New Jersey Drug Environment 2015 Annual Report · De-identified substance abuse treatment admissions data – New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services,

Drug Monitoring Initiative

New Jersey Drug Environment 2015 Annual Report

Dissemination Constraints: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. No portion of this document shall be released to the public, the media, or any other person or entity not possessing a valid right and need to know, without prior authorization from the Office of the New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center. Information contained herein may not be edited, altered, or otherwise modified or used without the express permission of the Drug Monitoring Initiative. (DMI) ROIC201601-00371F

Drug Monitoring Initiative 2015 Report

May 27, 2016

Contents Acknowledgement ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Foreword ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

Scope & Methodology .................................................................................................................................. 3

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 4

Key Findings .................................................................................................................................................. 4

Recommendations ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Criminal Drug Environment .......................................................................................................................... 6

2015 Drug-Related Arrest Data ................................................................................................................. 6

Drug-Related Arrests: Top 20 Cities .......................................................................................................... 6

Locations of Drug-Related Arrests ............................................................................................................ 7

Drug-Related Charges ............................................................................................................................... 8

Drug-Related Arrests: Offender Analysis .................................................................................................. 8

Cross-Jurisdictional Impact of Drug-Related Arrests .............................................................................. 10

2015 Forensic Lab Data ............................................................................................................................... 12

Heroin Submissions ................................................................................................................................. 12

Density of Heroin Seizures ...................................................................................................................... 16

Heroin Stamps ......................................................................................................................................... 17

Fentanyl and Other Adulterants ............................................................................................................. 18

Prescription Legend Drugs (PLDs) ........................................................................................................... 21

Cocaine .................................................................................................................................................... 23

Methamphetamine ................................................................................................................................. 26

Marijuana ................................................................................................................................................ 28

Marijuana Variants .................................................................................................................................. 29

Synthetic Cannabinoids ........................................................................................................................... 30

Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts) ........................................................................................................... 31

Naloxone Administrations .......................................................................................................................... 32

Cross-Jurisdictional Impact of Naloxone Administrations ...................................................................... 36

Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 37

Outlook ....................................................................................................................................................... 37

Appendix A: Drugs In Heroin Submissions .................................................................................................. 38

Appendix B: Naloxone Administrations Cross-Jurisdictional Table ............................................................ 39

Appendix C: Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 40

UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL ONLY 1 of 42


May 27, 2016

The New Jersey Office of the Regional Operations & Intelligence Center (ROIC) monitors drug activity in New Jersey and the surrounding region through the Drug Monitoring Initiative (DMI). The purpose of the Drug Monitoring Initiative is to establish a multi-jurisdictional drug incident information-sharing collaboration, through the collection and analysis of drug seizures, data relating to suspected overdoses and overdose data from medical examiner offices, criminal behavior, and public health information. This approach enables the gathering and analysis of investigative and administrative data to develop a 360-degree view of the drug environment. The DMI intelligence capability enables law enforcement agencies and public health experts to better understand trends, patterns, anomalies, implications, and threats from illicit drug activity that have an impact statewide. This understanding enables the development of enhanced policies and practices to prevent drug use and mitigate community drug harm.

Acknowledgement The New Jersey Drug Monitoring Initiative would like to thank all the partner agencies who make DMI possible, and who continue to support the DMI effort by sharing information, intelligence, and ideas. Without input from other state DMIs, fusion centers, law enforcement, health and private sector agencies, and forensic laboratories, New Jersey’s DMI would not have achieved its current level of success. The Office of the ROIC and the DMI look forward to future collaboration and enhancing our partnerships.

Foreword Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey were asked to provide a synopsis of the drug environment in the state during 2015. Some comments are below; others are included with overviews of specific drugs. The State of New Jersey is situated between the major industrial markets of New York and Pennsylvania, and has been referred to as the "crossroads of the east.” It is also a gateway state, with major interstate highways, roadways, airports, seaports, and other infrastructure capable of accommodating voluminous amounts of passenger and cargo traffic from both the eastern and western parts of the United States, as well as the world. New Jersey is an ideal strategic, as well as vulnerable, corridor for transportation of drug contraband and illicit currency. Danielle Gilbride, Field Intelligence Manager, New Jersey Field Division, DEA Newark




May 27, 2016

Scope & Methodology Scope: The DMI 2015 Annual Report focuses on New Jersey’s drug environment during 2015. Multiple drug data sets from various sources were collected and analyzed, including:

Drug arrest data – Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AIFS).

Forensic drug analysis data – New Jersey State Police, Office of Forensic Sciences (NJSP OFS) pertaining to:

Heroin and Other Opioids Fentanyls & Other Adulterants Prescription Legend Drugs (PLDs) Cocaine Marijuana & Marijuana Variants Synthetic Cannabinoids & Synthetic Cathinones Methamphetamine

Forensic drug analysis data pertaining to heroin submitted to Burlington, Cape May, Hudson, Ocean, and Union County laboratories.

Statewide Law enforcement naloxone administration data.

EMS naloxone administration data – DMI receives de-identified naloxone administration data from the New Jersey Department of Health, which collects this data from 45% of EMS agencies, providing emergency medical services to more than 80% of the population of New Jersey.

De-identified substance abuse treatment admissions data – New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services, New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJSAMS):

https://njsams.rutgers.edu/njsams/Reports/SummaryReport/StateSummaryReportMenu.aspx

Methodology: “Seizure” or “submission” refers to law enforcement cases of suspected drugs sent to forensic

laboratories for analysis. “Cases” include seizures of drugs, or overdose incidents. The term “specimens” refers to the drugs received by forensic laboratories for analysis. For additional definitions, see Appendix C.

The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used to compile statistics for all categories of drug data.

For choropleth maps in all drug categories, raw numbers and per capita calculations were used to create maps showing each of the two categories. “Per capita” refers to the number of arrests, cases, or incidents, per a population of 100,000, using US Census estimated population figures for 2014 for each county in New Jersey.

