Scheme in which heroin is given to addicts in supervised clinics has led to big reductions in the use of street drugs and crime, the BBC has learned. More than 100 users took part in the pilot – part funded by the government – in London, Brighton and Darlington. They either injected heroin or received the drug’s substitute methadone. Those given heroin responded best and an independent panel which monitored the scheme over six months are advising ministers to set up further trials. About three-quarters of those given heroin were said to have "substantially" reduced their use of street drugs. Research suggests that between half and two-thirds of all crime in the UK is drug-related. The Home Office says on its website that about three-quarters of crack and heroin users claim they commit crime to feed their habits.
PILOT SCHEME FINDINGS
Three-quarters reduced use of street heroin
Offences down from 1,731 in 30 days to 547 in six months
Spending on drugs down from £300 to £50 a week
Figures for group given heroin Professor John Strang, who led the project, said the results were "very positive" because the scheme had helped cut crime and avoid "expensive" prison sentences. Professor Strang, who is based at the National Addiction Centre, part of King’s Health Partners, said the individuals on the programme were among those who had been the hardest to treat. "It’s as if each of them is an oil tanker heading for disaster and so the purpose of this trial is to see: ‘Can you turn them around Is it possible to avert disaster’ "And the surprising finding – which is good for the individuals and good for society as well – is that you can," he said. The Randomised Injecting Opioid Treatment Trial (RIOTT) programme – which is funded by a number of agencies, including the Department of Health – began in 2005. It involved 127 chronic heroin addicts for whom conventional types of treatment had failed. Many of the addicts were also using other substances, including crack cocaine. During the trials, a third of addicts were given the heroin substitute methadone orally and another third injected methadone under supervision. The remainder, observed by nurses, injected themselves with diamorphine – unadulterated heroin – imported from Switzerland.
National roll-out,Those on the programme were also given psychological support and help with their housing and social needs. The results showed that addicts in all three groups cut the amount of heroin they obtained illicitly from street dealers. According to researchers, more than half of the heroin injecting group were said to be "largely abstinent" and one-in-five did not use street heroin at all. Before they began the programme, the addicts in the heroin injecting group were spending more than £300 a week on street drugs. After six months, this had reduced to an average of £50 a week."It used to be about chasing the buzz, but when you go on the programme you just want to feel comfortable"John, RIOTT participant
There was also a big drop in the number of offences addicts admitted committing to obtain money to feed their habit. In the previous month before the scheme started, addicts in the heroin injecting group reported carrying out 1,731 crimes. After six months, this had fallen to 547 offences – a reduction of more than two-thirds. One of the heroin addicts on the programme, a 34-year-old man called John, had been addicted for eight years when the trials began. He fed his habit by dealing. "My life was just a shambles… waking up, chasing money, chasing drugs," he said.
But John said the scheme had transformed his life "100 per cent" and he now had a part-time job. "It used to be about chasing the buzz, but when you go on the programme you just want to feel comfortable," he said.
"I’ve started reducing my dose gradually, so that maybe in a few months time I’ll be able to come off it altogether, drug free totally." In its drug strategy, published last year, the government said it would "roll out" the prescription of injectible heroin, subject to the findings of the pilot scheme. The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA), which administers drug treatment in England, said the results were "encouraging". The NTA said an independent expert group, set up to advise the government, had concluded that there was enough "positive evidence of the benefits" of the programme to merit further pilots. The NTA is understood to be keen to evaluate the financial implications of the scheme. At £15,000 per user per year, supervised heroin injecting is three times more expensive than other treatments.
PREGNANT Filipinas are the favorite “carriers” of drug syndicates bringing illegal drugs to China and Malaysia
PREGNANT Filipinas are the favorite “carriers” of drug syndicates bringing illegal drugs to China and Malaysia, according to former labor undersecretary Susan Ople, head of the Blas Ople Policy Center. Ople’s group is helping overseas Filipino workers victimized by drug syndicates. She said these groups use pregnant women as drug mules because they are least to be eyed as couriers and they get lighter penalties if they get arrested
controversial scheme to give addicts heroin at supervised clinics has led to a reduction in crime.
controversial scheme to give addicts heroin at supervised clinics has led to a reduction in crime. More than a hundred addicts took part in the scheme in London, Brighton and Darlington which was part funded by the government. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8254872.stm
Here's a report by Danny Shaw, the BBC home affairs correspondent:
Is this the right approach to tackling the problem of drugs and crime? If you've been a drug user or the victim of drug related crime are you in favour of this approach? Are you happy with any measures that reduce crime or do you feel that this is an example of society going soft on drug addicts?
