrests 31 In Organized Crime Investigation – wbur.org

BOSTON — Authorities have charged 31 people in a yearlong investigation into organized crime and drug trafficking, including reputed New England mob capo Mark Rossetti.

Methamphetamine – Use During Pregnancy
Prosecution of Drug Abuse During Pregnancy – HEATH & WELLNESS

Kirsten Scharnberg, a Tribune National correspondent reported, “Tayshea Aiwohi is charged with consuming such huge amounts of crystal meth while she was pregnant that her son died of methamphetamine poisoning two days  after his birth” (Scharnberg, 2003). Cases such as this are appearing much more often in the spotlight recently. Prosecution against pregnant drug addicts has escalated greatly in recent years in a hope to protect the unborn fetus the women are carrying. Women who drink during pregnancy risk delivering a child with fetal alcohol syndrome, as well as mental retardation. Drug abuse exponentially increases the risk of miscarriage as well as much physical and mental impairment in the fetus.

Drug Abuse Prevention – US Air Force Musicians
Air Force musicians take a visible stand against drug abuse – U.S. AIR FORCE

10/21/2010 – SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) — The Air Force’s Band of the West is reaching out to thousands of school children in San Antonio with a “Stay in School” and “Say No to Drugs” message.

Drug Testing – USA
Lawmaker Calls for Drug Testing the Unemployed – Drug Addiction Treatment

From the “things that make you go hmmm…” file comes a radical idea proposed by a South Carolina gubernatorial Republican nominee. Nikki Haley is calling for all of the state’s unemployed workers to undergo drug testing before being approved to receive unemployment benefits; South Carolina’s unemployment rate stands at eleven percent.

Mephedrone – Ireland
Mephedrone Ban Hasn’t Deterred Users in Northern Ireland – Drug Addiction Treatment

Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant that produces effects similar to Ecstasy, amphetamines, and cocaine. Although the drug was outlawed in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland earlier this year, researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have found that the ban did not deter people from taking the substance.

Marijuana – Nevada
Mom behind apartment drug shop pleads guilty – 8NEWSNOW.com

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) – A Nevada mother who papered her neighborhood with signs directing marijuana seekers to her apartment has plead guilty to drug and child endangerment charges.

Drug Trafficking Cops – Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico cops nabbed in huge drug sweep – UPI.com

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 6 (UPI) — Federal authorities arrested scores of Puerto Rican police Wednesday for allegedly colluding with drug traffickers, the U.S. Justice Department said.

Cocaine – New York
Dockworkers arrested in cocaine smuggling – UPI.com

NEW YORK, Oct. 6 (UPI) — Eight dockworkers have been charged with helping Panamanian drug dealers smuggle bags of cocaine through the Port of New York and New Jersey, authorities said.

Meth – Iowa
Iowa Warning Issued Over ‘Shake-And-Bake’ Meth Labs – KETV 7 abc

DES MOINES, Iowa — Methamphetamine cooks are turning to a more flammable way to make the illegal drug and Iowa drug enforcement officials have issued a warning to residents to protect themselves from fires and explosions.

Underage Drinking Prevention – Ohio
ADAPT coalition ready to take on underage drinking – salemnews.net

LISBON – A coalition tackling underage drinking in Columbiana County secured grant funding recently – now the coordinator is recruiting people for community leadership teams to aid their efforts.

Heroin – New Jersey
15 charged in connection with alleged heroin distribution ring in Paterson – NorthJersey.com

Police have arrested 15 people in connection with an alleged heroin distribution network operating out of Paterson.

Mephedrone – Ireland
Mephedrone Use In Northern Ireland Post-Ban – Medical News TODAY

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have completed one of the first studies of mephedrone use in Northern Ireland since the drug was outlawed earlier this year. They found that the ban did not deter those mephedrone users surveyed from taking the substance

Prescription Drug Abuse – Late USA Celebrity
Anna Nicole Smith Portrayed as Coconspirator – abcNEWS / Entertainment

In a new twist at the Anna Nicole Smith drug trial, prosecutors are casting the dead celebrity model in the role of coconspirator who pressured her two doctors and her lawyer-boyfriend to provide her with excessive prescription drugs.

Crack Cocaine – New York
Eighteen people were arrested Friday in a large drug bust at Al’s Inn in Geneva – stargazette.com

The arrests stemmed from a search warrant executed at Al’s Inn, 408 Exchange St., following a six-month investigation into the sale of crack cocaine, according to Geneva Police.

Underage Drinking – Michigan
Woman, 19, injured after jumping from second-story window at party – Mlive.com

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP — For the second time in about a month, a teenager who police said was intoxicated has sustained serious injuries while at an underage drinking party.

Illegal Drugs – Retired US Judge
Retired U.S. judge busted in drug case – UPI.com

ATLANTA, Oct. 4 (UPI) — A retired U.S. judge in Georgia was released on bond Monday following his arrest on federal drug charges arising from an alleged relationship with a lap dancer.

