I hope you all have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with your families. I sure have, which is why there have been fewer posts than normal lately.
Families are such a blessing, but methamphetamine can destroy so much of these blessings. The Denver Post reports that in Colorado 80 percent of the cases where authorities consider taking children from their parents involve the drug.
The same article (here) details the heartbreak that comes when a meth-addicted parent abandons a child. It's an excellent story and I hope you'll click-through and read it all. Here's a preview:
Before she left, 18-year-old Samantha Zeller stole across the silence of a suburban home and taped a note to her mother's bedroom door.
"I love you, don't worry," she wrote. When Rhonda Zeller awoke, she found her daughter had left something else behind: her 1-year-old son.
Samantha reappeared the day he turned 2, only to walk out again while the birthday boy cried for his mother to stay.
Each time she left, he would stand at the door screaming, "Mommy, no, don't go, please don't go." She would go anyway.
"That's when I knew how horrible this drug must be," Rhonda said. "She loved him more than life."
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Another Ecstasy Death
Schoolboy Ben Hennessy died when his temperature rocketed to 108 Degrees and he suffered a massive fit after taking ecstasy. The 15-year-old was found shouting, sweating and lashing out in his grandparents' garden in St Albans, Herts, last July and died in hospital.
Just a week earlier, an anti-drugs film he had written and directed as part of a government initiative to warn kids of the dangers of drugs had been shown at his local cinema. An inquest earlier this year was told he and a pal had decided to try ecstasy tablets "for a laugh". Other pupils at Townsend Church of England School were devastated by his horrific death.
It's so sad. There are no "laughs" with Ecstasy. The story reminds me of Cathy's Story in my film. Cathy had quit all drugs for three years, then decided to take Ecstasy "one last time" for her Senior Prom. It was a fatal decision.
Just a week earlier, an anti-drugs film he had written and directed as part of a government initiative to warn kids of the dangers of drugs had been shown at his local cinema. An inquest earlier this year was told he and a pal had decided to try ecstasy tablets "for a laugh". Other pupils at Townsend Church of England School were devastated by his horrific death.
It's so sad. There are no "laughs" with Ecstasy. The story reminds me of Cathy's Story in my film. Cathy had quit all drugs for three years, then decided to take Ecstasy "one last time" for her Senior Prom. It was a fatal decision.
GHB Awareness Growing in Canada
Here's a good summary of what's wrong with GHB, from The Vancouver Province newspaper in British Columbia
'A perfect drug' for a predator: GHB often carried in Visine bottle or lens container to parties
December 14, 2004
GHB sells on the street for between $10 and $25 for 10 millilitres and usually comes in a small plastic container. Some people bring the undiluted drug to nightclubs in a Visine bottle, or contact lens container, to evade security, said Const. Scott Rintoul, the RCMP's drug awareness officer.
He estimates three teaspoons of undiluted GHB would make someone pass out for up to eight hours.
"From a predator's point of view, it remains a perfect drug," he said. "I had a girl in my office recently who was drugged with GHB at a work party and another girl who became nauseous after her third glass of wine at a busy restaurant and went home and passed out. She went to the doctor the next morning and was definitely drugged." [In my film, ER physician Mike Ritter points out that if someone can't stand up after a dring, they've been drugged and need to be rushed to the nearest hospital.]
GHB is highly addictive and the withdrawal process is similar to heroin withdrawal. [Actually, it's worse. Many have died from GHB withdrawal, so addicts need to find a medical expert who knows how to detox them.] The drug was developed in the 1940s as an anesthetic but failed to impress the medical community. ... While the RCMP doesn't have statistics on GHB deaths in Canada, Rintoul said there are dozens of recorded GHB overdose deaths in the U.S.
'A perfect drug' for a predator: GHB often carried in Visine bottle or lens container to parties
December 14, 2004
GHB sells on the street for between $10 and $25 for 10 millilitres and usually comes in a small plastic container. Some people bring the undiluted drug to nightclubs in a Visine bottle, or contact lens container, to evade security, said Const. Scott Rintoul, the RCMP's drug awareness officer.