In 1994 the Swiss embarked on their Heroin Assisted Treatment project. This resulted in a significant improvement of health (both mentally and physically) for the majority of the over 1200 participants. In addition, a massive reduction in criminal behavior was observed.The HAT outpatient centers are spread over the following Swiss cities : Basel, Bern, Biel, Brugg, Burgdorf, Chur, Geneva, Horgen, Lucerne, Olten, Reinach, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thun, Winterthur, Wetzikon, Zug, Zürich and in two prisons Oberschöngrün (canton Solthurn) and Realtà
The Swiss Federal office for public health reports that :
In many cases, patients’ physical and mental health has improved, their housing situation has become considerably more stable, and they have gradually managed to find employment. Numerous participants have managed to reduce their debts. In most cases, contacts with addicts and the drug scene have decreased. Consumption of non-prescribed substances declined significantly in the course of treatment.
Dramatic changes have been seen in the situation regarding crime. While the proportion of patients who obtained their income from illegal or borderline activities at the time of enrollment was 70%, the figure after 18 months of HAT was only 10%.Each year, between 180 and 200 patients discontinue HAT. Of these patients, 35-45% are transferred to methadone maintenance, and 23-27% to abstinence-based treatment.The average costs per patient-day at outpatient treatment centers in 1998 came to CHF 51. The overall economic benefit - based on savings in criminal investigations and prison terms and on improvements in health - was calculated to be CHF 96. After deduction of costs, the net benefit is CHF 45 per patient-day.
Here's a report by Danny Shaw, the BBC home affairs correspondent:
Is this the right approach to tackling the problem of drugs and crime? If you've been a drug user or the victim of drug related crime are you in favour of this approach? Are you happy with any measures that reduce crime or do you feel that this is an example of society going soft on drug addicts?
In 1994 the Swiss embarked on their Heroin Assisted Treatment project. This resulted in a significant improvement of health (both mentally and physically) for the majority of the over 1200 participants. In addition, a massive reduction in criminal behavior was observed.The HAT outpatient centers are spread over the following Swiss cities : Basel, Bern, Biel, Brugg, Burgdorf, Chur, Geneva, Horgen, Lucerne, Olten, Reinach, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thun, Winterthur, Wetzikon, Zug, Zürich and in two prisons Oberschöngrün (canton Solthurn) and Realtà
The Swiss Federal office for public health reports that :
In many cases, patients’ physical and mental health has improved, their housing situation has become considerably more stable, and they have gradually managed to find employment. Numerous participants have managed to reduce their debts. In most cases, contacts with addicts and the drug scene have decreased. Consumption of non-prescribed substances declined significantly in the course of treatment.
Dramatic changes have been seen in the situation regarding crime. While the proportion of patients who obtained their income from illegal or borderline activities at the time of enrollment was 70%, the figure after 18 months of HAT was only 10%.Each year, between 180 and 200 patients discontinue HAT. Of these patients, 35-45% are transferred to methadone maintenance, and 23-27% to abstinence-based treatment.The average costs per patient-day at outpatient treatment centers in 1998 came to CHF 51. The overall economic benefit - based on savings in criminal investigations and prison terms and on improvements in health - was calculated to be CHF 96. After deduction of costs, the net benefit is CHF 45 per patient-day.
Lady Gaga turns up in heroin bust
Lady Gaga turns up in heroin bust: "Lady Gaga is used to seeing her name on the top Billboard charts.
But this week may have marked the first time her name has ended up on bags of heroin. MTV News is reporting that authorities in Syracuse, New York responded to a tip last Tuesday that a large shipment of heroin was on a bus that had just departed from New York City. When police finally gained access to the vehicle, they found more than just 15 grams of heroin. They also found Lady Gaga - at least, her name.
It turns out the drugs didn't belong to Lady Gaga. Unfortunately, the singer is just the latest celebrity to have their name attributed to a widely distributed street drug."
But this week may have marked the first time her name has ended up on bags of heroin. MTV News is reporting that authorities in Syracuse, New York responded to a tip last Tuesday that a large shipment of heroin was on a bus that had just departed from New York City. When police finally gained access to the vehicle, they found more than just 15 grams of heroin. They also found Lady Gaga - at least, her name.
It turns out the drugs didn't belong to Lady Gaga. Unfortunately, the singer is just the latest celebrity to have their name attributed to a widely distributed street drug."
Drug Prevention
1. Strengthen faith
2. Choosing a healthy social environment
3. Good communication
4. Avoid the way in of drugs, namely cigarettes
2. Choosing a healthy social environment
3. Good communication
4. Avoid the way in of drugs, namely cigarettes
PREVENT MISUSE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
PARENT COMMUNICATION
Abuse of alcohol and drugs used by kids is a controversy which is worrying for all parents.From some research that has been done, it was agreed that the building fabric of intense communication between parents & kids is a powerful device to prevent the things that are not desired.
From an American study said that plenty of young individuals who follow the rehabilitation program said that they consumed alcohol or drugs two years before their parents know about it. therefore, establishes the communication as early as feasible and do not wait until your kids are involved the issue.
Do not be afraid to admit that you are unable to answer all the questions there. Let your kids know that interest you, then you can work together to get answers that query.
Abuse of alcohol and drugs used by kids is a controversy which is worrying for all parents.From some research that has been done, it was agreed that the building fabric of intense communication between parents & kids is a powerful device to prevent the things that are not desired.
From an American study said that plenty of young individuals who follow the rehabilitation program said that they consumed alcohol or drugs two years before their parents know about it. therefore, establishes the communication as early as feasible and do not wait until your kids are involved the issue.
Do not be afraid to admit that you are unable to answer all the questions there. Let your kids know that interest you, then you can work together to get answers that query.
Symptoms of Marijuana Use
- feeling excited and happy
- Relaxed and weak
- Indifferent
- Red eye
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Lack of self control
- Often yawn / sleepy
- Poor concentration
- Depression
- Relaxed and weak
- Indifferent
- Red eye
- Increased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Lack of self control
- Often yawn / sleepy
- Poor concentration
- Depression
DRUGS Treatment
DRUGS Treatment
- Addiction treatment (detox)
- Treatment of infections
- Rehabilitation
- Independent training
Symptoms of Use Drug What Overstated
Opiates (heroin, morphine, marijuana) :
- feelings of pleasure and happiness
- ignorant
- lazy to move
- sleepy
- nausea
- talking lisp
- Pupils shrinking (widening if overdosed)
- Disorders of attention / memory
90,000 people will die over the next 10 years from drink unless cheap alcohol is banned
90,000 people will die over the next 10 years from drink unless cheap alcohol is banned, a new report has claimed. Skip related content
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Drink deaths 'treble in 25 years'
Call made for minimum alcohol price
Alcohol 'Will Kill 90,000' In Next Decade
Related Hot Topic: Binge Drinking
Have your say: Binge Drinking
The charity Alcohol Concern issued the sobering warning after its latest research found drink-related deaths have trebled in Britain over the last 25 years from 3,054 in 1984 to 8,999 in 2008.
To combat the problem, it proposes banning cheap booze by forcing suppliers to charge at least 50p per unit.
Doing so would substantially reduce hospital admissions, crime and absence from work, the report claims.
Research by the University of the West of England used by Alcohol Concern found there would be 90,800 deaths linked to drink by 2019 if current consumption continues.
The lead author, Professor Martin Plant, said: "The UK has been experiencing an epidemic of alcohol-related health and social problems that is remarkable by international standards."
The findings coincide with a new drive to reduce binge drinking in Greater Manchester, where the problem is particularly acute.
Councils in the area are actively considering a minimum price for booze sold in its pubs, clubs and supermarkets.
Police there have just begun a clampdown on licensees and bar staff who illegally serve people who are already drunk.