Any cases where a street address and/or municipal location were not reported could not be mapped and therefore were not included in the analysis.

2015 drug data for all categories was compared and contrasted to 2014 drug data.

All information contained herein is preliminary and is subject to further review and analysis.

This report refers to “supply and demand” jurisdictions. High concentrations of drug distribution arrests, and heroin seizures of more than 20 glassines, are indicative of “supply” cities. High concentrations of drug possession arrests, and heroin seizures of 19 or fewer glassines, are indicative of “demand” cities.

Dissemination Constraints: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. No portion of this document shall be released to the public, the media, or any other person or entity not possessing a valid right and need to know, without prior authorization from the New Jersey Office of the Regional Operations & Intelligence Center. Information contained herein may not be edited, altered, or otherwise modified or used without the express permission of the Drug Monitoring Initiative. (DMI) ROIC201601-00371F




May 27, 2016

The National Institute on Drug Abuse was used as a reference for specifics about drugs found in New Jersey. For additional information regarding various drugs, their composition, and side effects, go to http://www.drugabuse.gov/

Executive Summary New Jersey continues to experience an epidemic of opioid drug addiction. Although marijuana and marijuana variants are present in the overall drug environment, the greatest impact to the state and the surrounding region is caused by heroin and opioid use and related behaviors to support addiction. While drug activity and associated harms are traditionally associated with urban centers, the heroin and opioid epidemic is felt in every area of the state. The drug environment in New Jersey continues to be driven by distributors and consumers in long established drug markets within urban areas. In 2015, however, multiple indicators have identified some suburban municipalities that may now be considered supply locations, where users can easily purchase illicit drugs. Seizures of heroin along major highways of the state continued to increase during 2015. Preliminary review indicates there are increasing numbers of traffic stops due to drug-impaired driving. Submissions of prescription opioid pills had been trending downward since 2011, but increased from 2014 to 2015. Areas showing increased opioid pill submissions also revealed significantly high heroin seizures during 2015. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, four out of five heroin users become addicted by abusing opioid pills, this increased presence of prescription opioids is concerning due to a potential for user shift to heroin. The number of cases where heroin was adulterated with fentanyls increased significantly during 2015, posing increasing risks to heroin users. The overall rise in the prevalence of fentanyls is a public safety crisis as heroin users may be unaware of the strength of the drugs they are encountering. Incidents of naloxone administration are continuing to trend upward statewide. Analysis of forensic laboratory submission data shows that the presence of edible marijuana products has increased significantly, while submissions of vegetative marijuana have decreased.

Key Findings In 2015, there were 58,950 arrests in New Jersey for drug-related offenses, resulting in 111,987

drug-related charges, a three percent increase in arrests from 2014, and a nine percent increase in charges. While Newark and Camden showed steep declines in drug-related arrests in 2015, the rest of the state showed a collective increase of 8%.

Males accounted for 80% of drug-related arrests in 2015, females 20%. 45% of individuals arrested for drug offenses were white males.

Subjects in the 18-21 age group represent 25% of drug-related arrests;

Subjects in the 55+ age group are administered naloxone more than any other age group but have lower rates of arrest for drug-related offenses and rarely seek treatment.




May 27, 2016

Marijuana and heroin accounted for 73% of drugs submitted to New Jersey State Police forensic laboratories for analysis during 2015. These drugs accounted for 72% of lab submissions in 2014.

Methamphetamine lab submissions are up 27% from 2014 to 2015. Since 2011 methamphetamine lab submissions are now up 222%.

Lab submissions testing positive for fentanyls increased 215% over 2014. Fentanyl submissions increased 660% from the first quarter to the fourth quarter in

2015, glassines submitted for testing that included fentanyls increased over 2,000% from the first quarter to the fourth quarter.

Naloxone was administered more than 5091 times by EMS and 2116 times by LE in 2015. Naloxone administrations increased 17% on Friday and Saturday.

De-identified substance abuse treatment admissions, tracked by the New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJSAMS) show admissions for heroin and other opioids increased from 28,923 in 2014 to 32,515 in 2015, a 13% increase.

Recommendations Encourage a local law enforcement rapid response to all fatal and non-fatal overdoses for evidence collection to identify the source of the dangerous drugs. Recommend testing of all suspected drugs submitted to forensic laboratories for destruction.




May 27, 2016

Criminal Drug Environment

2015 Drug-Related Arrest Data Analysis of Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) data revealed that law enforcement agencies arrested 58,950 individuals for drug violations during 2015, resulting in 111,987 charges. Drug-related charges include drug possession, drug distribution, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The table shows a comparison of drug arrests in 2014 and 2015. During 2015, the top five cities for drug-related arrests were Newark, Camden, Jersey City, Paterson, and Trenton; the same five cities were also the top five cities for drug arrests in 2014.

Drug-Related Arrests: Top 20 Cities The chart below shows the top 20 New Jersey cities for drug-related arrests during 2015, in comparison to the top 20 cities during 2014. Three cities (noted in the chart) were not in the top 20 cities in 2014, but experienced increased numbers of drug-related arrests during 2015. The chart above (Figure 1) ranks the cities where the most drug-related arrests occurred in 2015. For comparison, drug-related arrests for 2014 are included. While Newark and Camden cities both showed sharp declines in drug-related arrests, statewide drug-related arrests still increased 3%. Removing Newark and Camden data from the statewide equation reveals an 8% total increase of drug-related arrests in other areas of the state.

YEAR TOTAL DRUG-RELATED ARRESTS

TOTAL DRUG-RELATED CHARGES

2014 57,452 102,579

2015 58,950 111,987

% CHANGE +3% +9% Table 1

3472

2292

2021

1346 1322

857 790 752666 644 616 614 601 587 575 562 555 526 522 517

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

4,500

5,000

5,500DRUG-RELATED ARRESTS : TOP 20 CITIES 2015

2014 2015

*Identified city became a top 20 city in 2015. 2014 = 21945 2015 = 19837

The top 20 cities accounted for 34% of all drug-related arrests in New Jersey in 2015, compared to 38% in 2014.

Newark (Essex County) experienced a significant decrease in drug-related arrests in 2015 compared to 2014, down 33%.

Figure 1




May 27, 2016

Locations of Drug-Related Arrests The maps in Figure 2 below show drug-related arrests occurring in New Jersey during 2015. The map at left shows total drug-related arrests while the map at right shows arrests per capita (arrests per 100,000 residents).

There is a noticeable difference in the two maps; different counties stand out when assessing drug-related arrests versus population. Counties with higher populations show a higher number of drug-related arrests for the year, (Essex and Bergen, for example), which is to be expected due to higher populations. However, when assessing drug-related arrests utilizing a per capita methodology (arrests per 100,000 residents), the southern six counties of the state are at the top state.

Figure 2




May 27, 2016

Drug-Related Charges In 2015, 111,987 charges resulted from the 58,950 drug-related arrests statewide. Marijuana charges represented 27% of all drug-related charges. Heroin/cocaine distribution charges remained the same as 2014, at 4%. This chart (Figure 3) shows the most prevalent drug charges during 2015. *Criminal statutes are based on the degree of crime and they reference the categories (schedules) of drugs, not individual drugs.

Drug-Related Arrests: Offender Analysis The charts and table that follow (Figure 4 and Table 2) illustrate demographics for the 58,950 drug-related arrests during 2015. The majority of drug-related arrests (59%) involved white arrestees. Second were black arrestees at 37%. These were the exact same percentages of drug-related arrests reported for 2014. Of the 35,067 white arrestees, 76% were males. Of the 21,588 black arrestees, 86% were male.

Figure 3

Figure 4




May 27, 2016

Table 2 at right shows drug-related arrestees by gender and age. As shown by the table, the majority (41%) of drug-related arrests in 2015 were of individuals ages 18 to 24. The next largest group of arrestees (19%) involved subjects from 25 to 29 years of age. In 2015, females accounted for 20% of drug-related arrests, compared to 19% in 2014. Males were 80% of drug-related arrests in 2015, compared to 81% in 2014. The age range of the majority of drug-related arrests was comparable in 2014 and in 2015, with 18 to 29 year-old males and females involved in 60% of all arrests. While the majority of drug-related arrests involve younger people, 60%, New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJSAMS) data indicates only 41% of substance abuse treatment admissions were of individuals in the same age range. Further NJSAMS data indicates that individuals age 30 to 44 accounted for 38% of treatment admissions.1 While drug-related arrest data shows only 26% of drug-related-arrests comprise subjects from the same age range. While there may be plausible explanations as to why there is such a discrepancy between the two age groups, when comparing arrest and treatment data, this should be further examined to identify opportunities to surgically target prevention and treatment efforts.

1 NJSAMS – Admission Summary Report, 1/1/2015 – 12/31/2015, accessed February 16, 2016, https://njsams.rutgers.edu/njsams/Reports/SummaryReport/StateSummaryReportMenu.aspx

Table 2

UNDER 18 203 0.3%

18 - 21 2,759 5%

22 - 24 1,931 3%

25 - 29 2,376 4%

30 - 34 1628 3%

35 - 44 1603 3%

45 - 54 1080 2%

55 & OVER 284 0.5%

11,864 20%

UNDER 18 1,289 2%

18 - 21 11,843 20%

22 - 24 7,619 13%

25 - 29 8,832 15%

30 - 34 5,709 10%

35 - 44 6,470 11%

45 - 54 3,766 6%

55 & OVER 1523 3%

47,051 80%

Unspecified Gender, All Ages 35 0.1%

Female

Male

Drug-Related Arrests by Gender & Age

January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015

Total Drug-Related Arrests 58,950

% of Total

Drug ArrestsGender Age Range

# of

Arrests

Subtotal

Subtotal




May 27, 2016

Cross-Jurisdictional Impact of Drug-Related Arrests The cross–jurisdictional aspect of drug-related arrests impacts law enforcement resources and public safety. In some cases, drug users support their habit by committing property crimes within the municipality where they reside; however, they can be arrested for drug offenses in other jurisdictions. Table 3 below shows the top 20 arresting cities for drug related offenses. Among total arrests made by each jurisdiction, percentages of resident arrestees, as well the percentage of arrestees from outside the municipality are displayed in the below table. It should be noted that many arrests recorded in Automated Fingerprint Identification System do not indicate a residence location. Those cases were not included in the following analysis. Analysis of drug-related arrest data reveals that each jurisdiction is affected to a different extent by non-resident drug arrestees. In some municipalities, resident vs. non-resident arrestee numbers are relatively equivalent. In other cities, however, the majority of drug-related arrests involve non-residents. In Gloucester Twp., Camden County, 89% of drug arrestees resided in another jurisdiction. In Wayne Twp., Passaic County, drug arrests involved 73% non-residents, and in Hackensack, Bergen County, 64% of drug arrests were of non-residents. These jurisdictions are all adjacent to high volume drug supply cities, Camden and Paterson. The table (Table 4) on the next page shows the top 20 cities for drug-related arrests in 2015, and the top four residence cities of subjects arrested in those cities. In most municipalities, the majority of arrestees are from that jurisdiction, although in some cities the number of unknown or unrecorded residences may skew the data, making it difficult to determine exact totals/percentages. Most municipalities in the state experience some level of cross-jurisdictional criminal activity. The drug environment in New Jersey continues to be driven primarily by distributors and consumers in urban

