“‘When beliefs soften, drug use worsens,’ says Obama’s drug czar, Gil Kerlikowske, referring to a study that shows fewer teens believe use of marijuana, inhalants, LSD and Ecstasy is risky.” http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-drug-use15-2009dec15,0,4555460.story

“Charges are pending against an employee of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital who overdosed on drugs that she stole from the hospital.” http://www.pioneerlocal.com/elmhurst/news/1941922,elmhurst-overdose-121709-s1.article

“There are about 120 Starbucks coffee outlets within the Los Angeles city limits. According to the most reliable estimates, there are somewhere between 900 and 1,000 medical marijuana dispensaries.” http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-rutten16-2009dec16,0,5241889.column

“Mexico City, Mexico (CNN) — The leader of one of Mexico’s top drug cartels was killed Wednesday night in a shootout with navy personnel, the Mexican navy reported.Arturo Beltran Leyva, head of the Beltran Leyva cartel, was killed in the Mexican city of Cuernavaca, the navy said.His brother, who was known as Mario Alberto Leyva…

“WASHINGTON, D.C. – A controversial move by the U.S. House of Representatives has given the green light on some hot-button issues, including lifting a ban on the District’s medical marijuana law.” http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/house-lifts-dc-ban-medical-marijuana-121009

“For some users, prescription-strength pain pills are how they get by until the next dose of heroin. For others, pills are how they start down a dangerous path.” http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20091210/NEWS01/912100322

“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.” http://www.chickashanews.com/local/local_story_345101407.html

“CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. An employee of a Sonic restaurant in southeast Missouri is accused of cooking methamphetamine at the restaurant.” http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/1623068.html

“Authorities have uncovered an unfinished tunnel under the border between the United States and Mexico. The tunnel, complete with an elevator, electricity and a ventilation system, extends from Tijuana, Mexico to Otay Mesa, Calif., in San Diego.” http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2009/12/10/inside-a-border-tunnel/

“At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Mulvey revealed to reporters that by his own omission, Francis admitted to selling Oxycodone prescriptions to at least 40 teenagers in the past six months.” Police say they became aware of the illegal operation when they started conducting wire taps after the June 2008 death of Natalie Ciappa, a…