But although binge drinking is usually blamed on the younger generations, Alcohol Concern has revealed the steepest rise in alcohol-related deaths is among the 55 to 74-year-olds.
Peter Ivory still finds it hard to believe how close he came to being in that category.
The 62-year-old former store manager from Sunderland always thought of himself as a social drinker.
A few years ago his holiday was cut dramatically short when he was flown back from Spain with excruciating stomach pain. He collapsed and eventually had to have a liver transplant.
He said: "I suppose I should consider myself lucky that I'm still alive.
"But actually - if you lose your liver you lose your life."
Peter now struggles with simple undemanding tasks and suffers from constant fatigue, nerve pain, high blood pressure and depression.
He believes the "British epidemic" is leading thousands of young people down the same road.
"People have to listen to the stories of people like me," he said.
"We now have young people who are wrecking their lives. This is not about me telling others not to drink. It's about asking them to hear me and to plead with them not to end up like me."
Related photos / videos Enlarge photo
Related content
Drink deaths 'treble in 25 years'
Call made for minimum alcohol price
Alcohol 'Will Kill 90,000' In Next Decade
Related Hot Topic: Binge Drinking
Have your say: Binge Drinking
The charity Alcohol Concern issued the sobering warning after its latest research found drink-related deaths have trebled in Britain over the last 25 years from 3,054 in 1984 to 8,999 in 2008.
To combat the problem, it proposes banning cheap booze by forcing suppliers to charge at least 50p per unit.
Doing so would substantially reduce hospital admissions, crime and absence from work, the report claims.
Research by the University of the West of England used by Alcohol Concern found there would be 90,800 deaths linked to drink by 2019 if current consumption continues.
The lead author, Professor Martin Plant, said: "The UK has been experiencing an epidemic of alcohol-related health and social problems that is remarkable by international standards."
The findings coincide with a new drive to reduce binge drinking in Greater Manchester, where the problem is particularly acute.
Councils in the area are actively considering a minimum price for booze sold in its pubs, clubs and supermarkets.
Police there have just begun a clampdown on licensees and bar staff who illegally serve people who are already drunk.
But although binge drinking is usually blamed on the younger generations, Alcohol Concern has revealed the steepest rise in alcohol-related deaths is among the 55 to 74-year-olds.
Peter Ivory still finds it hard to believe how close he came to being in that category.
The 62-year-old former store manager from Sunderland always thought of himself as a social drinker.
A few years ago his holiday was cut dramatically short when he was flown back from Spain with excruciating stomach pain. He collapsed and eventually had to have a liver transplant.
He said: "I suppose I should consider myself lucky that I'm still alive.
"But actually - if you lose your liver you lose your life."
Peter now struggles with simple undemanding tasks and suffers from constant fatigue, nerve pain, high blood pressure and depression.
He believes the "British epidemic" is leading thousands of young people down the same road.
"People have to listen to the stories of people like me," he said.
"We now have young people who are wrecking their lives. This is not about me telling others not to drink. It's about asking them to hear me and to plead with them not to end up like me."
Cocaine use led to Bugg
News: Cocaine use led to Bugg's death — Baton Rouge, LA: "Baton Rouge radio and television personality Ed Buggs died of a “cardiac event due to cocaine use,” a spokesman with the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office said today.
The cause of death was determined after the results of a toxicology test were evaluated, Don Moreau said.
Buggs, 55, died May 4 at his home, his brother, Clarence Buggs has said.
Following his television work, Buggs worked as a radio talk show host on WJBO-AM in 1997 and later for WIBR-AM.
Clarence Buggs said his brother had recently been working for Win-Tech, a company that manufactures bulletproof coats for buildings and vehicles."
The cause of death was determined after the results of a toxicology test were evaluated, Don Moreau said.
Buggs, 55, died May 4 at his home, his brother, Clarence Buggs has said.
Following his television work, Buggs worked as a radio talk show host on WJBO-AM in 1997 and later for WIBR-AM.
Clarence Buggs said his brother had recently been working for Win-Tech, a company that manufactures bulletproof coats for buildings and vehicles."
Ketamine is the new stuff’
Clubbers and addicts are increasingly turning away from ecstasy and heroin to ketamine, a dangerous horse tranquilliser that has been linked to 23 deaths.According to a leading drug charity worker, addicts on Teesside are turning to the drug because it’s purer than heroin, while research by Newcastle-based Drugscope found there was an increased use amongst clubbers of the narcotic.Tina Williams, of Parents and Addicts Against Narcotics in the Community said: “Ketamine is the new ‘stuff’ and we have a lot of people using. It’s definitely on the increase.
“It’s a horse sedative and it has a similar effect to heroin. Addicts have cottoned onto this as heroin is now so diluted in the region they can’t even get a hit off it.“It’s readily available and now addicts have more options rather than just heroin and crack.
“Because it’s a class C drug people don’t think that it can be dangerous.”
Known as Special K, Vitamin K or simply K, the drug is developing a strong following in dance club circuits despite being made illegal three years ago.It is usually snorted or swallowed but according to research by Drugscope, more and more people are choosing to inject it.At low levels users feel euphoric, experience waves of energy and even a condition called synaesthesia where users’ senses merge into one another.
But at higher levels the drug can cause paralysis, hallucinations and a disassociation that is close to an out of body experience. It is also a known date rape drug as it has no taste and is odourless.
“It’s a horse sedative and it has a similar effect to heroin. Addicts have cottoned onto this as heroin is now so diluted in the region they can’t even get a hit off it.“It’s readily available and now addicts have more options rather than just heroin and crack.
“Because it’s a class C drug people don’t think that it can be dangerous.”
Known as Special K, Vitamin K or simply K, the drug is developing a strong following in dance club circuits despite being made illegal three years ago.It is usually snorted or swallowed but according to research by Drugscope, more and more people are choosing to inject it.At low levels users feel euphoric, experience waves of energy and even a condition called synaesthesia where users’ senses merge into one another.
But at higher levels the drug can cause paralysis, hallucinations and a disassociation that is close to an out of body experience. It is also a known date rape drug as it has no taste and is odourless.
Reggae singer Buju Banton was arrested in Miami.
Reggae singer Buju Banton was arrested in Miami. The singer, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, faces possible life imprisonment if convicted on charges of drug conspiracy charges.Allegedly, Buju Banton was conspiring to distribute 5 kilos of the drug cocaine.This isn't the first time Buju Banton has been in the headlines. His song "Boom Boom Bye" has hateful and violent lyrics aimed toward creating violence against the LGBT community. In response, many of his concerts were cancelled.
He also made headlines when his album Rasta Got Soul was actually nominated for a Grammy Award.
Meth Factory
The sale of some cold remedies will be restricted to one small pack per customer in Britain to prevent gangs making the crack-like drug, crystal meth.
Government medical advisors said on Wednesday that large packs of decongestants containing the chemicals ephedrine and pseudoephedrine would be withdrawn from sale.
They would be replaced by packs of 12 or 24 tablets containing a total of 720 mg of the drugs.
The move follows police concerns that criminals are using the ingredients to manufacture methylamphetamine – crystal meth – in illegal laboratories.
Although use of the drug is low in Britain, the government is anxious to prevent the problem growing to the serious levels seen elsewhere.
However, the medicines will remain on sale at pharmacies and not become prescription-only, as had been suggested in a consultation which ended in June.
Drugs manufacturers, who had lobbied against prescription-only sales, welcomed the new restrictions.
"This is a sensible and proportionate approach to a problem that is still almost non-existent in this country, but one we all want to avoid," said Sheila Kelly, executive director of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB).
There has been only known case – on the Isle of Wight – of an illegal crystal meth lab in Britain using pharmacy products, the PAGB says.
The restriction will affect around one in 10 cold remedies sold in Britain, including versions of Actifed, Benylin, Lemsip, Meltus and Sudafed.
All are already only sold in chemists and are kept behind the counter.
The smaller pack sizes would be sufficient for around three days' treatment, the PAGB said.
Most people only need to take decongestants for one or two days, it added.
A government advisory body will monitor the restrictions for the next two years to check they are working.
It will retain the option to recommend moving the medicines to prescription sale if the measures do not reduce the risk of illegal crystal meth manufacture.