He estimates three teaspoons of undiluted GHB would make someone pass out for up to eight hours.
"From a predator's point of view, it remains a perfect drug," he said. "I had a girl in my office recently who was drugged with GHB at a work party and another girl who became nauseous after her third glass of wine at a busy restaurant and went home and passed out. She went to the doctor the next morning and was definitely drugged." [In my film, ER physician Mike Ritter points out that if someone can't stand up after a dring, they've been drugged and need to be rushed to the nearest hospital.]
GHB is highly addictive and the withdrawal process is similar to heroin withdrawal. [Actually, it's worse. Many have died from GHB withdrawal, so addicts need to find a medical expert who knows how to detox them.] The drug was developed in the 1940s as an anesthetic but failed to impress the medical community. ... While the RCMP doesn't have statistics on GHB deaths in Canada, Rintoul said there are dozens of recorded GHB overdose deaths in the U.S.
3-Year-Old Nearly Dies from GHB
I just don't know what to add to this one. This is from the Toronto Globe and Mail; if you want the whole story, go here (fee required):
VANCOUVER, British Columbia - A 3-year old girl had a narrow brush with death after she drank from her father's water bottle that contained GHB, a popular date-rape drug also used for sexual highs. The father told police and ambulance personnel that he brought the bottle home from a party the night before. He was charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
"This is not something we see very often," said Vancouver police Constable Anne Drennan. "It was incredibly irresponsible."
VANCOUVER, British Columbia - A 3-year old girl had a narrow brush with death after she drank from her father's water bottle that contained GHB, a popular date-rape drug also used for sexual highs. The father told police and ambulance personnel that he brought the bottle home from a party the night before. He was charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
"This is not something we see very often," said Vancouver police Constable Anne Drennan. "It was incredibly irresponsible."
Oxycontin Death in Charlotte
Winston Kiser didn't live to enjoy his 18th birthday. The prescription pain drug oxycontin and alcohol killed him. Here's a link to the story, from the Charlotte Observer by reporter Lena Warmack. Please read it.
My heart goes out to Winston's parents, who like the parents profiled in my film, are now trying to reach out parents and kids so that Winston's death can help others, and stand for something.
I hope to cover the dangers of prescription drug abuse in my next film, which will be financed by sales of my current film. Parents really need to talk to their kids about the dangers of these drugs. Please, parents, make it your New Years resolution to have a meaningful talk with your kids about drugs before it's too late. To help you, I've just posted a guide to having a successful drug talk on my Web site. (here)
My heart goes out to Winston's parents, who like the parents profiled in my film, are now trying to reach out parents and kids so that Winston's death can help others, and stand for something.
I hope to cover the dangers of prescription drug abuse in my next film, which will be financed by sales of my current film. Parents really need to talk to their kids about the dangers of these drugs. Please, parents, make it your New Years resolution to have a meaningful talk with your kids about drugs before it's too late. To help you, I've just posted a guide to having a successful drug talk on my Web site. (here)
Life Sentence for Date Rape Use?
The Atlanta Constitution reports that a man faces life in prison for a brutal rape in which he used GHB. The victim easily could have died from the GHB, so a life sentence seems like a good call.
Man faces life for rape of Lawrenceville woman
December 17, 2004
A Jackson man faces up to life in prison for raping a Lawrenceville woman during an after-hours event at Zoo Atlanta. Jason Hopson, 23, is scheduled to be sentenced next month for raping a 21-year-old after the two met at a Q100 radio station party at the zoo June 18.
At trial, Hopson claimed the two had consensual sex, but jurors didn't believe him. Fulton County prosecutor Ash Joshi argued that Hopson met the victim and offered her a drink, which he said may have contained the "date rape" drug.
Joshi said the victim began to lose control of her body and remembered being carried away from the party area by the defendant. The victim said she drifted in and out of consciousness while she was being raped at a restricted area behind a McDonald's restaurant at the zoo.
