synthetic drug awareness. law enforcement sensitive/fouo2 bluf consistent trend in use across don ...
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Synthetic DrugSynthetic DrugAwarenessAwareness
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 2
BLUFConsistent trend in use across DoN
CONUS / OCONUS
Navy / Marine Corps
Similar trend – Army /Air Force
No anticipation of decline in 2011
Threat to Operational Readiness and Warfighter
Coordinated effort required to mitigate threat by: Law enforcement
Prevent / Reduce / Eliminate use
Legal
Hold users Accountable
Command Leadership
Increase Awareness of negative impact / effects
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 3
Spice Mixture of natural herbs and synthetic cannabinoids
Sold as incense Smoked for marijuana-like effects
Natural herbs baybean, blue lotus, lion’s tail, lousewort, indian warrior, dwarf skullcap,
pink lotus, red clover etc… sprayed with synthetic cannabinoid before packaging for commercial sale
Synthetic cannabinoids Provide THC-like effect
“High” ranges 4 to100 times more potent up to 12 hours duration
Impair coordination & memory
Spice
Availability Sold as incense, potpourri, herbal room freshener Labeled “Not for Human Consumption” Convenience stores, gas stations, smoke shops,
head shops, liquor stores, on-line
Common Brands Spice, K2, Genie, Red Dragon, Scale, Yucatan Fire, Zohai (several more) Different brands = different synthetic compounds = different effects
Price $10 - $90 per gram Determined by locale / availability
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 4
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 5
Effects
Marijuana-like “high” Decreased motor skills / impaired coordination Impaired concentration / short-term memory / senses Increased heart rate / blood pressure
Unpredictable Combine use with alcohol Strength of synthetic chemical used
Chemical blends continuously manipulated Maintain legal status No oversight / regulation over manufacturing process
Effects
Users Have Reported to ERs with Numerous Side Effects
Elevated Blood Pressure Hallucinations Tremors and Seizures Tachycardia Flushed Skin Excessive Sweating
Numbness or Tingling Vomiting Loss of Consciousness / Non-
Responsive Agitation Anxiety
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 6
Users often report a PCP-like “separation from consciousness”
Effects
Rapid Onset of Psychoactive and Negative Health Effects
Hospitalizations Public Safety Issues DUIDs Violent Episodes Intoxication Other Criminal Offenses
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 7
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 8
Prohibitions
SECNAVINST 5300.28D
NAVADMIN 108/10 (25Mar10)
Marine Corps Order 5300.9
State action Nineteen states have passed laws banning possession, use, manufacture,
distribution
Federal action 01Mar11– DEA issued a final order reclassifying 5 chemical compounds used in
synthetic cannabinoids Temporary Schedule I drug status
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 9
Challenges
Continuous manipulation of chemical compounds
Ease of purchase / concealment
No field test
No DoD / DoN urinalysis screening Cost / time to develop
Limited knowledge of long-term health risks
One of many “synthetic”, “imitation” or “designer” drugs
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 10
NCIS Response
Special Agents corroborate commercial spice suppliers & local commanders place establishments off limits
Undercover operations w/ DON personnel Buy walks, buy bust Reverse sting operations
Over 100 cases presented for prosecution
MCPON Public Service Announcement
LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 11