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Canada Admits it's a Top Ecstasy Supplier
Ooooohhhhhhh Canada...
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OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada is one of the top three world suppliers of the psychedelic drug ecstasy, and a significant supplier of marijuana to the United States, the government admitted on Friday.
A survey of organized crime by Criminal Intelligence Services Canada found that Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium were the primary sources of ecstasy, an illegal drug that's popular at clubs, raves and rock concerts.
"Canada continues to be a major producer for both domestic and international markets, exporting significant quantities primarily to the U.S. and to a lesser extent, Japan, Australia and New Zealand," the report said.
Echoing U.S. concern, it noted ecstasy was now being made with larger quantities of the more-addictive methamphetamine, or meth, than was the case in the past, making the drug more dangerous.
The annual report said organized crime was involved extensively at all levels of producing, distributing and exporting Canadian marijuana.
But it noted that Canadian marijuana met only "a small proportion" of U.S. supply, compared to domestic U.S. production and drugs imported from Mexico.
Police figures estimate that Canada produces as much as 3,500 tons of marijuana a year, most of it grown in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. But the 2006 report said marijuana seizures had fallen since 2003, in part because growers have exported their "technical expertise" to set up grow-ops in the Unites States.
Friday's latest report, compiled with the assistance of law enforcement agencies across the country, also estimated that 22 percent of all cigarettes smoked in Canada are illegal, perhaps smuggled into the country to avoid heavy excise duties. Ooooohhhhhhh Canada... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ... more -
US Office star faces drug charges
Craig Phillip Robinson has been charged with drug offenses, after being arrested in Culver City, California on Friday.
Mr Robinson, who plays Darryl Philbin, faces two drug possession charges and is also accused of being under the influence of illegal drugs.
The actor is alleged to have been in possession of MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and methamphetamine.
He was released on bail and is due to appear in court on 21 August.
The actor's publicist declined to comment when contacted by the Associated Press news agency on Friday.
Mr Robinson's character Philbin in The Office is a warehouse foreman. The show that stars Steve Carell is the US version of Ricky Gervais's smash hit UK series. Craig Phillip Robinson has been charged with drug offenses, after being arrested in Culver City, California on Friday. ... more -
More young people end up in hospital as price of heroin and cocaine falls
The drugs are getting cheaper, so we're taking of it. Economies of scale never tasted so good.
The figures, from the NHS Information Centre, show that 1,241 under-16s were taken to hospital for drug-related illness in 2006-07, up from 868 in 1996-97. The number of 16 to 24-year-olds receiving hospital treatment increased from 8,518 to 9,657, a rise of 13 per cent over the same period. According to the British Crime Survey, published last October, more than three million people in England aged 16 to 59 admitted having used some kind of illegal drug in the previous year. The drugs are getting cheaper, so we're taking of it. Economies of scale never tasted so good. ... more -
Drugs will be 'legal in 10 years'
"The legalisation of all drugs is "inevitable", according to the Chief Constable of North Wales.
Richard Brunstrom, who has campaigned for drugs like heroin to be made legal, says he believes the move towards decriminalisation is "10 years away".
The chief constable said repealing the Misuse of Drugs Act would destroy a major source of organised crime.
He also said he thinks ecstasy is safer than aspirin. Drugs charity DrugScope said legalisation is "unlikely".
Speaking on the BBC's Today programme, the controversial chief constable acknowledged that his was a minority view, but he said attitudes were changing.
"I'm certainly out of step with the majority of senior police officers, but not all of them," he said.
"But in terms of society, public attitudes change quite rapidly and you need look no further than drinking and driving: in the space of my lifetime drinking and driving has gone from being socially acceptable, almost the norm, to being socially unacceptable.
"I think that the legalisation and subsequent regulation of proscribed drugs is now inevitable, and I think it's ten years away, not ten months away."
He went on: "It has already happened in for instance Portugal, a full member of the European Union, decriminalised under the existing international treaties.
"The same sort of thing is being talked about across the world."
He said levels of drug misuse across the country might be falling because of better treatment programmes, but the problem was still acute.
'Prohibition doesn't work'
"We're still causing something like £20bn worth of damage to our society every year," he said.
"More than half of all recorded crime is caused by people feeding a drugs habit.
"The government wants evidence-based policy; the evidence is very clear that prohibition doesn't work, it can't work, an enforcement-led strategy is making things worse, not better."
Mr Brunstrom was invited onto Radio 4 by three members of Dyfed-Powys Police, who were guest editing the New Year's Day's edition of the programme.
He also said there was a lot of "scaremongering" and "rumour-mongering" about drugs.
"Ecstasy is a remarkably safe substance - it's far safer than aspirin," he said.
"If you look at the government's own research into deaths you'll find that ecstasy, by comparison to many other substances - legal and illegal - it is comparably a safe substance."
A spokesman for DrugScope, the UK's leading independent centre of expertise on drugs, said they believe the legalisation of drugs within the next decade is "unlikely".
"Neither the current government nor the leaders of the other parties show any inclination towards drug law reform in the near future," he said.
"And in fact this government has already suggested its desire and its looking closely at reclassifying cannabis from class C to B."
In October, Mr Brunstrom said drugs laws were out of date and that the police are engaged in a battle which they cannot win.
He said he is now campaigning for drugs to be legalised, and for the class A, B and C system to be scrapped.
The police chief's suggestions were criticised by some politicians." "The legalisation of all drugs is "inevitable", according to the Chief Constable of North Wales. ... more -
now the largest drug bust in history..
its not pot! it is Ecstasy .. 15 million.... well just read it ;)
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Police Hail Biggest Ecstasy Haul
Police and customs officials in Australia are claiming the world's biggest seizure of ecstasy after discovering 4.4 tonnes of the drug hidden in tins of tomatoes.
The haul - worth £197m - had been kept secret as investigators tracked an international drugs gang behind the shipment.
The drugs were discovered in around 3,000 tins shipped into Australia from Italy in June 2007.
Authorities replaced the ecstasy with a harmless substitute and kept the consignment under surveillance.
The operation moved forward when 150kg of cocaine hidden in a coffee bean shipment was discovered in Melbourne two weeks ago.
Now, after a series of dawn raids, 21 people have been arrested around Australia.
Further arrests are expected in several countries across Europe, where related searches have already uncovered large amounts of cash and a cache of firearms.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said the drugs were part of a global syndicate and the seizures would be "a major disruption to transnational organised crime".
He said: "There have been 185,000 telephone intercepts in this operation and there have been 400 members of the AFP deployed to this operation.
"There have also been 10,000 hours of surveillance deployed to this operation to find the perpetrators of this world's largest seizure and importation into our country.
"It is classic organised crime and we have done our best to shut down the syndicate."
However, Keelty said the syndicate was still able to traffic drugs even though it had lost the massive 4.4 tonne shipment, underlining the apparent demand for illicit substances in Australia.
Meanwhile, the investigation also identified a money laundering operation worth more than nine million dollars.
So far, 13 people have been charged with a range of offences in Australia including conspiracy to import ecstasy and precursor chemicals, an Australian Federal Police spokeswoman said. Police and customs officials in Australia are claiming the world's biggest seizure of ecstasy after discovering 4.4 tonnes of the... more -
No partying in Australia this weekend, 15m ecstasy pills seized
Aussie police have reportedly busted a huge international drug ring, seizing the largest haul of ecstasy pills ever.
The cops undertook a year-long surveillance mission before busting a shipping container that arrived in Melbourne carrying 15 million of the disco biscuits.
Sixteen people have been arrested, as well as raids taking place in Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands.
Reports on whether the Australian rave scene has been badly affected are still unconfirmed... Aussie police have reportedly busted a huge international drug ring, seizing the largest haul of ecstasy pills ever. ... more -
Amy Winehouse's dad 'believes her drink was spiked with ecstasy'
Amy Winehouse's father believes her drink was spiked with ecstasy before she was rushed to hospital suffering convulsions, it is claimed.
The singer was taken to University College Hospital after her father, Mitch, found her having a fit in her flat in Camden, north London.
Her spokesman said Winehouse, 24, had suffered a reaction to medication she is taking to help her quit class A drugs.
But Mr Winehouse, 54, reportedly believes his daughter had her drink laced and has raised his suspicions with police.
A source said: "Mitch is furious. He's certain someone put E in Amy's drink - and he's determined to get to the bottom of it.
Ah yes, a flagrant drug addict *accidentally* took a pill. What do you think? Is her father just clutching at straws to defend his daughter? Can you have faith in someone in the throes of addiction to help themselves? Is Amy Winehouse on her way to recovery and an addiction-free life, or is she just as chaotic as ever? Amy Winehouse's father believes her drink was spiked with ecstasy before she was rushed to hospital suffering convulsions, it is ... more -
Ecstasy cure to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
At last the incurably traumatized may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And controversially, ecstasy may be key to taming their demons.
An Ecstasy tablet. That's what it took to make Donna Kilgore feel alive again that and the doctor who prescribed it. As the pill began to take effect, she giggled for the first time in ages. She felt warm and fuzzy, as if she was floating. The anxiety melted away. Gradually, it all became clear: the guilt, the anger, the shame.
Before, she'd been frozen, unable to feel anything but fear for 10 years. Touching her own arms was, she says, "like touching a corpse." She was terrified, unable to respond to her loving husband or rock her baby to sleep. She couldn't drive over bridges for fear of dying, was by turns uncontrollably angry and paralyzed with numbness. When she spoke, she heard her voice as if it were miles away; her head felt detached from her body. "It was like living in a movie but watching myself through the camera lens,"she says. "I wasn't real." At last the incurably traumatized may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And controversially, ecstasy may be key to taming ... more -
Ecstasy is the key to treating PTSD
At last the incurably traumatized may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And controversially, ecstasy may be key to taming their demons. At last the incurably traumatized may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. And controversially, ecstasy may be key to taming ... more
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Broadcom co-founder facing drug and securities charges
SANTA ANA, Calif. - Broadcom Corp. co-founder Henry T. Nicholas III was indicted Thursday on fraud, conspiracy and drug charges — including allegations he spiked the drinks of technology executives and customer representatives with ecstasy and maintained a warehouse for ecstasy, cocaine and methamphetamine.
The charges were contained in two indictments unsealed by federal authorities.
One details the drug accusations and the other charges Nicholas with violations related to improperly accounting for backdating stock options while he led the computer and cell phone chip maker.
That indictment also names Broadcom's former chief financial officer, William J. Ruehle, who faces conspiracy, securities fraud and other charges. He is not charged with drug violations.
Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office, said Nicholas was in custody after turning himself in to FBI agents in Santa Ana.
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Damn, I knew I had to watch my drinks at bars and clubs, but apparently at the Broadcom office too. Yikes! SANTA ANA, Calif. - Broadcom Corp. co-founder Henry T. Nicholas III was indicted Thursday on fraud, conspiracy and drug charges — incl... more -
US: new government-sanctioned experiments shed light on health benefits of MDMA
Post-traumatic stress disorder had destroyed Donna Kilgore's life. Then experimental therapy with MDMA, a psychedelic drug better known as ecstasy, showed her a way out. Was it a fluke - or the future? Post-traumatic stress disorder had destroyed Donna Kilgore's life. Then experimental therapy with MDMA, a psychedelic drug bette... more
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Ecstasy is the 'key to treating PTSD'
An Ecstasy tablet. That’s what it took to make Donna Kilgore feel alive again – that and the doctor who prescribed it. As the pill began to take effect, she giggled for the first time in ages. She felt warm and fuzzy, as if she was floating. The anxiety melted away. Gradually, it all became clear: the guilt, the anger, the shame.
Before, she’d been frozen, unable to feel anything but fear for 10 years. Touching her own arms was, she says, “like touching a corpse”. She was terrified, unable to respond to her loving husband or rock her baby to sleep. She couldn’t drive over bridges for fear of dying, was by turns uncontrollably angry and paralysed with numbness. When she spoke, she heard her voice as if it were miles away; her head felt detached from her body. “It was like living in a movie but watching myself through the camera lens,” she says. “I wasn’t real.”
Unknowingly, Donna, now 39, had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And she would become the first subject in a pioneering American research programme to test the effects of MDMA – otherwise known as the dancefloor drug Ecstasy – on PTSD sufferers.
Credit: TimesOnline.co.uk An Ecstasy tablet. That’s what it took to make Donna Kilgore feel alive again – that and the doctor who prescribed it. As the pill beg... more -
School dinners with ecstasy
One lunchtime at a Russian school turned into 'a lunatic asylum' after their school dinner was found to have been spiked with ecstasy.
Russian police are reportedly looking into the matter which allegedly saw pupils stripping off, climbing walls (literally), and laying on the floor laughing.
Beats lumpy custard I guess. One lunchtime at a Russian school turned into 'a lunatic asylum' after their school dinner was found to have been spiked wi... more -
Ecstasy is the key to treating PTSD
I find this interesting, because PTSD is common in trauma vicitms from accidents, war, marriage, and other unpleasant experiences people go through. Medical use could be around the corner. I find this interesting, because PTSD is common in trauma vicitms from accidents, war, marriage, and other unpleasant experiences peop... more
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Anti-ecstasy antibodies coming soon?
According to reports, researchers have applied for a patent on antibodies that bind to methamphetamine-like compounds such as Ecstasy to quickly remove the drug from a user's bloodstream.
University of Arkansas scientists have developed the antibodies that could eventually be used to prevent some of the drugs' side effects before they occur.
"The team have not yet tested the antibodies in humans, only in rats, but they say that a single injection can reduce the level of drug within the bloodstream for several days. By binding to drug molecules, the antibodies prevent them from reaching tissues like the heart and brain, and mark the compounds for clean up by the body." According to reports, researchers have applied for a patent on antibodies that bind to methamphetamine-like compounds such as Ecstasy ... more -
All About E
After chief constable Richard Brunstrom said that Ecstasy is "far safer than aspirin," the debate about the legalisation of drugs has been reignited. Anti-drugs groups criticized him for being unsympathetic and misinformed, some calling on him to resign. Others criticized him for making a simple soundbite on a complex issue, causing a publicity storm rather than opening up a reasoned, informed debate. And so we begin one here. This article from the independent gives a breakdown of Mr Brunstrom's comments as well as provides answers, though not definitive, on some of the most pressing questions: How dangerous is Ecstacy, and is there a case to review its legal status?
What are your thoughts? After chief constable Richard Brunstrom said that Ecstasy is "far safer than aspirin," the debate about the legalisation of ... more -
'Ecstasy Is Safer Than Aspirin' Says Police Chief
The Welsh police chief Richard Brunstrom who called for the legalisation of all drugs a few months back is keeping up his anti-prohibition campaign, and believes that the legalisation of all drugs withing 10 years is inevitable. He also claims "Ecstasy is a remarkably safe substance, far safer than aspirin. It is far less dangerous than tobacco or alcohol, both of which are freely available."
Now, I'm no scientist or doctor, but I'm pretty sure aspirin is a bit safer than E. However, I do find Mr. Brunstrom's perspective on decriminalisation an interesting and progressive one that I would argue could alleviate a lot of drug crime and allow for a reallocation of resources and people to reduce drug abuse instead. The Welsh police chief Richard Brunstrom who called for the legalisation of all drugs a few months back is keeping up his anti-prohibi... more -
The War, On Drugs.
People are fighting the war on drugs... literally. Dishonorable discharges because of failed drugs tests have increased. The Army is dismissing the equivalent of almost a battalion of soldiers every year for taking drugs. The Royal United Services Institute said the number of positive tests for illegal drugs, like cocaine, ecstasy and heroin, rose from 517 in 2003 to 769 last year. People are fighting the war on drugs... literally. Dishonorable discharges because of failed drugs tests have increased. The Army is d... more
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Government Adviser: Club Drug Ecstasy Should Be Downgraded
A year-long panel discussion has called for club drug ecstasy and LSD to be downgraded from Class A to Class B.
Professor David Nutt (how appropriate, I think), "said grouping the drugs with others in Class A, like heroin, was an "anomaly". " A year-long panel discussion has called for club drug ecstasy and LSD to be downgraded from Class A to Class B. ... more
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Ecstasy
