Agranulocytosis Associated with Cocaine Use

“According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as of July 2009, 69% of seized cocaine lots coming into the United States contained levamisole as an added agent. This report summarizes the investigations in New Mexico and Washington, which suggested that levamisole in cocaine was the likely cause of the agranulocytosis. Health-care providers should consider these … Read more

CVS Prescription Drug Theft

“CVS loss prevention reviewed video surveillance and witnessed Randi Chapman steal hydrocodone, the report states. Police believe she came in on her day off to steal the medication. After being caught, she confessed to stealing a cocktail of pain killers, anti-depressants and sleeping pills, Zolpidem, Hydrocodone, Diazepam, Phentermine, Xanax and Valium.” https://www.chickashanews.com/local/local_story_345101407.html

Student Arrested After Allegedly Giving Friend A ‘Pot Brownie’

“GRANVILLE, Ohio—A Denison University student was arrested on charges of corrupting another person with drugs after police said she gave a friend a “pot brownie.“ https://www2.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/crime/article/student_arrested_after_allegedly_giving_friend_a_pot_brownie/27996/

Meow Meow: ‘What’s To Stop Us Selling Legal Highs?’

“Sunny is one of many unscrupulous individuals who are profiting from the huge surge in the popularity of mephedrone, a white powder more commonly known as “meow meow”. The drug is cheap and gives a high similar to that of Ecstasy and amphetamines. It can be bought by anyone with access to the internet and … Read more

Teenagers Risk Kidney Failure in Drug Craze

Ketamine, a powerful tranquilliser used on horses, is being taken in growing number by young people in the UK, causing crippling health problems. Some addicts have needed to have their bladders removed and must now wear catheters. Other users have suffered serious kidney problems, breathing difficulties, addiction, bouts of unconsciousness and trouble with urinating. The … Read more

Overdose Deaths Involving Prescription Opioids Among Medicaid Enrollees

During 1999–2006, the number of poisoning deaths in the United States nearly doubled, from approximately 20,000 to 37,000, largely because of overdose deaths involving prescription opioid painkillers (1). This increase coincided with a nearly fourfold increase in the use of prescription opioids nationally (2). In Washington, in 2006, the rate of poisoning involving opioid painkillers … Read more

HDNet’s ‘Dan Rather Reports’ Exposes Texas ‘Pill Mills’

“DALLAS, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Tomorrow’s “Dan Rather Reports” travels to Houston, Texas to investigate the very legal practice of some so-called “pain relief centers” dispensing potent prescription drugs without a doctor’s care or examination. Many of these centers, that accept cash only, are located in strip malls across the Houston area.”

DEA Statement on New Department of Justice

“OCT 22 – The Department of Justice recently issued guidelines regarding the use of federal resources in investigations and prosecutions in states that have passed laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued the following statement: “DEA welcomes the issuance of these clarifying guidelines pertaining to the use … Read more

Keeping Employees Drug-Free

By Sandy Smith “In today’s sluggish economy, most companies are exploring ways they can reduce inventory, personnel and expenses in general. But according to an executive with a Chicago construction association, many businesses may be overlooking a prime cost-saving measure: keeping employees drug-free.” “Because drug testing may involve additional expense, some business owners and managers … Read more

Training, Drug Use Major Issues for Afghan Police

By Claire Truscott “GOLESTAN, Afghanistan — Lack of training, equipment and mentors are hampering efforts to transfer responsibility for Afghanistan’s domestic security to local forces, US military officials say. Widespread drug use, tribal divisions, corruption, and a high drop-out rate are also slowing attempts to create a credible force able to protect the public from … Read more