'Bath Salts' Synthetic Drugs Now Illegal

Last week Governor Brewer signed a bill that criminalizes the sale, possession and use of synthetic chemicals known as “Bath Salts.” Until now the “Bath salts” have been sold under various brand names at many local stores.

Gila County Attorney Daisy Flores says creative manufacturers develop alternative components to substances that are not yet illegal and the current system is slow to respond. She says the state is now working to assure that new dangerous synthetic drugs can be addressed as soon as they hit the market.

The effects of “Bath Salts” are similar to amphetamines like ecstacy and cocaine. The new law permanently removes these drugs from retail outlets in Arizona and criminalizes possession and use. An emergency clause allows law enforcement to take immediate steps agianst these substances, even if they are marked “not for human consumption.”

'Dump the Drugs' Event

The Copper Basin Coalition is sponsoring a “Dump the Drugs” event tomorrow (Saturday) in the Fry’s parking lot.

Drop off your unwanted, unused or expired medications from 8:am until Noon.
The event is sponsored in partnership with Fry’s and the Globe Police department.

Federal 'Safe Indian Communities' Initiative Expands to San Carlos Apache Reservation

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced last week that the Safe Indian Communities initiative is being expanded to two more reservations, including the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

Salazar says that the inititive has helped reduce violent crime by 35% on four reservations.in its first two years. The initial goal was to reduce violent crime by at least 5%.

The initiative increases law enforcement presence and training on tribal lands to combat the production and distribution of methamphetamine by organized crime and drug cartels. Government funding is also provided to increase staffing and training for detention centers that are facing an increase in the incarceration of violent offenders.

The violent crime rate on the San Carlos Apache Reservation is ten times the national average.

Drug Awareness Walk on Saturday

Copper Basin Coalition presents a Drug Awareness Walk on Saturday at 8:am. A Dump the Drugs event will be at Fry’s from 8:am until Noon. The purpose of the Walk is to raise awareness of prescription drug abuse.

The Drug Awareness Walk in Globe will begin at the empty lot next to the Dollar Tree store. The Miami Walk begins at the RE Monks parking lot. The two groups will meet at the Little League fields at US 60 and Live Oak.

For more information contact the Copper Basin Coalition at 425-9276.

Copper Basin Coalition Meets Thursday

The Copper Basin Coalition’s monthly meeting is Thursday from 12 until 1:pm at the Chamber of Commerce.

Anyone concerned about youth in the community doing drugs, underage drinking, teen pregnancy, and domestic violence due to substance abuse is invited to attend.

Refreshments will be served.

Second Prescription Drug Take-Back on April 30

On Saturday, April 30, the US Drug Enforcement Administration will partner with state and local law enforcement agencies for the second National Prescription Drug Take-Back. The purpose of the event is to help consumers clean out their medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous expired, used, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Last September, Arizonans turned in more than 3 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 75 sites around the state. The next event will be from 10:am until 2:pm on April 30.

The local disposal site will be the Department of Public Safety Office on Highway 60.

'Dump the Drugs' on Saturday

Copper Basin Coalition is sponsoring a “Dump the Drugs” event on Saturday from 8:am until noon in the Fry’s parking lot. It’s an opportunity to drop off expired or unused prescription and over the counter drugs.

You can also drop off the drugs anytime at the Globe and Miami Police departments.

For more information call 425-9276.

'Dump the Drugs'

A “Dump the Drugs” event will be held Saturday, February 12 in the Fry’s parking lot. Drop off expired or unused prescription and over the counter drugs. Drugs may also be dropped off at the Globe and Miami Police Departments.

The event is sponsored by the Copper Basin Coalition. For more information call 425-9276.

Teen Meth Use Drops 65 Percent

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard announces a major achievement in Arizona’s fight against methamphetamine. The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s 2010 Youth Survey shows that youth methamphetamine use across the state declined by more than 65% between 2006 and 2010.

Goddard says the development of a coordinated effort that includes law enforcement, treatment and prevention is a key reason for the decline.

Prescription Drug Town Hall

The Youth Advisory Council and the Copper Basin Coalition are sponsoring a Prescription Drug Town Hall Wednesday at the Globe City Council Chambers. It’s from 6 until 7:pm. They’ll talk about how to properly dispose of prescription drugs and how to keep them out of the hands of teens who might abuse them.

Dump the Drugs Event October 23

You can get rid of expired or unused medications at the Copper Basin Coalition’s Dump the Drugs event on Saturday, October 23. It’s from 8:am until Noon at Fry’s.

The Youth Advisory Council will hold a bake sale and hot chocolate fundraiser during the event. The money will go to the Youth Advisory Council and their events.