Arresting Municipality

Non-

Resident

Arrestee

Resident

Arrestee

No Residence

Information

Available

Total Drug-

Related Arrests

NEWARK 30% 49% 21% 3,472

CAMDEN 40% 54% 6% 2,292

JERSEY CITY 14% 42% 44% 2,021

PATERSON 23% 63% 14% 1,346

TRENTON 15% 33% 52% 1,322

ATLANTIC CITY 35% 43% 23% 857

ELIZABETH 28% 59% 14% 790

CHERRY HILL 6% 0% 95% 752

HACKENSACK 64% 30% 6% 666

NEPTUNE TWP 18% 11% 71% 644

WAYNE 73% 20% 7% 616

ASBURY PARK 16% 17% 67% 614

VINELAND 23% 58% 20% 601

PLAINFIELD 33% 66% 1% 587

GLOUCESTER TWP 89% 0% 11% 575

TOMS RIVER 50% 46% 4% 562

PERTH AMBOY 31% 69% 0% 555

NEW BRUNSWICK 30% 23% 48% 526

PASSAIC 41% 56% 3% 522

EAST ORANGE 37% 45% 18% 517

Drug-Related Arrests Top 20 Municipalities Cross-Jurisdictional Impact


Table 3




May 27, 2016

areas. Significant numbers of drug buyers from suburban “demand cities” travel to urban “supply cities” to purchase drugs, as illustrated in the previous tables. During 2015, however, some jurisdictions that were historically associated with a high demand only, can now be categorized as supply locations, areas that attract drug buyers due to a ready availability of drugs.

Newark East Orange Irvington Elizabeth Not Recorded

49% 4% 4% 2% 21%

Camden Pennsauken Sicklerville Philadelphia Not Recorded

54% 3% 2% 1% 6%

Jersey City Bayonne Union City North Bergen Not Recorded

42% 2% 2% 1% 44%

Paterson Clifton Haledon Hackensack Not Recorded

63% 2% 1% 1% 14%

Trenton Hamilton Ewing Morrisville Not Recorded

33% 3% 1% 1% 52%

Atlantic City Pleasantville Mays Landing Philadelphia Not Recorded

43% 4% 2% 2% 23%

Elizabeth City Newark Linden Roselle Not Recorded

59% 6% 3% 3% 14%

Brooklyn Camden Philadelphia Virginia Beach Not Recorded

1% 0.1% 0.04% 0.03% 95%

Hackensack Teaneck Paterson Bronx Not Recorded

30% 7% 5% 4% 6%

Neptune Asbury Park Ocean Grove Wall Not Recorded

11% 5% 2% 1% 71%

Wayne Paterson Pompton Lakes Hewitt Not Recorded

20% 9% 2% 1% 7%

Asbury Park Neptune Long Branch Eatontown Not Recorded

17% 6% 3% 1% 67%

Vineland Millville Bridgeton Pittsgrove Not Recorded

58% 9% 3% 1% 20%

Plainfield North Plainfield Piscataway South Plainfield Not Recorded

66% 4% 3% 2% 1%

Sicklerville Blackwood Clementon Camden Not Recorded

18% 13% 8% 4% 11%

Toms River Brick Beachwood Bayville Not Recorded

46% 4% 4% 3% 4%

Perth Amboy Woodbridge Keasbey Sayreville Not Recorded

69% 3% 3% 2% 0.02%

New Brunswick Somerset North Brunswick Highland Park Not Recorded

23% 4% 3% 2% 48%

Passaic Clifton Paterson Garfield Not Recorded

56% 8% 7% 5% 3%

East Orange Newark Orange Irvington Not Recorded

45% 19% 3% 3% 18%

3,472NEWARK

CAMDEN 2,292

2,021JERSEY CITY

PATERSON 1,346

TRENTON 1,322

ATLANTIC CITY 857

ELIZABETH 790

752CHERRY HILL

HACKENSACK 666

NEPTUNE TWP 644

WAYNE 616

ASBURY PARK 614

VINELAND 601

PERTH AMBOY 555

PLAINFIELD 587

GLOUCESTER TWP 575

Top Resident Municipalities

NEW BRUNSWICK 526

PASSAIC 522

TOMS RIVER 562

EAST ORANGE 517

Drug-Related Arrests Top 20 Municipalities Cross-Jurisdictional Impact


Arresting Municipality Arrests

Table 4




May 27, 2016

New Jersey maintains the distinction of having the cheapest and purest heroin in the country, with an average purity of 56% at the street level, compared to the national average of 26%. Heroin poses a huge threat to the State of New Jersey, as it is the most prevalent drug of abuse and addiction in the New Jersey area. In more recent years, DEA has seen an increase in heroin investigations and subsequent seizures. DEA Newark, February 2015

*The “OTHER” category includes other drug combinations, as well as drugs other than heroin. At least eight specimen included heroin, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, and methamphetamine, a potentially deadly combination.

2015 Forensic Lab Data Heroin Submissions

Heroin data includes laboratory submissions from the four NJSP OFS laboratories, as well as the five independent county forensic laboratories. The term “submissions” refers to cases of suspected heroin seized by law enforcement and sent to forensic laboratories for analysis. The term “specimens” refers to the glassine bags or wax folds received by forensic laboratories for analysis. This analysis reviewed all suspected heroin seized and submitted to the laboratories that was forensically analyzed during 2015. During 2015 there were 603,028 specimens of suspected heroin submitted to forensic laboratories in NJ related to 12,477 cases. Available data indicates that both cases and specimens increased 18% from 2014. Of the 12,477 suspected heroin submissions received by forensic laboratories, specimens in 11,521 (92%) cases tested positive for heroin. The remaining eight percent tested positive for: heroin and adulterants; adulterants and other drugs; or adulterants alone. During 2015, the number of submissions with specimens testing positive for heroin with other adulterants, as well as adulterants alone, skyrocketed. The chart below (Table 5) summarizes contents found in suspected heroin submitted to the laboratories during the last three years.