Government medical advisors said on Wednesday that large packs of decongestants containing the chemicals ephedrine and pseudoephedrine would be withdrawn from sale.
They would be replaced by packs of 12 or 24 tablets containing a total of 720 mg of the drugs.
The move follows police concerns that criminals are using the ingredients to manufacture methylamphetamine – crystal meth – in illegal laboratories.
Although use of the drug is low in Britain, the government is anxious to prevent the problem growing to the serious levels seen elsewhere.
However, the medicines will remain on sale at pharmacies and not become prescription-only, as had been suggested in a consultation which ended in June.
Drugs manufacturers, who had lobbied against prescription-only sales, welcomed the new restrictions.
"This is a sensible and proportionate approach to a problem that is still almost non-existent in this country, but one we all want to avoid," said Sheila Kelly, executive director of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB).
There has been only known case – on the Isle of Wight – of an illegal crystal meth lab in Britain using pharmacy products, the PAGB says.
The restriction will affect around one in 10 cold remedies sold in Britain, including versions of Actifed, Benylin, Lemsip, Meltus and Sudafed.
All are already only sold in chemists and are kept behind the counter.
The smaller pack sizes would be sufficient for around three days' treatment, the PAGB said.
Most people only need to take decongestants for one or two days, it added.
A government advisory body will monitor the restrictions for the next two years to check they are working.
It will retain the option to recommend moving the medicines to prescription sale if the measures do not reduce the risk of illegal crystal meth manufacture.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine can be cooked up using a handful of household chemicals, but byproducts can include toxic waste in the local water supply, fires and explosions.
Sold as crystals, pills or powder, it can be smoked, swallowed or injected and is said to be highly addictive.
Globally, users are said to outnumber those of heroin and cocaine combined.
Sold as crystals, pills or powder, it can be smoked, swallowed or injected and is said to be highly addictive.
Globally, users are said to outnumber those of heroin and cocaine combined.
Highly Addictive, U.K. newest drug problem
Crystal is made of highly volatile, toxic substances (based on such chemical "precursors" as methylamine and amyl amine) that are melded in differing combinations, forming what some have described as a "mix of laundry detergent and lighter fluid."
The mixes are never exactly the same, but basic types are a rough yellow substance called Hydro and a smooth white blend called Glass. Half a gram costs around £25 and a £15 hit would probably keep you going for a few days.
The drug can either be snorted or injected, or in its crystal form 'ice' smoked in a pipe, and brings on a feeling of exhilaration and a sharpening of focus. Smoking ice results in an instantaneous dose of almost pure drug to the brain, giving a huge rush followed by a feeling of euphoria for anything from 2-16 hours.
For some this could result in obsessive cleaning or tidying, but for many the biggest bonus is the sense of sexual liberation which can result in mad, abandoned sex for hours - sometimes days - on end.
The mixes are never exactly the same, but basic types are a rough yellow substance called Hydro and a smooth white blend called Glass. Half a gram costs around £25 and a £15 hit would probably keep you going for a few days.
The drug can either be snorted or injected, or in its crystal form 'ice' smoked in a pipe, and brings on a feeling of exhilaration and a sharpening of focus. Smoking ice results in an instantaneous dose of almost pure drug to the brain, giving a huge rush followed by a feeling of euphoria for anything from 2-16 hours.
For some this could result in obsessive cleaning or tidying, but for many the biggest bonus is the sense of sexual liberation which can result in mad, abandoned sex for hours - sometimes days - on end.
‘Cheese’ Heroin for Children
New Designer ‘Cheese’ Heroin for Children Pattaya Daily News - Pattaya news Powerful news at your fingertips: "Coming from Mexico to Texas, the black tar heroin is now being converted to a brown granular powder that resembles parmesan cheese which makes it much more appealing to the younger children. It has been circulating Texas for the last couple of years and because of the low cost, it is very affordable for young children with costs ranging from $2 – $10 per pack. This new form of heroin is known the kids as ‘Mickey’ juice and has so far been responsible for the deaths of over 200 youngsters with many more in rehab. Street dealers will sell to a kid who mixes it with crushed Tylenol PM and water. The product will then be ‘cooked’, until the liquid has evaporated leaving a brown grainy powder. It is then wrapped in notebook paper then sold on for a set price."
