Metamfetamine

A 55-year-old man, initially identified as Scotty Michaels, was arrested in Pierre, S.D., after providing a fake name during a traffic stop. He admitted to having drug paraphernalia in his vehicle, which tested positive for methamphetamine. Later, it was discovered he was actually Michael Scott Hearon, with multiple warrants out for his arrest. Hearon faces charges including false impersonation, drug possession, and ingestion.

A documentary, 'Bodies for Rent,' follows men who rely on clinical trials for income, highlighting the risks and financial incentives. It traces the shift from prisoner testing to poor people as subjects, and the ethical issues arising from financial motivations to downplay side effects.

Stanton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Johnathan Bauer, 45, and Cheri Thornton, 61, for methamphetamine-related offenses. Bauer had an active arrest warrant and was found with meth and paraphernalia. Thornton was found with a significant amount of prepackaged meth for sale, allegedly to supplement her retirement income. Both were jailed on felony drug charges.

Wastewater monitoring in southern Nevada reveals unique drug use patterns varying by community and season, with increased high-risk substance use and seasonal personal care product changes. Findings suggest wastewater analysis can complement public health tools for tracking substance use influenced by socioeconomic factors.

Two South Korean fugitives, Nam Sundong and Lee Hyunhak, were apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration's Fugitive Search Unit. Nam was arrested in Las Piñas City for setting up gambling places, while Lee was caught in Clark, Pampanga for drug smuggling. Both are under BI custody pending deportation.

Demand for naloxone doubled as stimulant and hallucinogenic users, fearing laced narcotics, sought the drug. Health authorities urge all drug users to carry naloxone due to synthetic opioids in illicit drugs. The Take Home Naloxone program saw a surge in supply, from 110,976 units in 2022-2023 to 243,248 in 2023-2024.

Proposition 36 aims to reverse criminal justice reforms, reinstate long prison sentences for drug possession, and charge third misdemeanor theft as a felony. It claims to address theft, drug abuse, and homelessness, but critics argue it would divert funds from mental health care, gut successful recidivism reduction programs, and fail to provide adequate drug treatment. Proposition 47, a 2014 reform, is unrelated to these issues, and Proposition 36 would not stop current crimes. The measure lacks funding and could exacerbate homelessness. Vote no.

Sean Pepe, 39, of East Haven, sentenced to 5 years in prison for narcotics distribution and firearm possession. Investigation by FBI and DEA found Pepe involved in manufacturing and distributing counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as heroin and cocaine. A search of his home uncovered over 300 counterfeit fentanyl pills, firearms, and $86,000 in cash. Pepe pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy and firearm possession charges.

20 members of a Sandusky drug trafficking operation were charged in a 63-count indictment for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The investigation led to coordinated arrests and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, cash, and firearms. The operation allegedly involved a network of associates and stash houses, with some activities conducted at a local bar. The indictment aims to reduce drug distribution in the Greater Sandusky area.

Rubén Oseguera, son of Mexican drug cartel leader, convicted of using violence, including downing a military helicopter, to aid his father's narcotics trafficking organization. Found guilty of conspiring to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for U.S. importation and using a firearm in a drug conspiracy.