Heroin adulterated with methamphetamine, or methamphetamine sold in heroin packaging, was rare in 2014, but became more prevalent during 2015. (See the Fentanyl and Adulterants section of this report.) For a complete list of all combinations of drugs found in suspected heroin submissions, see Appendix A.

YEAR TOTAL

SUBMISSIONS POSITIVE FOR

HEROIN POSITIVE FOR FENTANYL &

ACETYL FENTANYL OTHER*

2013 11,357 11,301 10 46

2014 10,860 10,563 218 89

2015 12,477 11,521 686 270

TOTALS 34,694 33,385 914 405

Table 5




May 27, 2016

This chart (Figure 5) illustrates suspected heroin submissions and glassines analyzed by the laboratories during 2015, by month. Submissions of suspected heroin in New Jersey trended upward over the last 12 months, although there was a significant decrease in November. Total glassines seized in the state followed the same upward trend. Figure 6 illustrates heroin submissions and glassines analyzed by the laboratories during 2015, by county. Camden County, totaled 1,431 submissions, consisting of 16,377 glassines for analysis. Ocean County reported only 64 more submissions than Camden County, but significantly more glassines, with a total of 83,242.

70,048

19,998

2,970

16,377

23,726

3,318

95,652

1,503

17,988

2,995

56,997

20,577

31,999

5,677

83,242

90,260

1,011

14,779

4,534

35,701

3,676

945

566

347

1,431

465

120

1,198

164

558

125

700

573

1,042

333

1,495

932

37

158 171

963

154

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

G

L

A

S

S

I

N

E

B

A

G

S

S

U

B

M

I

S

S

I

O

N

S

SUSPECTED HEROIN SUBMISSIONS & GLASSINE BAGSANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

GLASSINE BAGS SUBMISSIONS SUBMISSIONS = 12,477 GLASSINE BAGS = 603,028

Figure 6

Figure 5

35,816

23,368

55,980

42,104

88,032

51,624

60,748

50,689

57,854

46,036

30,686

60,091

689

803

1,079

937

1,112

1,205

1,112

1,234

1,1721,128

812

1,194

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

G

L

A

S

S

I

N

E

B

A

G

S

S

U

B

M

I

S

S

I

O

N

S

SUSPECTED HEROIN SUBMISSIONS & GLASSINE BAGSANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

GLASSINE BAGS SUBMISSIONS SUBMISSIONS = 12,477 GLASSINE BAGS = 603,028




May 27, 2016

The top seven counties for heroin submissions during 2015 are shown in Figure 7. As noted, these seven counties accounted for 64% of all heroin submissions in the state last year. Union, Atlantic and Passaic Counties were all within a percentage point of each other as far as total quantity. Figure 8 below shows the top five counties for total glassine quantity in 2015. Essex and Passaic counties reported the highest number of glassines seized during 2015. These two counties are the only two northern counties; two central area counties and one southern county round out the chart.

Figure 7

280

406

230 235

195 194 203

407

303

354

268283

188

277

488

337309

299

274

346

250

320

385

305

240

211 217202

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

OCEAN CAMDEN ESSEX MONMOUTH UNION ATLANTIC PASSAIC

SUSPECTED HEROIN SUBMISSIONS - TOP SEVEN COUNTIESANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

QTR 1 QTR 2 QTR 3 QTR 4 SUBMISSIONS = 8,006

These seven counties represent 64% of all NJ suspected heroin submissions.

Figure 8

20,476

19,863

12,231

21,522

15,914

14,627

18,514

15,338

18,854

29,533

8,478

19,444

45,660

18,607

42,166

13,416

12,227

10,013

31,277

8,039

0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000

MERCER

ATLANTIC

OCEAN

PASSAIC

ESSEX

SUSPECTED HEROIN SUBMISSIONS - GLASSINE BAGS TOP 5 COUNTIES ANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

QTR 1 QTR 2 QTR 3 QTR 4 GLASSINE BAGS = 396,199

These five counties represent 66% of all suspected heroin glassinebags submitted.




May 27, 2016

Table 6 shows submissions of suspected heroin during 2015. During 2015, the majority of submissions of suspected heroin were under 1,000 glassines. Only 78 (less than 10%) were submissions of 1,000 or more glassines. Large submissions were concentrated in Essex, Passaic, and Mercer counties. Seven of the 21 counties in the state reported no submissions larger than 1,000 glassines. This data alone does not reveal the extent of the heroin epidemic. Combining this information with other heroin-related data, such as substance abuse treatment admissions, can reveal trends, patterns and anomalies, providing context and enhanced understanding of the drug environment. Substance abuse treatment admissions, tracked by the New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJSAMS) show admissions for heroin and other opioids increased from 28,923 in 2014 to 32,515 in 2015, a 13% increase.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, Passaic County reported six seizures of 1,000 or more glassines.

