Metamfetamine

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs launched the Early Warning System (EWS) to combat emerging drug threats in Saint Lucia, enhancing monitoring and rapid response capabilities with support from CICAD. Involving multiple agencies, the EWS aims to safeguard public health and safety by quickly assessing risks associated with New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and other hazardous drugs.

In Oregon, drug possession is a crime again, with Lane County charging around 130 people monthly since Sept. 1. Methamphetamine and fentanyl lead in citations. Lane County launched a drug deflection program on Oct. 18 to reroute offenders to treatment. The program aims to reduce substance abuse, with rising use and public interest. Funding is provided by HB 4002.

Intelligent Bio Solutions Inc. partners with B2i Digital to launch an investor-focused marketing campaign for its patented, non-invasive drug screening technology, set to enter the US market in 2025.

In Singapore, harsh drug laws lead to forced rehab in austere conditions for users like Kim, who faces trafficking charges. The Drug Rehabilitation Centre, run by the Prison Service, houses inmates in concrete cells for at least six months, aiming to deter drug use through strict rehabilitation programs. Critics argue the system is inhumane, focusing on shame rather than addressing root causes of addiction.

In a cluster-randomized trial of 67 communities, intervention communities showed a nonsignificant 8% lower overdose death rate and a significant 37% reduction in deaths involving opioids and psychostimulants other than cocaine. These results suggest that community-focused, data-driven interventions with communication campaigns may help reduce some opioid-involved polysubstance overdose deaths.

NDLEA arrests 2 businessmen and a Canadian nurse for drug trafficking at MMIA, Lagos. NDLEA intercepts N7 billion worth of opioids at seaports. A meth lab and precursor chemicals are seized in Lagos. NDLEA launches new Marine Command HQ in Lagos to combat drug trafficking.

Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, Chelsea, faces felony child neglect and drug possession charges. Chelsea, arrested in Wisconsin, has a history of addiction, and Rosie expresses hope for her recovery. Chelsea's 11-month-old son was placed under care after her arrest.

Online pharmacies pose risks as DEA warns of pills laced with fentanyl and meth sold as legitimate meds. Many are based in India and the Dominican Republic, deceiving customers into buying counterfeit drugs. DEA's Operation Press Your Luck targets these illegal operations, highlighting the dangers of fake pills leading to addiction and death. Consumers should be vigilant, looking for red flags such as low prices, foreign currency, broken seals, and sites without valid prescriptions or licenses.

Fiji Police Force reports daily arrests for unlawful drug possession, mostly marijuana, with suspects mainly in their 20s and 30s. Recent seizures include substantial amounts from searches, raids, and farms. Methamphetamine cases also noted. Increased public awareness programs and emphasis on maintaining public trust in the drug war.

After Oregon recriminalized drug possession, Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Gomez arrested a man for misdemeanor drug possession. While some counties like Lane plan to use a 'deflection' program to send offenders to treatment instead of court, Douglas County opted out, planning to enforce stricter penalties. Sheriff John Hanlin believes in the justice system's ability to turn lives around, contrasting with Lane County's approach focusing on treatment over punishment.