A zoo employee passed by and saw the defendant pulling up his pants and leaving the area, while the victim remained on the ground motionless, Joshi said. The victim remained unconscious and suffered violent convulsions. She was rushed to a hospital emergency room.
While the victim was at the hospital, Atlanta police arrested Hopson, who hadn't left the party.
The heartlessness of these brutal rapists is astonishing. Imagine drugging and viciously raping a woman, then returning to a party as if nothing had happened.
Man faces life for rape of Lawrenceville woman
December 17, 2004
A Jackson man faces up to life in prison for raping a Lawrenceville woman during an after-hours event at Zoo Atlanta. Jason Hopson, 23, is scheduled to be sentenced next month for raping a 21-year-old after the two met at a Q100 radio station party at the zoo June 18.
At trial, Hopson claimed the two had consensual sex, but jurors didn't believe him. Fulton County prosecutor Ash Joshi argued that Hopson met the victim and offered her a drink, which he said may have contained the "date rape" drug.
Joshi said the victim began to lose control of her body and remembered being carried away from the party area by the defendant. The victim said she drifted in and out of consciousness while she was being raped at a restricted area behind a McDonald's restaurant at the zoo.
A zoo employee passed by and saw the defendant pulling up his pants and leaving the area, while the victim remained on the ground motionless, Joshi said. The victim remained unconscious and suffered violent convulsions. She was rushed to a hospital emergency room.
While the victim was at the hospital, Atlanta police arrested Hopson, who hadn't left the party.
The heartlessness of these brutal rapists is astonishing. Imagine drugging and viciously raping a woman, then returning to a party as if nothing had happened.
Ecstasy Sends Six to ER in England
I continue to worry that prevalent Ecstasy use in Europe and Australia will spread to the US. It's stories like this that worry me, from Lancaster, England:
Police vow to catch drug dealers
December 18, 2004
POLICE today vowed to track down the drug dealers targeting teenagers with killer drug ecstasy. Education bosses have pledged to work with the teachers and police officers after six pupils at Witton Park High School business and enterprise college ... were taken to hospital after taking ecstasy.
Ambulance crews called to deal with the six -- who spent a night in hospital before being released on Wednesday -- informed police whose investigation led to two 14-year-old girls being arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs. A quantity of tablets were seized at the school.
Police vow to catch drug dealers
December 18, 2004
POLICE today vowed to track down the drug dealers targeting teenagers with killer drug ecstasy. Education bosses have pledged to work with the teachers and police officers after six pupils at Witton Park High School business and enterprise college ... were taken to hospital after taking ecstasy.
Ambulance crews called to deal with the six -- who spent a night in hospital before being released on Wednesday -- informed police whose investigation led to two 14-year-old girls being arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs. A quantity of tablets were seized at the school.
Yikes!
In an interview in The (Sydney, Australia) Daily Telegraph, actor Colin Farrell details his weekly drug use when he was 17:
Last year Farrell hinted about this other side in an interview with a British magazine in which he spoke about a visit to a psychologist as a 17-year-old.
"I ended up on a shrink's couch and he told me to write down how much I did in a week," Farrell said in the interview. "Twenty E's [Ecstasy pills], four grams of coke, six of speed, half an ounce of hash, three bottles of Jack Daniels, 12 bottles of red wine, 60 pints [of beer] and 280 [cigarettes]. He looked at me and said 'No wonder you're depressed'.
Unfortunately, the article never mentions whether Farrell has sworn off his dangerous ways. It's a shame the article ran as it did, because it does little to discourage fans from following Farrell's dangerous path.
Last year Farrell hinted about this other side in an interview with a British magazine in which he spoke about a visit to a psychologist as a 17-year-old.
"I ended up on a shrink's couch and he told me to write down how much I did in a week," Farrell said in the interview. "Twenty E's [Ecstasy pills], four grams of coke, six of speed, half an ounce of hash, three bottles of Jack Daniels, 12 bottles of red wine, 60 pints [of beer] and 280 [cigarettes]. He looked at me and said 'No wonder you're depressed'.
Unfortunately, the article never mentions whether Farrell has sworn off his dangerous ways. It's a shame the article ran as it did, because it does little to discourage fans from following Farrell's dangerous path.
Open Dealing Promotes Ecstasy Use
Ecstasy use is so prevalent in some areas that it's as easy to buy as a Bacardi or a Bud at bars and clubs that are popular with the urban young. From The Canadian Press in British Columbia:
Victoria nightclub sting yields cocaine and ecstasy, police arrest 16
December 18, 2004
Undercover police had no problem buying cocaine and ecstasy at five downtown Victoria clubs in a recent sting operation. They were even directed to drug dealers by bouncers and bar staff, said project co-ordinator Sgt. Les Sylven.
Police rounded up alleged dealers Friday after an 11-day undercover operation resulted in warrants for the arrest of 16 people for trafficking in controlled substances, Sylven said.
"Our operators, pretty much every time they walked into a bar, they were walking out with cocaine or ecstasy,'' Sylven said.
Victoria nightclub sting yields cocaine and ecstasy, police arrest 16
December 18, 2004
Undercover police had no problem buying cocaine and ecstasy at five downtown Victoria clubs in a recent sting operation. They were even directed to drug dealers by bouncers and bar staff, said project co-ordinator Sgt. Les Sylven.
Police rounded up alleged dealers Friday after an 11-day undercover operation resulted in warrants for the arrest of 16 people for trafficking in controlled substances, Sylven said.
"Our operators, pretty much every time they walked into a bar, they were walking out with cocaine or ecstasy,'' Sylven said.
The Best Prayer ...
I got this prayer from a friend and would like to share it with you:
The Best Prayer I Have Heard in a Long Time
Heavenly Father, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with the homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Amen!
The Best Prayer I Have Heard in a Long Time
Heavenly Father, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with the homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Amen!
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Red Mitsubishi Repackaging Hides PMA
I've heard kids say taking Ecstasy can be less risky if you buy from a dealer you know and trust. Sorry, but people who make a living selling drugs aren't to be trusted. In fact, here's case where the word is getting out that unscrupulous dealers were selling PMA -- much more dangerous than Ecstasy -- as "Red Mistubishis." As sales dropped, rather than dump the dangerous PMA, they simply ground it up and repackaged it.
Sunday Mail
December 5, 2004
RAVE DANGERS;RED MITSUBISHI 'REBADGED'
DOCTORS fear a deadly designer drug responsible for recent deaths is being rebadged by backyard manufacturers to trick users. It is understood drug makers are changing the logo and shade of the dangerous Red Mitsubishi pill so users think they are taking a less potent drug.
Royal Adelaide Hospital research fellow Dr David Caldicott said he was concerned the pills were being "recrushed and sold" as other labels, including a pill with a "Red Crown" logo. He said users were then oblivious to the drug's dangers, which have received widespread media coverage.
"We have spoken to two independent sources, both of whom have expressed concerns this week that Red Mitsubishis have been crushed," Dr Caldicott said.
Sunday Mail
December 5, 2004
RAVE DANGERS;RED MITSUBISHI 'REBADGED'
DOCTORS fear a deadly designer drug responsible for recent deaths is being rebadged by backyard manufacturers to trick users. It is understood drug makers are changing the logo and shade of the dangerous Red Mitsubishi pill so users think they are taking a less potent drug.
Royal Adelaide Hospital research fellow Dr David Caldicott said he was concerned the pills were being "recrushed and sold" as other labels, including a pill with a "Red Crown" logo. He said users were then oblivious to the drug's dangers, which have received widespread media coverage.
"We have spoken to two independent sources, both of whom have expressed concerns this week that Red Mitsubishis have been crushed," Dr Caldicott said.
Anti-Depressants Increase Ecstasy Risk
As prescriptions for anti-depressants increase among young people, this story takes on profound signficance. Ecstasy and anti-depressants, used together, can lead to seratonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
The Advertiser
December 6, 2004
Warning on deadly mixtures
DEPRESSED South Australian teenagers are risking death by mixing prescribed anti-depressant medicine with the illicit drug ecstasy. Most are unaware they are doing it, according to National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre communications manager Paul Dillon.
More than 20,000 South Australians under the age of 20 were prescribed anti-depressants in 2003, Health Insurance Commission figures show. One in 20 teenagers also had used ecstasy in the past 12 months the 2001 National Drug Survey shows.
"There are people who are on anti-depressants who are going out every weekend and using ecstasy and who don't know the risks," Mr Dillon said. He said the combination of the drugs could lead to serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is a toxic condition which can be fatal. Death can occur rapidly. Symptoms include: euphoria, drowsiness, sustained rapid eye movement, overreaction of reflexes, sweating, muscle twitching and high body temperature.
The Advertiser
December 6, 2004
Warning on deadly mixtures
DEPRESSED South Australian teenagers are risking death by mixing prescribed anti-depressant medicine with the illicit drug ecstasy. Most are unaware they are doing it, according to National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre communications manager Paul Dillon.
More than 20,000 South Australians under the age of 20 were prescribed anti-depressants in 2003, Health Insurance Commission figures show. One in 20 teenagers also had used ecstasy in the past 12 months the 2001 National Drug Survey shows.
"There are people who are on anti-depressants who are going out every weekend and using ecstasy and who don't know the risks," Mr Dillon said. He said the combination of the drugs could lead to serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is a toxic condition which can be fatal. Death can occur rapidly. Symptoms include: euphoria, drowsiness, sustained rapid eye movement, overreaction of reflexes, sweating, muscle twitching and high body temperature.
200+ Ecstasy Deaths in UK Since 1996
There have been more than 200 ecstasy related deaths in the UK since 1996, most linked to dehydration as well as liver, kidney and heart problems. Throughout Europe and Australia, Ecstasy deaths keep piling up as well.
Newspapers in England and Australia are full of stories on Ecstasy death, massive Ecstasy use, and huge Ecstasy busts. I believe the European papers are bursting with the same kind of stories, but I just read the English-language ones. And worse, I believe that it's just a matter of time before Ecstasy use will begin to expand dramatically throughout the United States.
There is also no reason to assume that GHB won't become more popular. It is inexpensive, powerful, addictive and could easily become a new crack cocaine.
I made my film to try to forestall this flood, and many others are working hard to do the same. I hope it's enough, but it gets discouraging.
Newspapers in England and Australia are full of stories on Ecstasy death, massive Ecstasy use, and huge Ecstasy busts. I believe the European papers are bursting with the same kind of stories, but I just read the English-language ones. And worse, I believe that it's just a matter of time before Ecstasy use will begin to expand dramatically throughout the United States.
There is also no reason to assume that GHB won't become more popular. It is inexpensive, powerful, addictive and could easily become a new crack cocaine.
I made my film to try to forestall this flood, and many others are working hard to do the same. I hope it's enough, but it gets discouraging.
Hmmmm ...
I wonder if this would deter drug dealers ... (From the Daily Telegraph in Sydney)
Ringleader Phung Duc Thinh, 34, and his five associates Ha Minh Trung, 31; Le Duc Thang, 39; Tran Xuan An, 32; and Nguyen Huynh Hung and Vo Van Hung, both 44, were condemned to death after being convicted of trafficking 33kg of heroin and 1000 tablets of Ecstasy between June 1998 and November 2000, he said.
Ringleader Phung Duc Thinh, 34, and his five associates Ha Minh Trung, 31; Le Duc Thang, 39; Tran Xuan An, 32; and Nguyen Huynh Hung and Vo Van Hung, both 44, were condemned to death after being convicted of trafficking 33kg of heroin and 1000 tablets of Ecstasy between June 1998 and November 2000, he said.
PMA Surfaces in Australia Deaths
Steven Lorenz died when a dealer sold him PMA (peramethoxyamphetamine) as Ecstasy. His temperature sored to 108 degrees, his organs melted, and he died. In my film, his Dad says that when he touched his son's body a few hours later, he was still hot to the touch.
Now, sadly, it's happened again in Australia. If you scroll though the last few week's postings, you'll find several stories about Red Mitsubishi Ecstasy, which is actually PMA and is leaving a trail of death Down Under.
The Advertiser
December 8, 2004
Police find 'death' drug
Police have cracked an organised drug ring in South Australia which is potentially more lethal than even the dealers themselves imagined. Forensic tests have revealed what Adelaide dealers thought was ecstasy is actually PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine) - known on the streets as "Death".
"Now the drug dealers have their own drugs mixed up - it's Russian roulette," Detective Chief Inspector Peter Harvey said yesterday. "The people who were in custody of them believe they are Red Mitsubishi - ecstasy - (but) forensic analysis shows without question they're PMA."
The discovery comes as the life-support system of a man, 19, from Keith was turned off at Flinders Medical Centre yesterday after a drug overdose. His death is suspected to be the result of an overdose of Red Mitsubishi. His body overheated and went into "muscle meltdown" and hospital staff immersed him in ice to reduce his temperature before he was transferred to Adelaide last Monday.
Now, sadly, it's happened again in Australia. If you scroll though the last few week's postings, you'll find several stories about Red Mitsubishi Ecstasy, which is actually PMA and is leaving a trail of death Down Under.
The Advertiser
December 8, 2004
Police find 'death' drug
Police have cracked an organised drug ring in South Australia which is potentially more lethal than even the dealers themselves imagined. Forensic tests have revealed what Adelaide dealers thought was ecstasy is actually PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine) - known on the streets as "Death".
"Now the drug dealers have their own drugs mixed up - it's Russian roulette," Detective Chief Inspector Peter Harvey said yesterday. "The people who were in custody of them believe they are Red Mitsubishi - ecstasy - (but) forensic analysis shows without question they're PMA."
The discovery comes as the life-support system of a man, 19, from Keith was turned off at Flinders Medical Centre yesterday after a drug overdose. His death is suspected to be the result of an overdose of Red Mitsubishi. His body overheated and went into "muscle meltdown" and hospital staff immersed him in ice to reduce his temperature before he was transferred to Adelaide last Monday.
Ecstasy: Try and Die
The victim in this sad story used Ecstasy one time. She didn't have a chance to get addicted, she didn't have a chance to go into recovery. Instead, she died.
Richmond (Virginia) Times Dispatch
December 10, 2004
MAN GETS 19 MONTHS IN FRIEND'S DRUG DEATH
A man who failed to seek medical help for a friend after he gave her the drug Ecstasy was sentenced to 19 months in prison for the woman's death. Jorge E. Aguirre, 22, of Houston, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty in October to involuntary manslaughter and drug distribution.
The former sailor passed out the drugs to his Navy friends in February 2003 and 18-year-old Dominique Womble died from what investigators said was her first experience with the illegal stimulant. Womble became ill during an evening of clubbing, suffering seizures and vomiting, and was found dead the next morning in a motel room the sailors had gotten for the night.
Richmond (Virginia) Times Dispatch
December 10, 2004
MAN GETS 19 MONTHS IN FRIEND'S DRUG DEATH
A man who failed to seek medical help for a friend after he gave her the drug Ecstasy was sentenced to 19 months in prison for the woman's death. Jorge E. Aguirre, 22, of Houston, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty in October to involuntary manslaughter and drug distribution.
The former sailor passed out the drugs to his Navy friends in February 2003 and 18-year-old Dominique Womble died from what investigators said was her first experience with the illegal stimulant. Womble became ill during an evening of clubbing, suffering seizures and vomiting, and was found dead the next morning in a motel room the sailors had gotten for the night.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Lives Ruined by Ecstasy
Ecstasy ruins lives in many ways. When this man graduated from dental school, I doubt he ever thought ecstasy would leave his life in shambles.
The Morning Call (Allentown, PA)
December 4, 2004
Dentist sentenced in Ecstasy ring
A Bangor dentist convicted of participating in what officials call one of the largest Ecstasy rings in the nation will spend up to 41 months in prison. Michael Pacifico, 51, of 371 Farmhouse Road, Bushkill Township, maintained his innocence at his sentencing hearing Friday and criticized the state attorney general's office, which investigated and prosecuted the case.
Pacifico ... asked Northampton County Judge F.P. Kimberly McFadden to overturn the guilty verdicts returned by a jury after trial in September. "In my eyes, I have been ambushed," he said.
McFadden imposed a county prison sentence of 15 to 41 months, fined Pacifico $2,250 and ordered that he perform 100 hours of community service. Pacifico is to begin his prison term Dec. 27. Pacifico will, by state statute, lose his dentistry license for 10 years.
The Morning Call (Allentown, PA)
December 4, 2004
Dentist sentenced in Ecstasy ring
A Bangor dentist convicted of participating in what officials call one of the largest Ecstasy rings in the nation will spend up to 41 months in prison. Michael Pacifico, 51, of 371 Farmhouse Road, Bushkill Township, maintained his innocence at his sentencing hearing Friday and criticized the state attorney general's office, which investigated and prosecuted the case.
Pacifico ... asked Northampton County Judge F.P. Kimberly McFadden to overturn the guilty verdicts returned by a jury after trial in September. "In my eyes, I have been ambushed," he said.
McFadden imposed a county prison sentence of 15 to 41 months, fined Pacifico $2,250 and ordered that he perform 100 hours of community service. Pacifico is to begin his prison term Dec. 27. Pacifico will, by state statute, lose his dentistry license for 10 years.
GHB Date Rapes in Iowa
Creeps are everywhere. Note that one of the victims is a man. Many men don't think they are at risk for date rape. Sales of my film will help support the production of my next film, which will include the story of Kyle, who was murdered by GHB by his college roomate.
From the Telegraph Herald in Platteville, Wisconsin
December 2, 2004
'Date rape' drug use likely; Authorities probe 3 similar incidents in Platteville in the past month'
An investigation into the use of a suspected "date rape" drug is under way in Platteville. Authorities from the Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force and the Platteville Police Department seek the public's help in solving three incidents in the past month.
All three victims, two women and a man all in their early 20s, reported they were drinking at downtown Platteville bars when someone put something in their drink. After regaining their senses several hours later, the victims were very ill and unable to remember a significant period of time.
Sgt. Scott Marquardt, of the Grant and Iowa Drug Task Force, said the two women believe that some type of sexual contact occurred, but had no recollection of the act. "They had no idea if they were raped or if it was consensual," he said. "They had no memory of the incident, but what did come through was that they probably had sex. That's one level of the seriousness."
Another level of seriousness, Marquardt said, is that very high doses of one the "date rape" drugs, GHB (gamma hydroxy butyrate), mixed with alcohol can cause a coma. [Note: Death is also an unintended side effect of GHB.]
From the Telegraph Herald in Platteville, Wisconsin
December 2, 2004
'Date rape' drug use likely; Authorities probe 3 similar incidents in Platteville in the past month'
An investigation into the use of a suspected "date rape" drug is under way in Platteville. Authorities from the Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force and the Platteville Police Department seek the public's help in solving three incidents in the past month.
All three victims, two women and a man all in their early 20s, reported they were drinking at downtown Platteville bars when someone put something in their drink. After regaining their senses several hours later, the victims were very ill and unable to remember a significant period of time.
Sgt. Scott Marquardt, of the Grant and Iowa Drug Task Force, said the two women believe that some type of sexual contact occurred, but had no recollection of the act. "They had no idea if they were raped or if it was consensual," he said. "They had no memory of the incident, but what did come through was that they probably had sex. That's one level of the seriousness."
Another level of seriousness, Marquardt said, is that very high doses of one the "date rape" drugs, GHB (gamma hydroxy butyrate), mixed with alcohol can cause a coma. [Note: Death is also an unintended side effect of GHB.]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
