Big Drug Bust in Riverside County, California

Police deputies recovered marijuana, hash, various prescription pills, crack, cocaine and meth in a recent drug raid in Riverside, California.  Two dozen high school students were arrested for allegedly selling illegal drugs on their campuses.

The Riverside County Sherriff’s office said they were able to identify 23 juvenile students and two adults between Perris High School in Perris and Paloma Valley High School in Meniffee who were involved in selling drugs during the past four months of an undercover investigation.  Police posing as high school students were used as decoys to gather information and evidence against the drug ring.

The underage students were taken to Juvenile Hall and the adult students were transported to a detention center in Murietta.  Perris Union High School Superintendent Jonathan Greenberg emailed parents and stated “I want the students to know we have ways to deter them from this.  It is our obligation to do our best to keep our campuses clean.”

The Riverside County Sherriff’s office was still searching for one more student believed to have something to do with the matter.  A female and male police officer posed as high school students starting in August of 2013.  Greenberg stated the operation was a highly secret activity done in order to protect the safety of the officers and to avoid compromising the integrity of the investigation.

The sheriff’s office reached out to the school district officials in order to get permission to conduct the undercover sting operation, before it started.  The Special Investigations Bureau collects information about the drug sales and drug use going on in Riverside County, to help find out where the substances are being trafficked from and in order to put an end to the rampant drug problem facing California’s youth.

17 Million in Narcotics and 17 Arrested

It is being touted as one of the biggest drug raids in California history, but on Thursday, January 16^th, 2014 police in West Contra Costa County made 17 arrests and seized more than $17 million in narcotics, weapons and cash. 

A two year investigation known as “Operation Crystal Lens,” started leading to arrests in November of 2013, after a narcotics team known as West-NET was formed.  The team involved the FBI, San Pablo Police Department and other law enforcement officials and agencies.

The sting resulted in the seizure of more than 475 pounds of methamphetamine, 158 grams of cocaine, guns with high capacity magazines, cars, and motorcycles and close to a million dollars in cash.  The methamphetamine had a street value of around $17 million according to Commander Jeff Palmieri.

The Police did not identify those who were arrested, but did say they were tied to the Norento street drug gang.  One suspect, who has been identified as Gabriel Urtis, remains at large, police said.

The operation revealed that the narcotics seized in the raid were supplied by the Mexican-based Sinaloa drug cartel.  The cartel has also been referred to as the Federation and Blood Alliance and at times, it has been thought of as the most powerful drug trafficking network in the world.

The investigation also revealed the drugs and weapons trafficked and the proceeds were laundered by different criminal street gangs.  Police have not yet revealed where the raids and investigation took place over the last few months, the only thing that was revealed were that the raids were held over various sites located in West Contra Costa County.

Officers from 10 local crime agencies made up the West-NET team which is under the supervision of the California Department of Justice task force.  Other agencies included in the coordinated efforts included the Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the FBI, Contra Costa County Sherriff’s Office and Probation Department and the Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Kensington and Hercules Police Departments.

East County Today- 17 Million in Narcotics and 17 Arrested

The Heroin Overdoses in Western Pennsylvania Have Reached Epidemic Proportions

At least 22 people have died in the past several weeks of a fatal combination of heroin mixed with Fentanyl.  The deaths are happening in Western Pennsylvania and authorities believe the deaths are coming from heroin called “Theraflu,” Bud Ice,” or “Income Tax.”

The death of Hollywood actor Philip Seymour Hoffman on February 2^nd has brought new found attention to heroin and all the fatal overdoses the drug has recently caused in Western Pennsylvania. Heroin use is cyclical and the most recent surge in abuse has been fueled by the rise in prescription drug abuse.  The deaths from heroin overdose have quadrupled since 1999 according to a report released by the Trust for America’s Health.

Researchers state painkillers like Percocet and OxyContin often prescribed legally by doctors are behind the latest heroin epidemic.  People become hooked on prescription drugs and switch over to heroin because it is easier to find and much cheaper than abusing prescription medications.

Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R. Bucks) is sponsoring a bill which would expand Pennsylvania’s prescription drug database.  He stated his bill, a version which passed the House late last year, would open up the prescription drug database to pharmacists and doctors so they could determine who is doctor shopping and who has a genuine need for painkiller medications.

A second bill, a version of the one which passed the Senate in December 2013, would expand the states Good Samaritan law.  The law would make it legal for someone to seek medical attention for someone who is experiencing a drug overdose; the current law only applies to cases involving alcohol.

In Western Pennsylvania, investigators have been stepping up the efforts in the war against heroin.  Law enforcement officials seized bags of heroin in six counties, many of them stamped with “Theraflu,” “Bud Ice” and “Magic City.”  The spread of the toxic mixture of heroin appears to have shifted to the Philadelphia area, at least for the current time.

Philadelphia city officials state Southeastern Pennsylvania has experienced no recent “Theraflu” heroin overdose deaths, because the quality of the drug going through the area is highly pure.  Though official statistical information is not yet available for 2013, it is clear the state of Pennsylvania is definitely in trouble and more must be done as far as measures to remove lethal heroin from the streets and arresting the dealers who sell the insidious drug.

 TRIBLIVE- Overdoses reach epidemic proportions

  

 The Poison Review- Heroin/Fentanyl drug overdoses in PA

Phillip Seymour Hoffman: From Oscar Winner to Victim of Heroin Overdose

Oscar-winning actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman was a versatile actor who has played everything from a drag queen to Truman Capote, has died.  Hoffman aged 46 years old, was found unconscious in his New York apartment at 11:15 a.m. on February 2, 2014.  According to a law enforcement official speaking to ABC News, Hoffman was found with a hypodermic needed containing heroin, sticking out of his arm.

According to the Associated Press, glassine envelops which contained what is believed to be heroin were also found with his body.  All of the evidence from the apartment is being tested and points to a probable drug overdose.

In May of 2013, Hoffman had undergone treatment at a rehabilitation program for issues which substance abuse, particularly heroin.  He spoke openly in the past about his struggles with drug addiction and after being sober for more than two decades, the actor experienced a relapse last year.

Hoffman won Best Actor Academy Award and the Golden Globes Best Performance by an Actor in the Motion Picture Drama for his 2005 portrayal of Truman Capote, in the film “Capote.”  He was also nominated for three Best Supporting Actor Oscars for the movies, “The Master,” “Doubt, “and “Charlie Wilson’s War.”

The actor graduated with a BFA in drama from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, in 1989. Hoffman’s breakthrough role was in the 1997 film “Boogey Nights and he quickly became well known for his leading and supporting roles.  The actor also starred in the films “Happiness, “Flawless,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley, “Magnolia,’ “Almost Famous,” and “State and Main.”

More recently Hoffman starred as Plutarch Heavensbee in the hit movies “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”  Hoffman had already filmed another installment in the series, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part I,” which is currently filming and set to be released in November 2014.

Hoffman leaves behind a long-term partner and three young children.  His family has released the following statement, “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone.  This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grief. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”

The cause of death is currently under investigation with the exact cause of death to be made public on Monday. The cause of death is under investigation with the exact cause of death to be made public on Monday.

ABC News- Phillip Seymour Hoffman's Death

USA Today- Phillip Seymour Hoffman Dies

Tom Sizemore: Another Drug Video Released

Back in the early weeks of January 2014, Tom Sizemore, star of the hit movie “Saving Private Ryan” and others, was captured using drugs in a video released to various celebrity gossip websites.  A second video of the trouble actor has now emerged and in it, he is allegedly seen smoking drugs.

The actor is wearing a blue t-shirt in the second video, as he lights a suspicious looking glass pipe.  Through grainy, the clip clearly shows Sizemore abusing drugs, which could likely be crystal methamphetamine or heroin, because these are the actor’s two favorite drugs of choice.  A source close to the actor revealed to Radar Online the actor was smoking “crystal methamphetamine in a booze and drug binge.”

The second video is supposed to have been recorded earlier this year, when the actor was filming his latest movie in Connecticut.  A friend witnessed Sizemore inhaling the drug in a hotel room in Manchester, Connecticut and told Radar Online, “he was partying hard.  He’s clearly fallen off the wagon.  I arrived at the hotel room around 10 p.m. He was still partying when I left around 4 a.m. the next morning.”

Recently, the actor released his memoir “By Some Miracle I Made it Out of There” in which he chronicled his substance abuse battle and his journey to recovery.  Sizemore was candid about his drug problems and described his moment of clarity.  He says it came after smoking an incredibly large amount of crystal methamphetamine.  He admitted to building up such a tolerance to the drug that it became ineffective.  Disappointed with himself, he looked in the mirror and finally saw the things that were terrifying him.

He called his friend Bob Forrest from “Celebrity Rehab,” and asked him and Dr. Drew Pinsky for help.  Sizemore appeared on the third season of the VH1 show and then the subsequent spin off “Sober House.” He admitted doing the show for money and felt his chemical dependence was related to the trappings of his successful Hollywood career.

At one point, the actor was so despondent and alone, he attempted suicide.  He took an overdose of anxiety medication and admitted he wanted to die and the suicide attempt was not just a ploy for attention or a cry for help.  Sizemore did not want to live anymore.

Sizemore has been on a downward spiral for a number of years and he has become clean and relapsed more times than one can count.  In 2007 and 2009, he was arrested on drug-related charges.  This most recent fall back into substance abuse is especially troubling, because the actor recently denied he had relapsed and said he was still clean.

An eyewitness to the video stated “I walked into a complete mess.  I could not believe it.  When I showed up there, there was a woman in the room.  She was a mess and telling everyone she needs money for drugs and needed needles.  Tom eventually kicked her out of the room.”  The most recent video is just under a minute long and shows Sizemore clutching the drug as he lights it up a number of times and inhales it on three separate occasions.

