methamphetamine Archives

Border Patrol seizes backpacks filled with $1.1M of cocaine near Canadian border

December 27, 2024

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said agents found two backpacks stuffed with over a million dollars worth of cocaine near the Canadian border. Officials said 78 pounds were recovered in the woods in Washington state.

According to a news release on Monday, Dec. 23, agents were patrolling the area and found the large black bags lying on the ground. When they looked inside, they found 30 “brick-like packages,” each of which contained a “white powdery substance, according to the press release.

Border officials said these agents typically stop illegal drugs from entering various communities along the northern border.

“Our agents work tirelessly day in and day out to protect this nation, and this seizure highlights that crucial commitment.”
Chief Patrol Agent Rosario “Pete” Vasquez.

Agents confirmed the powder found in the bricks was cocaine. The drugs were later turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Federal law requires most drugs seized by law enforcement to be destroyed. In some cases, the drugs are retained as evidence for future criminal proceedings.

Authorities haven’t announced any arrests in connection with the discovery.

So far this year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seized more than 530,000 pounds of drugs. Meth, cocaine and marijuana are among the majority of the drugs recovered by agents.

Annual drug overdose deaths decreased by greatest number in US history: CDC

December 11, 2024

Drug overdose deaths fell 17% between July 2023 and July 2024, according to a new report released on Wednesday, Dec. 11, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although drug overdose death numbers won’t be added up until the end of the year, the CDC said the drop would represent the largest decrease in overdose-related deaths over a one-year period in U.S. history.

Still, since 2021, more than 100,000 people have reportedly died from drug overdoses each year. 2022 set a record for overdose deaths with more than 108,000 people who died. Overdose deaths went down in 2023 and continued to fall throughout 2024.

The White House credited the drop in deaths to its efforts like making Naloxone, a medicine designed to reverse opioid overdoses, available over the counter and cracking down on fentanyl production.

Most overdose deaths reportedly involve opioids, including fentanyl, and there has been a decrease in deaths associated with these drugs. However, a CBS News investigation previously found a rise in deaths involving other drugs like meth and cocaine.

Drug overdose survivor advocates also warn the Biden administration against taking a “premature victory lap.” They noted the fall in overdose deaths is good news but also acknowledged that the numbers overall remain much too high, especially among minorities.

Mental health and addiction experts also argued that the U.S. government still needs to invest in more recovery, treatment and prevention programs.

Toxicology report reveals Liam Payne died with ‘pink cocaine’ in his system

October 22, 2024

Liam Payne reportedly had “pink cocaine” in his system when he died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina, according to a toxicology report. The 31-year-old former One Direction singer’s tragic death has shed light on the dangers of the synthetic drug, known as “tusi,” which includes a mixture of methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine and more.

Pink cocaine is an increasingly popular drug, especially in Latin America and Europe, known for its bright pink color and euphoric effects.

Despite its name, the drug often contains no actual cocaine, but instead combines substances that can have stimulant, dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.

The unpredictability of the ingredients makes the drug particularly dangerous, with users at risk of serious side effects such as unconsciousness, respiratory failure and even death.

Experts warn that the vibrant, designer appeal of pink cocaine can mislead users, who may believe they know what they’re taking. Its spread has been linked to a growing number of drug-related deaths.

The drug has gained notoriety due to its association with high-profile figures, including disgraced music mogul Diddy earlier in 2024.

Payne’s death adds to a tragic trend, and authorities are urging the public to be cautious about the growing presence of this highly dangerous drug.

CDC data shows major drop in overdose deaths, as many as 20,000 lives saved

September 18, 2024

New public health data shows a significant drop in drug overdose deaths across the United States, according to national surveys compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The data indicates a decline in overdose deaths by approximately 10.6% from April 2023 to April 2024. In states with rapid data collection, the decline is even more pronounced.

Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, a street drug expert at the University of North Carolina, told NPR that some areas are seeing a 20% to 30% decrease in overdose deaths, which corresponds with similar steep declines in emergency room visits for overdoses.

The analysis suggests that the number of lives saved in one year could could be upwards of 20,000.

However, the crisis remains severe, with roughly 100,000 deaths still occurring annually, driven by dangerous street drug combinations like fentanyl, methamphetamines and xylazine.

Doctors and analysts who spoke to NPR were asked why there has been such a sudden shift from dramatic increases in overdose deaths year after year to a significant 10% drop.

They say it remains a mystery at this point but believe it could be attributed to several factors, including the availability and affordability of treatments for fentanyl addiction, and the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on communities driving up drug use.

For years, fentanyl and synthetic opioids have been the leading cause of drug overdose deaths, followed by meth and cocaine.

US border agents seize $5 million worth of meth hidden in fake watermelons

August 23, 2024

Drug smugglers are broadening their horizons in their attempts to get illegal drugs into the U.S. This time, border agents intercepted a truck carrying more than $5 million worth of methamphetamine. The drugs were disguised to look like over 1,000 watermelons at a border crossing in San Diego.

This comes just a week after officials at the same border crossing discovered nearly 300 kilograms of meth hidden in a shipment of celery. Combined, these two seizures account for more than $6 million worth of illicit drugs.

Over 4,000 pounds of methamphetamine, wrapped in plastic and painted in different shades of green, were seized by border agents. The fake watermelons were also hidden among real watermelons, and shipped across the Otay Mesa border crossing.

Officials say this method of smuggling drugs by concealing them within produce is nothing new. While banana shipments are usually a popular choice, gouda cheese and avocados are known to be favorites for smugglers.

U.S. Cutoms and Border Protection officials stated that their officers flagged the truck, which was listed as watermelons. Further inspection revealed the massive haul of methamphetamine. The driver of the truck was handed over to Homeland Security as the investigation continues.

Mexican drug cartels remain the leading producers and suppliers of methamphetamine to the United States.

Nearly 2,600 lbs of meth found in celery at Georgia farmers’ market

August 14, 2024

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the seizure of 2,585 pounds of methamphetamine worth around $3.2 million disguised as produce on Monday, Aug. 12. DEA agents made the discovery at the Atlanta State Farmers’ Market in Georgia.

“This was contained in a cover load of celery,” Robert Murphy, the DEA special agent in charge, said. “It was hiding in the celery. Obviously, we threw the celery away. That didn’t make it to the store.”

The DEA said that this is the largest drug seizure by the Atlanta division ever and the third largest find by the agency so far in 2024.

DEA officials said that they were given a tip about a semitrailer loaded with the drugs traveling across the Mexican border. The agency was able to track the truck to the Atlanta State Farmers’ Market.

Authorities found the meth inside the truck at the farmers’ market. The driver of the truck, Jesus Martinez, a Mexican national, was arrested.

Murphy said that the significant quantity of the drugs found “shows the confidence of the cartel behind this.”

This bust isn’t the only case of smugglers disguising drug distribution this year. Six men have been charged as part of a so-called “drug empire” for allegedly hiding millions of dollars’ worth of meth and cocaine inside bluetooth karaoke speakers. The men supposedly smuggled the drug-filled devices from California to Pennsylvania.

Oregon recriminalizes some drugs, expands addiction treatment

April 2, 2024

Oregon is reversing its landmark 2021 drug decriminalization policy, which removed criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, LSD and oxycodone. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4002 on Monday, April 1.

Supporters of the reversal argue HB 4002 is a crucial step to address overdoses, while critics warn it may infringe on civil rights.

https://twitter.com/KGWNews/status/1774877429464543346

The legislation reintroduces up to six-month-long jail sentences for minor drug possession, allows police to seize drugs and deter public consumption, and favors treating offenders over jailing them. It also permits the clearing of possession records. Those unable or unwilling to undergo treatment could be jailed for up to 180 days.

Kotek has stated the legislative session’s efforts are focused on assisting Oregonians struggling with addiction, ensuring community safety and reducing adverse effects on communities of color.

“I’ve directed my administration to closely collaborate with all implementing authorities — the courts, the Oregon Judicial Department, the Oregon Public Defense Commission, cities, counties, law enforcement, DAs — to establish expectations to lessen the projected impacts on communities of color and guarantee that treatment options for individuals, one of our goals, are balanced with the accountability measures within the criminal justice system,” Kotek told media in March.

Marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use are not impacted. There is $211 million allocated for residential treatment facilities, recovery houses and programs that provide jail alternatives after police encounters.

The changes will be implemented starting Sept. 1.

Oregon voters decriminalized drugs; now lawmakers are recriminalizing them

March 5, 2024

The first-in-the-nation law to decriminalize drug possession is in jeopardy. Oregon lawmakers passed a bipartisan bill Thursday, Feb. 29, that would recriminalize possession of narcotics such as opioids, cocaine and methamphetamine in the state.

According to The Associated Press, House Bill 4002 reintroduces criminal penalties of up to six months in prison and allows police to confiscate drugs in public places, like parks.

The change in Oregon comes four years after 58% of voters approved decriminalizing drugs in 2020. The law decriminalizing drugs — otherwise known as Measure 110 — reportedly pushed hundreds of millions of dollars from cannabis taxes into drug recovery and prevention services.

However, Measure 110 didn’t work as planned. A state audit revealed that the distribution of funds moved too slowly, and the infrastructure needed for more mental health services was never there. Federal data rated Oregon last in the nation in access to drug treatment due to “historic underinvestment.”

Under Measure 110, Oregon drug users would receive a $100 citation instead of facing criminal punishment, with an option to seek help at a drug treatment facility instead of paying the fine. However, there is no penalty for ignoring the citation, and state data reportedly shows that just 4% of people given a citation sought help.

Pressure has been building on lawmakers to act as overdose deaths increased in Oregon and across the U.S. According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, a number of researchers said there is not enough evidence to determine whether decriminalizing drugs impacted overdose deaths.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Ore., told Fox News that voter-approved decriminalization did not work and declared the latest legislation a victory for Oregon voters.

“Instead of treatment that the voters thought they were going to get for their family and friends who are on drugs and are addicted, they ended up getting unbridled drug use, drug sales, all over our major cities across Oregon,” Knopp said.

Sen. Kayse Jama, D-Ore., opposes recriminalization efforts and argues that they will deepen racial disparities.

“This bill will have devastating impacts on communities of color and low-income Oregonians, burdening an already-strained justice system while failing to address the root causes of our addiction crisis,” Jama said.

Jama also claimed that the new rules would lead to more low-level criminal cases than public defenders in the state could handle.

“The governor will review the bill when it reaches her desk,” Elisabeth Shepard, Gov. Tina Kotek’s press secretary, said.

Kotek’s office did not address whether she plans to sign House Bill 4002 or not. Under state law, the governor will have 30 days to veto the bill.

DOJ indicts China-based companies, executives for fentanyl-related crimes

October 4, 2023

The Justice Department announced indictments against China-based companies and their employees for crimes related to fentanyl. A total of eight companies, along with 12 of their executives, have been charged.

The charges include crimes related to the production, distribution and importation of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, methamphetamine and their precursor chemicals.

“We know this global fentanyl supply chain, which ends with the deaths of Americans, often starts with chemical companies in China,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a news conference Tuesday. “Our agents and prosecutors are working every day to get fentanyl out of our communities and bring to justice those who put it there.”

Garland noted that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin, calling it a nearly invisible poison. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 49. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, fentanyl killed just over 70,600 Americans in 2021.

The China-based chemical companies are accused of creating a fentanyl global supply chain by manufacturing chemicals to make the drug and then shipping the fentanyl precursor chemicals in mislabeled packages, hoping their products would go undetected.

Drug cartels and traffickers then combine the chemicals and smuggle the drugs into the United States and Mexico. In April, the DOJ announced indictments against 23 Sinaloa cartel members, associates and leaders for their roles in running “the largest and most violent and most prolific fentanyl trafficking operation in the world.”

“And it’s included in the department’s first ever charges against chemical companies based in China for trafficking fentanyl precursor chemicals directly into the United States,” Garland said.

None of the suspects in China have been arrested. Garland said all have been sanctioned and that he has every intention to bring the defendants to justice in the United States.

British Columbia decriminalizes hard drugs amid overdose crisis

February 7, 2023

In British Columbia, people over 18 are now allowed to have up to 2.5 grams of certain hard drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and morphine.The province is the first in Canada to decriminalize a number of hard drugs, and it’s doing so as part of a three-year experiment amid an overdose epidemic. British Columbia’s overdose and trafficking deaths account for about a third of the 32,000 nationwide since 2016, according to state data.

“We will be able to reduce the stigma, the fear and shame that keep people who use drugs silent about their use, or using alone,” Canadian Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett said. “And help more people access life-saving supports and treatment.”

If someone is found carrying fewer than 2.5 grams of those still-illegal drugs, they will not be charged or arrested. The drugs will not be confiscated. Instead, those individuals will be offered materials with information on health and social services.

In the United States, Oregon voted to decriminalize small amounts of hard drugs in 2020. Under Measure 110, possession of those drugs results in a civil citation, which comes with a $100 fine that can be waived with a health screening.

The change remains controversial.