The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Delhi Police Special Cell have uncovered a clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing lab in Greater Noida, allegedly operated by a Mexican drug cartel. The raid resulted in the seizure of over 95 kg of drugs and the arrest of four individuals, including a Delhi-based businessman and a Tihar Jail warden.
Oregon, the first state to decriminalize possession of small amounts of hard drugs, has reversed course and recriminalized such offenses. The new law, which takes effect on Sunday, offers individuals caught with drugs the option of choosing between a misdemeanor charge or participating in treatment programs. While the legislation aims to address the ongoing drug crisis, critics argue its complexity and inconsistencies could create confusion and disparities.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has apprehended six individuals in Chennai and seized 10.13 kg of methamphetamine worth 50.65 crore, dismantling a major international drug smuggling network with its roots in Dubai. The operation, which involved the arrest of low-level operatives and key figures in the syndicate, highlights the DRI’s success in infiltrating the deeper layers of the drug trafficking operation.
The Punnichy RCMP conducted two separate drug trafficking investigations, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, weapons, and cash. In the first incident, police received a report of potentially armed individuals in a vehicle on the George Gordon First Nation. Officers located the vehicle and seized approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, four grams of fentanyl, a machete, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and a sum of cash. Two men and a woman were arrested. In the second incident, RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Punnichy, seizing approximately 114 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of cocaine, 17 grams of fentanyl, over 100 grams of cannabis, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a crossbow, a throwing star, numerous knives, and a sum of cash. Two individuals were arrested.
A thorough investigation by the FBI has determined that a young Black man, Derontae Martin, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Missouri home in 2021, contrary to initial suspicions of foul play or a hate crime.
The investigation, prompted by questions raised by Martin’s family and a coroner’s inquest, involved extensive evidence gathering and analysis by the FBI. Findings presented to Martin’s relatives in December 2022 indicate that methamphetamines in his system, along with a perceived threat, led to his tragic decision.
The case garnered attention due to the homeowner’s history of racially insensitive social media posts, but the FBI asserts that no evidence supports a connection between those posts and Martin’s death.
A recent study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology compared the behavioral profiles of methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) users. The study found that chronic METH use resulted in deficits in emotional and cognitive empathy, as well as increased aggression, while chronic MDMA use was linked to increased punitive behavior only in response to provocation.
On a freezing January night, Matthew Holland, a 31-year-old energy trader fueled by methamphetamine, embarked on a violent rampage within the Portland Astoria apartment complex. For hours, he tore through the walls, terrorizing neighbors while the police struggled to evacuate residents.
