Diamorphine

Kalesi Volatabu, Founder of Drug Free World Fiji, warns that Fiji’s drug crisis has escalated with users openly sharing illicit substances. The crisis extends beyond traditional drugs like crystal meth and heroin to include LSD, ecstasy, and ketamine. Volatabu emphasizes the urgent need for action and open dialogue to address the issue.

Solan police arrested Anil Kumar, alias Pintu, a notorious drug supplier from Bilaspur involved in 41 criminal cases, including nine related to drug trafficking. The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) intercepted a heroin consignment, leading to the arrest of two Bilaspur residents. Pintu was found hiding in a cowshed and his house search yielded cash, a weighing machine, and other items. The district police have registered 118 NDPS cases since July 2023, arresting 278 smugglers, including eight Nigerian nationals from Delhi. Over 40 inter-state heroin smuggling networks have been dismantled, and properties worth ?3.53 crore linked to drug smugglers have been seized.

Researchers at Linköping University identified the exact location of CaV2.2 calcium channels, crucial for pain signal strength, and discovered G-proteins make these channels more 'reluctant' to open, suggesting targeted drug design for effective pain relief with fewer side effects.

Assam Rifles and Manipur Police recovered 578 grams of heroin worth Rs 2.31 crore in Senapati district, based on credible intelligence.

Fatal drug overdoses in Macomb County dropped 25% in 2023, with nonfatal overdoses also declining, suggesting progress in combating the opioid crisis. Efforts include increased distribution of naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and expanded access to medication-assisted treatment.

Kratom, an unregulated herbal supplement, binds to opioid receptors in the brain, offering benefits like mood enhancement and pain relief, but also risks such as dependence and potential interactions with other drugs. Despite its opioid-like effects, kratom overdose deaths are rare, often involving other substances. The FDA does not recognize kratom as safe or effective, and its lack of regulation raises concerns about purity and safety.

Evan's addiction journey began at 15 with Percocet, leading to heroin and a fatal overdose at 19. His parents, John and Stephanie Greene, founded the Evan G Foundation to educate youth on drug dangers. Massachusetts, unlike 31 other states, restricts access to an FDA-approved treatment for fentanyl overdoses, despite fentanyl being responsible for 93% of opioid deaths in the state.

City police confiscated heroin and methaquolone, first seizure in Amritsar, from two arrested peddlers smuggling via drones from Pakistan. Punjab Police DGP Gaurav Yadav announced the bust of a trans-border narco and arms cartel, seizing 3.5 kg heroin, 1.5 kg methaquolone, and firearms.

A new synthetic opiate, nitazines, deadlier than fentanyl, is appearing in illegal drugs in America. Originally developed as painkillers but never FDA-approved, nitazines are now mixed into cocaine, meth, heroin, and counterfeit pills. They are undetectable by fentanyl test strips and are expected to spread to Southern California.

Jalandhar Rural Police arrested Tanzanian national Padiva Nimte Bhayal Labh Khairaty Fabian Semwija and recovered 184 gm of heroin in Adampur. The operation is part of an ongoing drive against drug trafficking, with the accused possibly linked to an international network. The police seized her mobile phone for analysis and will seek her remand in court.