Drug Testing Scandle – Illinois
Woman paid boy $1 for urine: cops – CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

A West Side woman has been charged with having a 9-year-old boy urinate in a cup for her drug test to get a new job.

Safer Behavior – Massachusetts Students
Students spread the word about safe sex and alcohol abuse – The Daily Free Press

“Sex on the Beach” went off with a bang as Boston University students learned about the negative repercussions of unsafe sex and alcohol abuse on Thursday.

Mephedrone – UK
Experts Report Big Rise In Enquiries About Recreational Drug Mephedrone In 2009-10, UK – Medical News TODAY

The Health Protection Agency’s National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) has reported a large increase in enquiries related to the recreational drug mephedrone in 2009-10.

Methamphetamine Lab – Florida
Two arrested after fatal motel shooting – nwfdailynews.com

PENSACOLA — Two people who were in a motel room during a fatal gunfight last week have been arrested on drug charges.

Youth Drug Rehabs Needed – South Africa
Concern over lack of youth rehabs – The Herald

FAMILIES of drug-addicted children in the Eastern Cape are being drained financially and emotionally by the absence of a government rehabilitation centre in the province, with some being forced to pay as much as R30000 a year at private facilities.

Alcohol – New York
Rise in EMS calls leads to concern over student drinking habits – The Miscellany News

Alcoholic, caffeinated beverages partially blamed for trend

Cocaine Detection – Study
New Method To Detect Cocaine Stored In Alcohol – From Outside The Bottle – Medical News TODAY

In two landmark studies published in the journal Drug Testing and Analysis (DTA), UK and Swiss research teams reveal two techniques proven to identify dissolved cocaine in bottles of wine or rum. These tools will allow customs officials to quickly identify bottles being used to smuggle cocaine, without the need to open or disturb the container.

Overdose Related Death – USA Celebrity
Comedian Greg Giraldo Passes Away At 44 – Thaindian News

Sep 30, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Highly acclaimed American comedian Greg Giraldo breathed his last on Wednesday after spending about five days in a medical facility where he was admitted over the weekend for drug overdose. The comedy artist passed away, due to complications that arose from the overdose of drugs, at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in the presence of family members as well as friends. Greg Giraldo was 44 years old at the time of his demise.

Drug & Alcohol Death – UK
Brit man on dance drug dies after downing pint of vodka in 4 seconds – Thaindian News

London, Sept 30 (ANI): A Brit drinker who had taken the dance drug mephedrone died after downing a pint of vodka in four seconds, an inquest heard.

Drug Smuggler Fooled Employer – New Zealand
Drug smuggler hid past to get New Zealand hospital job – Thaindian News

Wellington, Sep 30 (IANS) A Nigerian drug smuggler who fooled immigration officials to get a job as a psychiatrist in a New Zealand hospital has been jailed for 16 months.

Methadone – Scotland
Time to get off methadone – Record View, Scotland’s Voice

The continuing rise in the cost of the country’s methadone programme is alarming. More than £105million over four years boils down to a massive £67,000-plus every single day.

Mephedrone Seizure – Scotland
Police seize £500k haul of mephedrone at Glasgow Airport – DailyRecord.co.uk

POLICE have seized a £500,000 haul of the recently-banned drug mephedrone at an airport – the biggest amount captured in Scotland, it emerged today.

Cameron Douglas Drug Sentencing – New York
Michael Douglas’ Son Gets 5 Years – abc NEWS VIDEO

Cameron Douglas, 31, is sentenced for selling cocaine and crystal meth.

Drug Dealing – India
Goan drug dealer’s assets frozen – Thaindian News

Panaji, April 21 (IANS) Goa police has frozen all the assets, including cash, properties and investments, of a notorious drug peddler, a senior police officer said. It is the first time that such action has been taken against a drug peddler.

Opium & Heroin – Afghanistan
High Levels of Opium and Heroin Detected in Very Young Afghan Children – Drug Addiction Treatment

A team of researchers hired by the US State Department has found staggering levels of opium and heroin in Afghan children as young as 14 months. “I think we’ve opened a can of worms,” said Bruce Goldberger, one of the University of Florida scientists heading up the study, who spoke exclusively with Brian Ross for a report airing on World News with Diane Sawyer and Nightline tonight.

Alcohol Abuse – Research Study
Heavy Alcohol Use Linked to Cancer – HealthScout

WEDNESDAY, April 21 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they’ve gained new insight into a link at the cellular level between alcohol consumption, aging and cancer.

PCP – USA
Driver arrested for driving at 5 mph in a ‘40 mph’ zone – Thaindian News

Farmington, Apr 21 (THAINDIAN NEWS) A driver was arrested in Farmington over the weekend, because he was driving at a speed of 5 mph in a ’40 mph’ zone. The 39 years old Isreal Nieves who belongs to Bloomfield, also had a passenger in the car, who is just 9 years old. When the police arrested Isreal Nieves, then they also found that he had the ‘PCP’ drug in the car.