Doctor sentenced to 7 years for trafficking heroin
Doctor sentenced to 7 years for trafficking heroin: "physician from Mexico who was among a group who each transported more than a kilogram of heroin from Arizona to New York City has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison.
The U.S. attorney's office in Phoenix says another man from San Luis, Mexico, who also was involved in the smuggling ring got a slightly lower sentence.
U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow sentenced 39-year-old Dr. Jose David Portillo Lopez this week. A co-defendant, 38-year-old Juan Bautista Beltran Lopez, was sentenced last month. Both had pleaded guilty to heroin trafficking charges.
Court records show Portillo and Beltran and two women picked up footwear containing 5 kilos of heroin in San Luis, Ariz., in December 2007. Federal agents investigating a Columbian cartel tracked them as they drove to Manhattan, where they were arrested."
The U.S. attorney's office in Phoenix says another man from San Luis, Mexico, who also was involved in the smuggling ring got a slightly lower sentence.
U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow sentenced 39-year-old Dr. Jose David Portillo Lopez this week. A co-defendant, 38-year-old Juan Bautista Beltran Lopez, was sentenced last month. Both had pleaded guilty to heroin trafficking charges.
Court records show Portillo and Beltran and two women picked up footwear containing 5 kilos of heroin in San Luis, Ariz., in December 2007. Federal agents investigating a Columbian cartel tracked them as they drove to Manhattan, where they were arrested."
timesofmalta.com - Heroin and cocaine find leads to eight arrests
timesofmalta.com - Heroin and cocaine find leads to eight arrests: "Eight people have been arrested following a heroin and cocaine find at Marsa this morning, the police said.
They said the Drug Squad investigated information that a man was selling drugs from a garage and residence near the horse racing track in Malta.
The police started observing the place and confirmed the investigation it had been given. The 50-year-old man from Sta Venera was seen hiding the drugs outside the residence while keeping another quantity in the garage.
The police held people who turned up to buy drugs. They are aged between 22 and 47 and are from Fgura, Hamrun, St Julian’s, Birkirkara and Qormi.
Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima is holding an inquiry."
They said the Drug Squad investigated information that a man was selling drugs from a garage and residence near the horse racing track in Malta.
The police started observing the place and confirmed the investigation it had been given. The 50-year-old man from Sta Venera was seen hiding the drugs outside the residence while keeping another quantity in the garage.
The police held people who turned up to buy drugs. They are aged between 22 and 47 and are from Fgura, Hamrun, St Julian’s, Birkirkara and Qormi.
Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani Grima is holding an inquiry."
Baggage handler at Memphis airport faces drug smuggling charge after undercover operation - WHNT
Baggage handler at Memphis airport faces drug smuggling charge after undercover operation - WHNT: "baggage handler at Memphis International Airport is charged with drug smuggling after federal authorities say he accepted a bag filled with 40,000 fake ecstasy pills and agreed to deliver it to an undercover agent.
in Memphis Gora Sow, an employee of Delta-Northwest Airlines , was arrested Tuesday on charges of attempting to possess drugs with intent to distribute, and transportation and concealment of merchandise.
Sow has a federal court hearing Monday and it is not immediately known if he has a lawyer."
in Memphis Gora Sow, an employee of Delta-Northwest Airlines , was arrested Tuesday on charges of attempting to possess drugs with intent to distribute, and transportation and concealment of merchandise.
Sow has a federal court hearing Monday and it is not immediately known if he has a lawyer."
British and South African authorities
British and South African authorities have made a record heroin seizure following on operation at London's Heathrow Airport and raids in both countries, officials said.Immigration officials discovered some of the drugs hidden in souvenirs from South Africa at Heathrow, sparking an investigation that netted 360 kilograms of heroin in total, the UK Border Agency said.Seven people have been arrested in both countries over the total seizure, worth $US41 million, the agency said.Thousands of kilograms of cannabis were also discovered, the agency said."This latest detection of heroin at Heathrow, believed to be our biggest ever, highlights our success in preventing class A drugs entering the UK," said Philip Astle, the UK Border Agency's Heathrow director.