UNDER

1,000 GLASSINE

BAGS

1,000

OR MORE

GLASSINE BAGS

ATLANTIC 939 6 945 8%

BERGEN 565 1 566 5%

BURLINGTON 347 0 347 3%

CAMDEN 1,431 0 1,431 11%

CAPE MAY 462 3 465 4%

CUMBERLAND 119 1 120 1%

ESSEX 1,179 19 1,198 10%

GLOUCESTER 164 0 164 1%

HUDSON 557 1 558 4%

HUNTERDON 125 0 125 1%

MERCER 690 10 700 6%

MIDDLESEX 570 3 573 5%

MONMOUTH 1,038 4 1,042 8%

MORRIS 333 0 333 3%

OCEAN 1,489 6 1,495 12%

PASSAIC 915 17 932 7%

SALEM 37 0 37 0.3%

SOMERSET 155 3 158 1%

SUSSEX 171 0 171 1%

UNION 959 4 963 8%

WARREN 154 0 154 1%

TOTAL 12,399 78

COUNTY

SUBMISSIONS

TOTAL

12,477

HEROIN - LARGEST SUBMISSIONS DURING 2015

Table 6




May 27, 2016

Density of Heroin Seizures The maps below (Figure 9) show the density of heroin seizures in New Jersey for 2014 and 2015. Urban areas are still the epicenters of heroin interdiction, however, as the 2015 map illustrates, the evolution of the heroin epidemic within the state continues, increasingly impacting suburban and rural areas. Seizures of heroin on major highways in the state increased during 2015. Several counties showed significant increases in heroin seizures last year, including Ocean, Monmouth, Mercer, and Cape May Counties. Also, the northwestern portion of the state showed significantly more heroin seizures in 2015 than during 2014. This data is consistent with prescription opioid pill data. Sussex, Morris and Warren counties showed a 205% increase in prescription opioid pill submissions from 2014 to 2015.

Figure 9

Note: Not all heroin seizure data was available (for either 2014 or 2015) at the time maps were created. In addition, seizures of drugs where no street location or city was specified could not be mapped.




May 27, 2016

Heroin Stamps Heroin is typically sold to users in individual doses, packaged in wax folds or glassines. Dealers “brand” their heroin to identify their product, so that repeat customers believe they are getting the same product or quality. This is a depiction of the top 100 stamp names seized in New Jersey during 2015. Larger names indicate more laboratory submissions of suspected heroin packaged using that stamp name.

Figure 10




May 27, 2016

Fentanyl and Other Adulterants The trend toward new and more dangerous drugs packaged and sold similarly to heroin is creating a significant public health crisis in New Jersey. In November and December 2015, Camden City and several municipalities in Camden County reported three distinct overdose spikes. These three events resulted in 34 suspected overdoses, resulting in three fatalities. Laboratory analysis of evidence obtained from these overdose incidents revealed fentanyl or a heroin/fentanyl mix. The proliferation of adulterants such as fentanyls is expected to continue. Fentanyls yield significantly higher profits, are easier to obtain, and are significantly more potent than heroin. Increasingly, dealers are selling fentanyls without heroin making it difficult for heroin users to know the content in the glassine bags they purchase and how much to use. This increases the threat of overdose to users and exposure to first responders. During 2015, fentanyls were found to be packaged similarly to heroin or sold as imitation oxycodone. Figure 11 illustrates the increase in submissions and glassine counts for fentanyls during 2015. “Fentanyl-related” includes any seizures submitted to the laboratories that included any fentanyls, alone or in any combination with any other drug. Submissions increased 660% from the first quarter to the fourth quarter in 2015, glassines submitted for testing that included fentanyls increased over 2,000% from the first quarter to the fourth quarter.

35382

137

3,987

248

5,608

266

8,616

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

SUBMISSIONS GLASSINE BAGS SUBMISSIONS GLASSINE BAGS SUBMISSIONS GLASSINE BAGS SUBMISSIONS GLASSINE BAGS

1ST QTR 2ND QTR 3RD QTR 4TH QTR

2015 FENTANYL-RELATED SUBMISSIONS

SUBMISSIONS = 686 GLASSINE BAGS =18593

GLASSINEINCREASE

944%

GLASSINE INCREASE

41%

GLASSINE INCREASE

54%

During the 4th

quarter, Passaic County reported one fentanyl-related seizure with more than 2,000 glassines.

Figure 11




May 27, 2016

The two charts below (Figure 12 and Figure 13) show fentanyl-related submissions and glassines analyzed by forensic laboratories during 2015. Camden County had the most submissions of fentanyl-related drugs during 2015, but submitted only four percent of total glassines. 686 submissions (6% of total submissions) in 2015 involved fentanyls. In 2014, these submissions accounted for only 2% of total submissions. This is may be due, in part, to laboratories not testing for fentanyl until late in 2014. All 21 counties in New Jersey reported at least one submission involving fentanyl. Only four counties reported fewer than 12 fentanyl-involved submissions, including Salem (1), Cumberland (5), Hunterdon (6), and Hudson (8). In 2015, Atlantic and Passaic Counties accounted for more than half (54%) of all fentanyl-related glassines submitted to the laboratories. Only four counties reported submissions of fewer than 100 glassines, including Salem (3), Cumberland (29), Burlington (85), and Cape May (96). During 2015, laboratory analysis of suspected heroin increasingly identified specimens that contain only heroin, and fentanyls, but also methamphetamine, cocaine, codeine, lidocaine, and various prescription drugs, either combined with heroin or packaged in the wax folds or glassine bags associated with heroin distribution.

Figure 12

CAMDEN (123)18%

ATLANTIC (79)12%

ESSEX (76)11%

MONMOUTH (65)9%

PASSAIC (48)7%

BERGEN (43)6%

MORRIS(37)5%

UNION (29)4%

GLOUCESTER (27)4%

MIDDLESEX (26)4%

BURLINGTON (24)4%

*OTHER COUNTIES (109)16%

SUBMISSIONS = 686

FENTANYL-RELATED SUBMISSIONS

ANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

ATLANTIC (5,327)29%

PASSAIC (4,685)25%

MONMOUTH (1,821)10%

ESSEX (1,045)6%

UNION (1,023)5%

CAMDEN (801)4%

BERGEN (707)4%

MORRIS (558)3%

OCEAN (514)3%

*OTHER COUNTIES (2,112)

11%

FENTANYL-RELATEDGLASSINE BAGS

ANALYZED BETWEEN1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

GLASSINE BAGS = 18,593

Figure 13




May 27, 2016

Eight percent of lab submissions in 2015 were either adulterated heroin or another drug altogether. While this is low compared to overall seizures, the drugs themselves are the concern. If users ingest what they believe to be heroin, but the drug is actually fentanyl, cocaine, or methamphetamine, this increases the possibility of overdosing, as well as complicating treatment. Table 7 and Figure 14 show the adulterants identified in suspected heroin submissions to forensic laboratories. Heroin with fentanyl was the mixture most commonly identified, accounting for 25% of seizures tested. Of particular concern are mixtures not normally seen together such as methamphetamine and heroin.

The “Additional Fentanyl Combinations” category includes twenty-three different combinations of fentanyls. Figure 14 at left shows total numbers of submissions for each drug, and that drug’s percentage of the total submissions. For a complete list of all combinations of drugs found in suspected heroin in New Jersey, see Appendix A.

Figure 14

Table 7

HEROIN/FENTANYL 243

FENTANYL 127

ACETYL FENTANYL 108

HEROIN/CAFFEINE 66

HEROIN/COCAINE 64

HEROIN/FENTANYL/ACETYL FENTANYL 64

HEROIN/ACETYL FENTANYL 60

HEROIN/DILTIAZEM 17

FENTANYL/ACETYL FENTANYL 16

HEROIN/COCAINE/FENTANYL 14

HEROIN/METHAMPHETAMINE 13

ADDITIONAL FENTANYL COMBINATIONS 54

OTHER DRUGS OR COMBINATIONS 110

TOTAL 956

SUSPECTED HEROIN SUBMISSIONS - ADULTERANTS

ANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

Content is listed in order of presence in the tested sample.




May 27, 2016

The abuse of prescription drugs continues to plague New Jersey at a high rate, crossing all age, gender, racial, and socioeconomic boundaries. Nationwide studies show substantially high levels in the abuse and misuse (non-medical use) of these drugs and the adverse consequences associated with such actions. DEA Newark, February 2015

Prescription Legend Drugs (PLDs) For this analysis, submissions of all types of PLDs (pills) were aggregated; opioid and non-opioid pills were not reviewed independently. While many types of PLDs are seized within the state, this analysis focuses on the top five seized pills. Of note is that not all of the top five diverted pills are opioids.

Since 2011, pill submissions in New Jersey had been trending downward, but increased from 2014 to 2015. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has reported that four out of five heroin users became addicted as a result of abusing opioid pills. The increased presence of prescription opioid pills signals the potential for increases in heroin abuse. A significant concern is the seizure of imitation PLDs which also increased in New Jersey during 2015. Suspected alprazolam and oxycodone pills tested positive for fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, heroin and AB-Fubinaca. In addition, law enforcement seized imitation oxycodone pills, which tested positive for acetyl fentanyl. 2

2 Imitation Xanax – Multiple Drugs Found in Pressed Pill Form ~ ROIC201510-06472F; Fentanyl Disguised as Oxycodone ~ ROIC201510-064789F, Drug Monitoring Initiative, NJ ROIC

Figure 15

Figure 16

Tramadol is a Schedule IV opioid analgesic, (a synthetic analog of codeine), used to treat pain. (Emerging

Drug Trends – 2014, Regional Organized Crime Information Center; RxList.com)




May 27, 2016

Oxycodone continues to be the top diverted prescription pill in the state. The top five diverted pills during 2015 were the same top five pills seen during 2014. The chart at right (Figure 17) shows the top five diverted pills and the number of cases for the top five counties in New Jersey. Bergen County is the only northern county reporting significant seizures of the top five diverted pills, while southern and central counties round out the top counties. The chart below (Figure 18) shows the top five diverted pills and the pill counts for the top five counties.

Three large seizures are annotated in the chart, but not included in chart data. Treatment admissions for “heroin and other opioids” include admissions for addiction to PLDs. Specific treatment data for “PLDs” was not available.

Figure 18

These five counties represent 58% of OFS cases.

Figure 17




May 27, 2016

Cocaine For this analysis the term “cases” refers to the number of individual cases of suspected cocaine received by the NJSP OFS. The term “specimens” refers to the number of individual packages of suspected cocaine received by the NJSP OFS. The maps below show NJSP OFS cocaine cases in New Jersey during 2015. The map at left shows cases per capita (cases per 100,000 residents), while the map at right shows total cocaine cases.

Per capita data results in a different depiction of the drug environment. Salem County, with a population of 64,715, has a high per capita figure. Indicators for the presence of cocaine, including laboratory cases and specimens submitted for testing, have decreased significantly over the last several years. Laboratory cases continued to decrease in 2015, as illustrated in the chart at right. From 2011 to 2015, there was a 45% decrease in OFS laboratory cases involving cocaine.

Figure 19

5,221

4,3933,980

3,498

2,895

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

COCAINE OFS LABORATORY CASES

Figure 20




May 27, 2016

2,455

1,343

327 280 333

1,317

376

531

322207

1,425

1,012

320448

197

3,282

363

187303

430

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

CAM ESS MID ATL PAS

COCAINE OFS LABORATORY SPECIMENS: TOP 5 COUNTIESANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

QTR 1 QTR 2 QTR 3 QTR 4

SPECIMENS = 15458

These five counties represent 75% of OFS specimens.

Figure 22

The chart at right (Figure 21) shows the top five New Jersey counties for OFS laboratory cases during 2015. Camden County reported a significant decrease between the 1st and 2nd quarters, but a significant increase from the 3rd quarter to the 4th quarter. The chart below (Figure 22) illustrates the top five counties for OFS laboratory specimens analyzed for the presence of cocaine.

Essex County had a relatively low number of cases (230) but the second highest number of specimens submitted for testing (3,094). Total OFS lab cases during the 4th quarter increased 15% over the 3rd quarter, and 16% over the 2nd quarter. This was primarily due to Camden County, which also had a significant number of submissions tested during the first quarter of the year.

215

111

70

51

74

128

71 75

55 51

145

85

7363 66

229

81 7869

39

0

50

100

150

200

250

CAM MER MON ATL ESS

COCAINE OFS LABORATORY CASES: TOP 5 COUNTIESANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015


CASES = 1829

These five counties represent 63% of OFS cases.