Prescription Drug Addiction – World-Wide Epidemic
Addicts Go to Great Lengths to Obtain Prescription Drugs – Ezine @rticles

Unfortunately, whether they’re aware of it or not, doctor shopping has become the number one way addicts are acquiring drugs like Xanax, Oxy Contin, and other pain pills. Once an addiction has reached this point, the only real way to handle it is by enrolling in an effective drug and alcohol rehab.

Mephedrone Arrests – Scotland
Scots police make first arrests for mephedrone possession since drug ban was introduced – DailyRecord.co.uk

THE first arrests in connection with possession of the newly-banned drug mephedrone have been made in Scotland.

Driving While Intoxicated – New York
Ronald Moore Arrested: DWI Charge Hits Siena Guard – The Huffington Post

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — Siena senior guard Ronald Moore, who helped lead the Saints to the NCAA Tournament the past three seasons, has been charged with drunken driving after being pulled over near campus.

Drug Charge Sentencing – New York
Cameron Douglas’ son sentencing on drug-dealing charges to be made public – Thaindian News

New York, Apr 17 (ANI): Actor Michael Douglas’ son Cameron will not be sentenced privately.

Heroin – Pennsylvania
Third-Grader Accused of Dealing Heroin – abc NEWS VIDEO

Police confiscate 80 packets of heroin from an 8-year-old boy in Pennsylvania.

Crack Cocaine – USA
More U.S. Infants Born With Syphilis, CDC Study Finds – Medical News TODAY

Reversing a 14-year decline, 23% more U.S. infants were born with syphilis in 2008 than in 2005, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Thursday, Reuters reports. The findings show that syphilis rates, which have increased among men who have sex with men, also are increasing in the heterosexual community, the researchers said. Many of the infants with syphilis were born to women in the South who use crack cocaine and work in the commercial sex trade, according to the report. These increases “might portend a larger increase in the congenital syphilis rate in 2009 and future years,” according to the report.

Mephedrone – UK
Government makes money from miaow – Telegraph.co.uk

The party drug miaow miaow has earned the Government almost £600,000 in tax after allowing millions of pounds worth to be imported in the last three years.

Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention – Ohio
Panel recommends ways to combat prescription drug abuse – The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio should require doctors to check a statewide database that tracks the distribution of high-powered narcotics in order to better spot doctor-shoppers and people who abuse prescription painkillers, according to recommendations released today by a panel of professionals.

Cocaine Prevention – Peru
Using Chocolate to Defeat Cocaine in Peru – The Huffington Post

During my recent visit to Oro Verde Cooperative in Amazonian Peru, I stayed with a number of indigenous farmers who are supplying us with an incredible cocoa. It is incredible for its taste – last month our farmers took first and third place in the World Chocolate Competition in Paris!- but it is equally as incredible for the story behind the cocoa. These brave farmers have been growing cocoa beans as a replacement for the coca they have grown in the past to feed the deadly narco-traffic in cocaine.

Drug Trafficking – South Carolina
Wanted suspect surrenders to authorities – CarolinaLive.com

A Hartsville man wanted in connection with a theft and drug ring has turned himself into Darlington County Sheriff’s Office Investigators.

Marijuana – USA
Study Shows Light Cannabis Use Can Lead to Problems Later – Drug Addiction Treatment

Cannabis is growing as a drug of choice among teenagers, according to a report in AAP and parents are warned to get tough on teens who indulge. This warning comes on the heels of recent research that shows even occasional use can lead to alcoholism or even harder drugs.

Alcohol – Study
Socializing with Heavy Drinkers Increases Alcohol Consumption – Join Together

The amount of alcohol you consume seems to be directly related to the drinking habits of your social group, according to a new study.

Meth Lab – South Carolina
3 children found at suspected meth lab, authorities say – WBTV

CHESTER, SC (WBTV) – Three children were found in a house suspected of being a meth lab late Monday afternoon, Chester County authorities said.

Prescription Drug Abuse – USA
Prescription Drug Abuse Is A Growing Concern – Medical News TODAY

The nation’s emergency physicians are issuing a strong warning to parents about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, which are now the second most abused drugs, after marijuana. Nearly three-quarters of a million people (741,425) needed emergency care in 2006 because of prescription drug abuse.

Mephedrone – UK
Police Issue Warning on Dangers Of Mephedrone – MeDINDIA

Following the illness of a teenage girl in Chippenhamin UK, police have issued a warning on the dangers of Mephedrone. Police said that the 14-year-old girl feel sick after taking a concoction of alcohol and MCAT, which is known as mephedrone.

Teen Drug Use – USA
Heroin in the Heartland – abc NEWS VIDEO

Drug dealers are targeting suburban teens.

Meth – Michigan
Two men plead guilty in meth-lab fire that heavily damaged Kalamazoo apartment building – Kalamazoo News

GRAND RAPIDS — Two men have each pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge in connection with a methamphetamine lab that sparked a large apartment fire last year in Kalamazoo, authorities said.

Hashish – Afghanistan
Afghanistan Is The World’s Top Hashish Producer – VIENNA — The Huffington Post

Afghanistan is not only the world’s largest supplier of opium, it also is the global leader in hashish production, the United Nations said Wednesday.