Drug News

“BOSTON—A special legislative commission studying a surge in OxyContin and heroin use in Massachusetts could release its findings as early as this week.” http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/01/mass_lawmakers_grappling_with_oxycontin_overdoses/

“News of sudden celebrity deaths – ultimately blamed on prescription medication overdoses – along with stars behind bars for illegally possessing the remedies, have thrown a spotlight on the growing trend of prescription medication abuse. Washoe County law enforcement officers say drugged drivers are risking their lives, and causing a new threat to fellow motorists.”…

By BELO Border Bureau Chief Angela Kocherga “JUAREZ — The expansion of several cemeteries to accommodate for more than 1,800 murders serves as a grave reminder that Juarez is one of the deadliest places in the world.” http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=11423458

Reported By: Julia Harding “Prescription drug overdoses kill more people than cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine combined. The numbers are dramatic and experts say the problem has become an epidemic.” http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/fox_5_special:_fatal_addiction_102909

By Tom McGhee, The Denver Post “Colorado health officials on Tuesday temporarily struck the definition of “caregiver” from rules governing sales of medical marijuana, which providers say may make it harder for patients to buy pot legally.” http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_13707861?source=email

Reporter: Jeff Todd Two Roswell parents face felony child-abuse charges after police reported their 2-year-old child tested positive for pot and meth. http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_kbim_roswell_nm_parents_busted_over_toddlers_dope_test_2009110022130

Cartels, police fight in streets for control of Rio de Janeiro By Luis Vieira, THE WASHINGTON TIMES “While U.S. attention has focused on the raging drug war just south of the border in Mexico, the battle to control drugs in Brazil is taking more lives. In Brazil, 35,000 people were fatally shot in 2007, and…

“Prosecutors presented evidence that McDaniel targeted SMU students with his poker and cocaine operation, and that 21-year-old Meaghan Bosch was one of them. Trial testimony showed that Bosch was last seen alive but unconscious at McDaniel’s home near the SMU campus on May 11, 2007. Three days later, her body was found .” http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D9BKAMS80.html

“In his upcoming memoir, tennis star Andre Agassi admits that in 1997 he used the recreational drug crystal meth — or “gack,” as his assistant, referred to only as Slim, called it. The book “Open: An Autobiography” will be in stores in November, but is being serialized by the Times of London beginning Thursday.” http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2009/10/upcoming-andre-agassi-memoir-reveals-drug-use.html

By KEEGAN KYLE “The media launch of a regional task force last week marked the public recognition by law enforcement of a growing problem with prescription drug abuse, particularly among the county’s teenagers. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis told reporters the pain killer oxycodone was an “emerging epidemic” among youth and other officials said that description…