About 165 kilograms were discovered at Heathrow, a record seizure for the world's busiest airport, on September 9 in the consignment of souvenirs.After an investigation, police seized another 80 kilograms and arrested two people in Kent, south-east England, charging one with conspiracy to import drugs and possession, the agency said.Acting on information from Britain, South African police arrested five people, including three British nationals, and seized 115 kilograms of heroin and 6,500 kilograms of cannabis in a warehouse outside Durban. "These seizures are a great example of what can happen when partners work together, said Britain's Serious Organised Crime Agency deputy director Andy Sellers."Both ends of this international chain have been attacked, and a significant amount of heroin and cannabis has been kept off the UK's streets." Staff at Heathrow airport uncovered drugs when they stopped a consignment of souvenirs from South Africa earlier this month.On closer inspection, they found 165kg of heroin hidden in the goods.
Officials from the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) were alerted and a house was raided in Maidstone, Kent, where more heroin was discovered.
There have also been searches in Durban, South Africa, where further drug finds were made.A total of 360kg of heroin has now been recovered, as well as 6,500kg of herbal cannabis resin.The estimated street value of the drugs is £25m.Seven people have been arrested, including five in South Africa and two in Britain.Sky's home affairs correspondent Mark White said: "This is being hailed as a great success for the UK Border Agency which, in conjunction with SOCA, managed to thwart what was a huge shipment of the class A drug heroin into the UK."The agency claims to have managed to intercept an international drug smuggling ring, he added.The discovery of the heroin was made a week ago but details of the bust were kept secret while operations were still active.
About 165 kilograms were discovered at Heathrow, a record seizure for the world's busiest airport, on September 9 in the consignment of souvenirs.After an investigation, police seized another 80 kilograms and arrested two people in Kent, south-east England, charging one with conspiracy to import drugs and possession, the agency said.Acting on information from Britain, South African police arrested five people, including three British nationals, and seized 115 kilograms of heroin and 6,500 kilograms of cannabis in a warehouse outside Durban. "These seizures are a great example of what can happen when partners work together, said Britain's Serious Organised Crime Agency deputy director Andy Sellers."Both ends of this international chain have been attacked, and a significant amount of heroin and cannabis has been kept off the UK's streets." Staff at Heathrow airport uncovered drugs when they stopped a consignment of souvenirs from South Africa earlier this month.On closer inspection, they found 165kg of heroin hidden in the goods.
Officials from the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) were alerted and a house was raided in Maidstone, Kent, where more heroin was discovered.
There have also been searches in Durban, South Africa, where further drug finds were made.A total of 360kg of heroin has now been recovered, as well as 6,500kg of herbal cannabis resin.The estimated street value of the drugs is £25m.Seven people have been arrested, including five in South Africa and two in Britain.Sky's home affairs correspondent Mark White said: "This is being hailed as a great success for the UK Border Agency which, in conjunction with SOCA, managed to thwart what was a huge shipment of the class A drug heroin into the UK."The agency claims to have managed to intercept an international drug smuggling ring, he added.The discovery of the heroin was made a week ago but details of the bust were kept secret while operations were still active.
Iran hangs four convicted drug smugglers - agency | Reuters
Iran hangs four convicted drug smugglers - agency Reuters: "Since authorities launched a clampdown on 'immoral behaviour' in July 2007, police have arrested dozens of drug addicts, smugglers, rapists and murderers.
'These four people were hanged in the central prison of Yazd province after they were convicted of drug smuggling,' Fars said.
Human rights groups often criticise Iran and say the Islamic republic has one of the highest execution rates in the world.
Murder, adultery, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking and apostasy -- the renouncing of Islam -- are all punishable by death under Iran's Islamic law practised since the 1979 revolution."
'These four people were hanged in the central prison of Yazd province after they were convicted of drug smuggling,' Fars said.
Human rights groups often criticise Iran and say the Islamic republic has one of the highest execution rates in the world.
Murder, adultery, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking and apostasy -- the renouncing of Islam -- are all punishable by death under Iran's Islamic law practised since the 1979 revolution."
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