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Synthetic drugs have attention and concern of law enforcement
The recent theft of a quantity of the synthetic drug collectively called K-2 from a Phillips 66 station near the state line has cast a light on an increasing problem in Vernon County, Nevada and the entire state of Missouri; however, some information published in the original story May 30 was incorrect.
Thieves did not steal the estimated 70 packets of the legal "incense" or "pot pourri" during a break at what this reporter mistakenly identified in a May 30 story as Emery's Conoco Truck Plaza on U.S. Highway 54 in Deerfield. Emery's owner Kenna Clements said she never has sold that product and never will. The packets of synthetic drug and other items were stolen from a facility near the Kansas-Missouri state line, Deerfield Phillips 66, 1157 Old Town Road.
The theft of the product serves to highlight the growing nature of the problem the substance is creating for law enforcement officials across the state. Originally marketed as K-2, the product was banned and is now illegal in Missouri and several other states, but the manufacturers keep changing the formula of the substance sprayed on the plant matter. It is said to induce a high like marijuana, but does not contain anything illegal. Manufacturers cover themselves by putting disclaimers on the packages. "It's packaged for one purpose," Peckman said, but they know it's being used for another."
The United States Food and Drug Administration cannot regulate the substance, since it is not for human consumption, so there is virtually no control on its production and distribution. Use and abuse of such substances have been on the rise and the effects of the drug can be dramatic and sometimes lethal. Several deaths have been blamed on its use and some of them among very young people.
The severity of the problem can be found as close as the Vernon County Jail. Jail administrator Mike Buehler said, "it's bad stuff," and he estimates there are about two dozen prisoners a month who come into the jail that are under the influence of one of the many brands of the drug. Some come in under its influence that aren't that obvious. Regardless of whether jailers know it or not, they can be hard to handle.
Peckman said, "We have our share of horror stories right here in the jail."
One prisoner had to be placed on lockdown for weeks. A medical detoxification program was ineffective and the man got so paranoid he thought everyone in the jail was trying to kill him. He thought his food was poisoned, and believed his medication was poisoned. He thought there were cameras everywhere -- even where they aren't.
Paranoia is just one symptom. Extremely violent and aggressive behavior also is common in people who have been smoking the substance, as are hallucinations. Health problems, according to the jail health care provider, include increased heart rate, elevated core body temperature and seizures. And these things can sometimes "come out of the blue," well after they have ingested the substance, she said.
Peckman met Wednesday with members of the Ministerial Alliance who work with his office and discussed the problem with them.
All agreed that the growing problem needs to be addressed in the community and that as clergy, they could take that message to their churches, make their community outreach workers aware and spread the word out to the community. There was talk of a boycott of the businesses that sell the products.
Peckman said, "We're just asking for help, whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated."