News

Trends Report on Changes in the Designer Drug Market:
Spring 2012

Hosted by: Barry K. Logan, Ph.D., DABFT, NMS Labs National Director, Forensic Services

Dr. Barry K. Logan, NMS Labs National Director of Forensic and Toxicological Services, will present fascinating new data on how the identity of compounds available in the synthetic drug market place (cannabinoids and “bath salts”) has changed quarter by quarter since 2010. Compounds have come and gone largely to avoid attempts to schedule them, but some have emerged as major “chemicals of concern.” New compounds are now starting to appear, making obsolete even the latest changes in State and Federal laws designed to control this dangerous and rapidly growing market. Although the synthetic cannabinoid drugs have changed the most, the “Bath Salts/Plant Food” craze has recently developed momentum and is showing signs of expanding in scale and scope. After reviewing the trends in drug availability and their impact on forensic chemistry labs, the presentation will consider the challenges faced by toxicology labs in monitoring synthetic drug use as the menu of substances popular among drug abusers has grown and diversified, and how technological advances are helping with that effort. The presentation will conclude with the latest research reports on adverse effects of the use of these drugs and consideration of what we might expect through the rest of 2012.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012
2:00pm - 3:00pm ET
Includes a Q&A Session following the presentation

Register online now to attend

The Challenges of Analytical Method Validation of Designer Drugs
in Non-Biological Samples by GC/MS

Hosted by: Fran Diamond, NMS Labs Chemistry Technical Leader

The new wave of designer stimulants that have become available has created new challenges for the analytical laboratories involved in drug identification work. The proliferation of analogous and isomeric forms of these substances has generated the need for new instrument technology, software solutions and scientific vigilance. Discussion will include the multitude of drugs that are available, the approach to analysis by GC/MS, and NMS Labs commitment to finding solutions to this ever changing environment.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012
2:00pm - 3:00pm ET
Includes a Q&A Session following the presentation

Register online now to attend

The DEA National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) systematically collects results from drug chemistry analyses conducted by state and local forensic laboratories across the country. As a national drug forensic laboratory reporting system, NFLIS provides timely and detailed analytical results of drugs seized by law enforcement.  It is a unique source of information for monitoring and understanding drug abuse and trafficking in the United States, including the diversion of legally manufactured drugs into illegal markets. Findings from NFLIS can also supplement existing drug data sources, including information from drug demand surveys and drug testing programs.  The full report is here.

A Word from MADD's National President

This April 16th marks a significant anniversary for me and my family. It seems like it was only yesterday when my daughter, Alisa, was enjoying her spring vacation by spending the night at her best friend’s home. They were only 15 years old, with their futures shining brightly before them. But because a 17-year-old decided to drive after drinking, Alisa was killed that evening. That was 20 years ago next week, and my heart is still longing to kiss her one last time. April begins prom and graduation season. That is why April 21st is our national PowerTalk21 day. Now is a critical time for parents to begin conversations about the dangers of drinking before age 21, and it is important to continue those conversations frequently. Research shows that three out of four teens say that their parents are the number one influence on their decisions about drinking. Parents, I urge you to have those conversations and keep them going. Also, remind your kids to never ride in the car with someone who has been drinking. Our Power of Parents handbook can help you with suggestions on how to have those discussions.

  Not sure how to do it?  Get a copy of the MADD handbook here. 

The latest copy of the Drug Enforcement Agency's Newsletter, the Microgram, is available here. 

This issue includes legal analysis on the recent Kentucky vs. King decision.  The opinion is important not just because it decides another exigent circumstance case, but because it includes valuble insight into the leanings of our current Supreme Court Justices on 4th Amendment search and seizure cases.  The article and the full FBI bulletin is here.

NHTSA updated their prior report and graphics on 2010 data regarding crash statistics.  This is the latest data available from NHTSA and a great tool for understanding where we are and how we are doing on vehicular crashes.    The report is here. 

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is serious about helping judges in DUI cases.  In 2012 they committed $50,000 to begin a comprehensive summary of DUI law for judges in the form of a Benchbook.   The WTSC has now released a Request For Proposal (RFP) to find a coordinator to head up that effort.   A copy of the RFP is attached here.   Proposals are due April 30 to WTSC. 

 

This bill covers a lot of DUI terrritory:  from Superior Court jurisdiction in DUI cases (now 5 years) to expanding DUI courts (now allowed in Municipal Courts) to expanded Ignition Interlock coverage and users fees, to revising the definition of "drug" to include inhalants and new novel chemicals of abuse.  The bill was a high priority for the Impaired driving section---but credit for its passage goes to a great group of committed folks.  Many thanks to everyone for their dedication and heroic efforts to keep this bill from dying when it really looked dark!!

 

The full text of the bill is here.

 

Below is the message from the prime Sponsor, Rep. Roger Goodman:

 

Great news!  This evening, with fewer than six hours remaining in the 2012 session, the State Senate finally took up our DUI bill and approved it by a vote of 49-0; and a few moments ago we just voted 98-0 here in the House to approve the final bill and send it to the Governor!  Below you will find a staff summary of the Senate amendments to the bill.

Thanks VERY much to each of you, from the Washington State Patrol to MADD to our colleagues in the justice system, for your strong advocacy that helped loosen up the bill in the last minute to get it passed before we adjourn.  Thanks also for your substantive input that helped us fashion such a strong piece of legislation.  Once enacted into law, HB 2443 will further save lives and reduce injuries on our roadways.  We should feel very gratified with our success.

Once again, thank you all!

 

Roger Goodman

State Representative, 45th District

Washington State Legislature

office:  360-786-7878

email:   goodman.roger@leg.wa.gov

In HB 2216, the legislature unanimously increased penalties for felony DUI defendants who kill.  The bill now goes to the governor for signature.  The bill increases penalties from the prior standard range of 31-41 months for a Level 9, to that equivalent to the Level 11 Manslaughter range, 78-101 months.   This means a minimum jail sentence of 6.5 years for DUI defendants who kill. 

Special thanks to Amy Freedheim, King County Prosecutor's Office, for her support and advocacy!   A shout out also to MADD and the many victims of DUI who provided countless hours in support of this important law.  

The bill, as passed, is here.