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Synthetic Drug Awareness. BLUF. Consistent 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
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Synthetic Drug Awareness
BLUF • Consistent 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
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 LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO
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
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 LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO
Effects Users Have Reported to ERs with Numerous Side Effects Numbness or Tingling Vomiting Loss of Consciousness / Non-Responsive Agitation Anxiety • Elevated Blood Pressure • Hallucinations • Tremors and Seizures • Tachycardia • Flushed Skin • Excessive Sweating Users often report a PCP-like “separation from consciousness” LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO
Effects Rapid Onset of Psychoactive and Negative Health Effects • Hospitalizations • Public Safety Issues • DUIDs • Violent Episodes • Intoxication • Other Criminal Offenses LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO
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 Idrug status LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO
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
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 LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO
MCPON Public Service Announcement LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO