Two drugs currently used to treat heroin and prescription painkiller addiction may work together to fight cocaine as well without causing dependence themselves, according to a new study in rats. A clinical trial in humans is currently enrolling patients, and if future research is successful, the new drug combination buprenorphine plus naltrexone could be the first medication developed for the treatment of cocaine addiction. The drug would likely work for methamphetamine and other stimulant addictions, too. The new research originated with Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, who asked George Koob of the Scripps Institute in California to lead the study. I had been intrigued by the clinical trials showing that when you use buprenorphine, use of cocaine goes down significantly, says Volkow, referring to previous studies of people with heroin addiction who reduced their use of cocaine while being treated with buprenorphine. But buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) is an opioid, which means that it can cause physical dependence and has the potential for misuse. So, for people who use cocaine but arent already addicted to heroin or a similar drug, buprenorphine could make their problem worse. The last thing addiction treatment providers want to do … Continue reading →

A yearlong investigation into one of Anaheim oldest street gangs has resulted in the arrests of 49 people and the seizure of dozens of firearms and 11 pounds of crystal meth, authorities announced Friday. The investigation, dubbed Operation Halo, involved more than 250 law enforcement officers who fanned out across Orange County and part of Los Angeles in the sweep, officials said. The probe was aimed at Eastside Anaheim, a gang that police said is deeply rooted in the city. Of the 49 people arrested, authorities said, 11 were identified at career criminals and documented gang members. Anaheim Police Chief John Welter said at a news conference that members of Eastside Anaheim have successfully manipulated the community by persuading residents to mistrust the police and gang-intervention officers. "If criminals realize residents are afraid of us, they exploit that," he said. The arrests come after a series of street protests and general unrestin Anaheim that grew out of community anger over the fatal police shootings of two Latino men in Anaheim. Both the crime rate and the number of officer-involved shootings have increased markedly this year in Orange County's largest city. Welter would neither confirm nor deny that one of the … Continue reading →

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Etsy has become the go-to spot for homemade jewelry, knickknacks and household goods. But apparently, some have been using the online marketplace to sell everything from drugs to human remains. Now Etsy is cracking down. The online marketplace recently revised its policies, excluding from its list of sellable items such products as tobacco, hazardous materials and body parts (hair and teeth are still OK). "Though odd as it may sound, we've spent long hours over the past several months extensively researching some offbeat and fascinating topics, from issues surrounding the sale of human bones to the corrosive and toxic properties of mercury," the company wrote on its official blog on Wednesday. Etsy says the changes are made in order to comply with legal rules and restrictions. "But beyond that, when it comes right down to it, some things just aren't in the spirit of Etsy," the online company wrote. "While we understand that it is possible for certain items to be carefully and legally bought and sold, Etsy is just not the right venue for them." Related story: Etsy's secret? The "Cult of Me" The new policy prohibits the sale of human body parts, including but … Continue reading →

10 August 2012 Last updated at 11:21 ET Two people have appeared in court charged with drugs offences after police raids in Limavady on Thursday in which seven houses were searched. Dean McDaid, 32, and Laura Forrest, 21, both of Glenbank Walk in Limavady were charged with possessing mephedrone with intent to supply on 9 August. Both were also charged with possessing cannabis and Ms Forrest with possessing Diazapam on the same date. The court was told several other people were arrested during the raids. A prosecution lawyer told Londonderry Magistrates Court police had entered the defendants' house and found them both in bed with a mat with white powder and a rolled up 5 note on it. They also found a quantity of cannabis, two sets of scales, 100 gms of white powder, a bag marked not fit for human consumption and small plastic bags. Police also seized a mobile phone and two SIM cards. Ms Forrest told police she had bought the white powder from a website and believed it to be a legal high. She said the scales were for cooking and weighing jewellery for selling. Read this article: Two face court after drugs raids … Continue reading →

Etsy has become the go-to spot for homemade jewelry, knickknacks and household goods. But apparently, some have been using the online marketplace to sell everything from drugs to human remains. Now Etsy is cracking down. The online marketplace recently revised its policies, excluding from its list of sellable items such products as tobacco, hazardous materials and body parts (hair and teeth are still OK). "Though odd as it may sound, we've spent long hours over the past several months extensively researching some offbeat and fascinating topics, from issues surrounding the sale of human bones to the corrosive and toxic properties of mercury," the company wrote on its official blog on Wednesday. Etsy says the changes are made in order to comply with legal rules and restrictions. "But beyond that, when it comes right down to it, some things just aren't in the spirit of Etsy," the online company wrote. "While we understand that it is possible for certain items to be carefully and legally bought and sold, Etsy is just not the right venue for them." Related story: Etsy's secret The "Cult of Me" Related story: Etsy's secret? The "Cult of Me" The new policy prohibits the sale of human … Continue reading →

Tom Fedor/The Gazette Potpourri being sold by the name "spice" is pictured at Classic Cigars & British Goodies on Monday afternoon, November 14, 2011, in Frederick, MD. The sale of designer drugs in Frederick may be illegal in the next few months, thanks to new federal legislation and a possible city ordinance prohibiting the sale of bath salts and synthetic marijuana. Federal legislation that goes into effect in Oct. 1 is designed to help authorities combat an ever-changing list of chemicals that keeps manufacturers one step ahead of the law, according to Capt.Tom Ledwell of the Frederick Police Department. The federal law is part of a broader measure targeting many more chemical compounds than a law passed last year. Two bath salt chemicals, mephedrone and MDPV, were banned last October. Health and law-enforcement officials say the drugs lead to bizarre behavior and health problems. Stemming the tide of such drugs will take a multifaceted effort that may also include a new local law, Ledwell said. Frederick police have identified six businesses in the city that sell the designer drugs, four of them on Market Street, but suspect there are more. None of the businesses is currently selling anything illegal, according … Continue reading →

Drugs with a street value of more than $2 million, $500,000 in cash, guns and two snakes were seized in 36 raids across southeast Queensland, according to police. A major drug operation has been closed after 29 people were charged with 101 offences as a result of the raids which were part of Operation Ice Sandal. Detectives from State Crime Operations Command, Logan District and South Region executed 36 search warrants yesterday across Ormeau, Mt Warren Park, Beenleigh, Wynnum, Cornubia, Thorneside, Eagleby, Capalaba, Boronia Heights, Upper Mt Gravatt, Coorparoo and Hillcrest. About $500,000 in cash was seized along with methylamphetamines, cannabis plants in a hydroponic set up, an illicit drug laboratory, various quantities of other drugs including GBH, ecstasy and steroids. Firearms, stun guns, ammunition and two snakes were also netted in the raids. Advertisement Four people, including a 28-year-old Bethania man, a 35-year-old Belivah man, a 31-year-old Eagleby man and a 23-year-old Windaroo man, were charged with trafficking dangerous drugs. The other charges include: View original post here: Drugs, cash, guns and snakes seized in major police operation … Continue reading →