10/2/2015 Donnie Varnell Special Agent-in-Charge North Carolina - - PDF document

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Donnie Varnell Special Agent-in-Charge North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit 948-204-2722 dvarnell@ncdoj.gov

Describe the role of the NC SBI DECU Define drug diversion & Identify Trends Discuss youth drug trends List strategies & resources used in

addressing drug diversion.

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The Diversion and Environmental Crimes

Unit investigates diversion of drugs by licensed healthcare professionals and

• thers involved in the healthcare registrant

field.

Large scale or multi-jurisdictional

prescription fraud cases.

Suspicious deaths in healthcare facilities. Violations of state and federal statutes and

regulations including: Clean Water Act, or

• ther violations involving pollution or

hazardous substances.

Diverting legitimate prescription drugs for illegal purposes

DECU diversion investigations increased

by: 400%

State wide diversion investigations up:

426%

Overdose deaths up: 300% Investigations involving health care

professionals: 35%

High school students who have diverted

prescription drugs: 25%

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200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

1999: 234 deaths 2000: 319 deaths 2001: 397 deaths 2002: 501 deaths 2003: 622 deaths 2004: 683 deaths 2005: 817 deaths 2006: 865 deaths 2007: 857 deaths 2008: 941 deaths 2009: 932 deaths 2010: 854 deaths 2011: 1034 deaths 2012: 1014 deaths 2013: 1100 deaths Source: NC State Medical Examiner’s Office



Healthcare Professionals



Drug Rings & Computer Prescriptions



Overdose Homicide



Endangered Youth !!!!!!!

500,000 D.U. 250 Patients 3 Employees Doctor

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X-Ray Tech 18,000 D.U. 15 Accomplices $250,000 Boyfriend

Subject provided Fentanyl to High school cheerleader. Guilty of 2nd Degree Murder.

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Popular drugs Sources of drugs (A Family Affair) Legal & Medical Misconceptions ED Visits K2 & Spice Oxycodone $30 Heroin $7-10 Hydrocodone $5-15 Gateway

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 Synthetic Cannabinoids are sold in retail stores,

• n the internet, and in “head shops” as “Herbal

Incense” or “Potpourri”

 Smoke alone or as a component of herbal

products

 Abusers report a potent cannabis-like effect

American Association

• f Poison Control

Centers (AAPCC) Reporting Calls to poison centers for human exposures to synthetic marijuana (synthetic cannabinoids)

Synthetic cathinones are sold in retail stores,

• n the internet, and in “head shops”, as

“bath salts”, “plant food”, or “jewelry cleaner”

Users commonly report cardiac, psychiatric,

and neurological symptoms that often produce aggressive behavior

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American Association

• f Poison Control

Centers (AAPCC) Reporting Calls to poison centers for human exposures to bath salts (synthetic cathinones)

 “Molly” or “Mandy” is MDMA/Ecstasy in powder or

crystalline form, usually implying a higher level of purity

 “Molly” can induce euphoria, a sense of intimacy with

• thers, diminished anxiety, and mild psychedelia

 “Molly” is often used in conjunction with other

psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin mushrooms,

• r cannabis

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Assault: NC GS 14-33 Communicating Threats: NC GS 14-277.1 Training, Education & Awareness

(984-204-2722)

Prescription Safe Guards

• Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)

Naloxone Take Back Programs Partnerships!

Questions?