Tom Sizemore is just one of many Hollywood actors who has a troubled past and is plagued with addiction issues.  In the past the actor has been very boastful about his ability to fool the world and hide his substance abuse, but the camera does not lie.  Once a person falls into the pit of substance abuse it can be very difficult to get out, but Sizemore has done it once and he can do it again, if only he would see the truth of the situation before it is too late.

More about Tom Sizemore

Video 

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Step-Brother Arrested for Drug Possession & Harassment

The step-brother of popular Hollywood A-list actor Leonardo DiCaprio has been arrested for drug possession and harassment charges.  Adam Farrar, 43, was arrested in Texas on drug possession, harassment and stolen property charges last Friday.  Farrar was arrested in Collin County on three outstanding warrants out of LA.

When Farrar tried to visit his girlfriend and mother of his daughter, Charity Moore, 38, who was arrested for misdemeanor drug charges on January 20^th, he was picked up.  Collin County Sheriff’s Lt. John Norton stated, “Moore was in jail, and he came to visit her.  He came to the facility for visitation and we arrested him.”

Mr. Farrar and Ms. Moore’s six year old daughter Normandie Farrar has been allegedly abducted by a family member and has now been declared missing. Farrar is accused of concealing a missing child, according to the L.A. P.D. and the Department of Justice.  The child was living in Dallas, Texas at least up until the time her father was arrested but she cannot currently be located.

Radar Online alleges since both the child’s parents are locked up the DiCaprio family has no idea where Normandie might be and are very concerned about her.  Last Tuesday night the tabloid contacted Don Moore, Charity Moore’s father and he stated the child was fine.  Mr. Moore said, “This is all so bizarre. If it was anybody’s business what’s going on, we would tell it.  I can tell you that Normandie’s safe and that’s all I’m going to tell you. She’s beautiful and she’s not missing.  She was with her mother and where she is now is nobody’s business.”

The step-brothers grew up together in South California after DiCaprio’s father George married Farrar’s mother.  It has been said, Farrar, the star of the 1980’s show “Battlestar Galactica,” is credited with inspiring Leonardo to get into acting.  Farrar and DiCaprio used to be very close but in recent years have had no contact because of a bitter family falling out and at the time of the news about his step-brothers arrest, Leonardo’s camp has had no comment.

Leonardo Dicaprio's step brother gets busted on drug possession charge

Leonardo's niece reported missing

Photographs Normadie Farrar, her father Adam Farrar, and Leonardo DiCaprio

Does Justin Bieber have a $5000 per week Marijuana habit?

After being arrested last week for DUI, resisting arrest and drag racing in Miami, Florida, Justin Bieber has been a hot topic all over the internet.  His fans and management are concerned about the singer’s well-being and it is rumored an intervention is in the works.  However, behind the scenes, sources close to the situation are of the belief the young star is out of control and it has come to light the Bieber might be spending an upwards of $5,000 per week on marijuana.

According to the Sun on Sunday, a UK tabloid website, friends of the singer report cannabis and an addictive codeine mix called “sizzurp” are Bieber’s drugs of choice. A friend of the singer’s state he smokes up to 12 bongs of marijuana a day and also takes prescription drugs Ambien and the antianxiety medication Xanax.

Following the singer’s arrest in Florida last week, it has also been speculated he has a growing dependency on steroids.  People closest to Bieber have stated “Justin thinks he’s invincible. He’s out of control.  Hopefully, he’ll sense it before it’s too late.”

Currently, Bieber appears to be trying to escape the media firestorm that brews around him daily.  The singer has fled LA and is vacationing in Panama and flew into a resort near Punta Chame, to be with his entourage.  According to TMZ, others who are joining the singer include his mother Pattie, his manager Scooter Braun and childhood buddy Ryan Butler.  Singer Usher, who discovered the 19-year old pop sensation in 2009, is also reported to be in Panama trying to reach out to Bieber.

Bieber ex-housekeeper Tatiana Voziouk has given a tell-all interview and told about how she fears the singer will wind up dead like Michael Jackson.  She describes how she was witness to the singer’s prescription drug abuse, marijuana use and the sizzurp cocktails.  In an interview with Britain’s Sunday People, she went on record saying “The drugs and hangers-on are turning Justin into a zombie.  I’m terrified he’ll become the next Michael Jackson. If he doesn’t act now I will one day hear that he has passed away.  It is heartbreaking. I have decided to speak out now as I care for him.”

Apparently, Justin Bieber is on a fast-track into full blown drug addiction, if one is to believe the information floating around.  With his money, fame and notoriety, Justin Bieber seems to have it all on the outside, but is possibly missing more inside than people could realize.  Biebers managers, friends and family all appear to be very concerned about his behavior and now is the time too act, because one more moment he spends engaging in drug abuse could be his last.

Mail- Did Justin Bieber really spend $5000 a week on marijuana

Radar Online- Will Bieber end up like Michael Jackson

Younger Photographs of Justin Bieber