Figure 21




May 27, 2016

Total OFS specimens testing positive for cocaine were significantly higher for the 1st and 4th quarters, again primarily due to Camden County. The DEA recently released a report indicating that cocaine continues to be a drug of choice in Philadelphia and surrounding communities,3 which includes Camden, NJ. NJSAMS data shows that treatment admissions for cocaine/crack increased slightly from 2014 to 2015, up 2%, from 3,317 to 3,390. This is not statistically significant when compared to treatment admissions for other drugs, but may indicate a lessening of addiction to this drug. As with any drug, market availability is irrelevant if there is little or no demand for the drug.

3 The Drug Situation in the Philadelphia Field Division January – June 2015, DEA-PHI-DIR-015-16, December 2015.

791663 670

771

5,992

3,941

4,753

5,953

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000


COCAINE OFS LABORATORY CASES & SPECIMENS:ANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

CASES SPECIMENS

CASES = 2895 SPECIMENS = 20639

Figure 23




May 27, 2016

Methamphetamine Methamphetamine continues to be available in New Jersey. From 2014 to 2015, methamphetamine cases submitted to OFS laboratories increased 27%, from 160 to 203. This continues an upward trend; since 2011 methamphetamine submissions are up 222%. While cases during 2015 increased slightly, specimens submitted for testing decreased significantly. According to the Philadelphia Division of the DEA, local methamphetamine production increased in Pennsylvania and Delaware due to increased numbers of “one-pot” laboratories, which have also been found in New Jersey, along with larger scale methamphetamine laboratories. Historically, methamphetamine was commonly produced and distributed in southern areas of New Jersey. In 2015, several central and northern New Jersey methamphetamine seizures were noted. The three largest seizures occurred in Essex County, Monmouth County, and Burlington County. Monmouth and Essex Counties would not normally be considered locations for high (or any) methamphetamine activity. The chart at right (Figure 25) shows the top six counties for OFS methamphetamine cases in 2015, accounting for 66% of all methamphetamine cases submitted. Several southern counties are in the group, as might be expected. Bergen and Monmouth Counties are unexpected. In May 2015, NJSP forensic laboratories began receiving suspected heroin submissions that were actually methamphetamine packaged in glassine bags/wax folds, similar to those used to package heroin.

10

4

5

3

2

5

9

8

5 5

1 1

14

4

3

7

3 3

11

6 6

3

10

6

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

CAM BER BUR MON ATL GLO

METHAMPHETAMINE OFS LABORATORY CASES: TOP 6 COUNTIESANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015


CASES = 134

The top six counties represent 66% of OFS methamphetamine cases.

Figure 25

47 46 53 57

527

320

422

112

0

100

200

300

400

500

600


METHAMPHETAMINE OFS LABORATORY CASES & SPECIMENS:ANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

CASES SPECIMANS

CASES = 203 SPECIMENS = 1381

Three seizures, totaling 770 specimens, represent 56% of all OFS specimens.

Figure 24




May 27, 2016

Some suspected heroin samples tested positive for a combination of meth and heroin. Seizures occurred in Robbinsville and Trenton (Mercer County) and in Tinton Falls (Monmouth County). Prior to 2015, methamphetamine packaged as heroin was previously only seen in October 2013, in Trenton. The DEA reports that Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO’s) are the primary source of the supply of methamphetamine for Pennsylvania, and they are interested in establishing distribution hubs in both Pennsylvania and New York. In addition, excessive methamphetamine in other distribution hubs, and traffickers’ inability to sell the drug in some of those locations, may be an incentive for them to move the methamphetamine to northeastern markets, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.4 New Jersey, with several major highways, provides multiple transportation possibilities for traffickers. According to testimony given at a US Senate Caucus last November, all indicators point to increasing trafficking and use of methamphetamine. High-grade Mexican cartel-produced methamphetamine accounts for the majority of methamphetamine available in the U.S. with an average purity of 96%. Thousands of kilograms from Mexico are seized along the Southwest border each year, with an increase of 20% from 2013 to 2014.5 If addiction to methamphetamine is fueled by increased availability there could be serious implications for law enforcement and treatment agencies in the state. Methamphetamine use results in an extreme high, which in turn creates a craving even greater than that created by heroin. Because the drug is relatively inexpensive and can easily be produced using medicine, chemicals, and equipment readily available from local stores, users do not necessarily need to rely on dealers or distributors for their supply. The tactic being used by distributors to sell methamphetamine as heroin is another indication that DTO’s are attempting to create a sustainable methamphetamine market. While the overall impact posed to the State by methamphetamine is low when compared to heroin, the consistently increasing presence must continue to be monitored.

4 The Drug Situation in the Philadelphia Field Division January – June 2015, DEA-PHI-DIR-015-16, December 2015.

5 Drug Trafficking Across the Southwest Border and Oversight of U.S Counterdrug Assistance to Mexico, statement of Michael P. Botticelli, Director of National Drug Control Policy, November 17, 2015, https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ondcp/OLA/ondcp_statement_for_nov_17_senate_drug_caucus_mexico_hearing_--_final.pdf, accessed February 2016.




May 27, 2016

Marijuana According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is still the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. Marijuana was the drug submitted most often to OFS laboratory for analysis in 2015, although total cases decreased 3% from 2014, from 14,542 to 14,152. OFS laboratories received a total of 42,290 individual specimens of suspected marijuana stemming from the 14,152 cases in 2015. The two charts (Figure 26 and 27) illustrate the differences between cases and specimens in the most afflicted counties. In New Jersey, there are a significant number of motor vehicle stops by law enforcement agencies involving driving under the influence of drugs, most often marijuana. NJSAMS indicates treatment admissions for marijuana increased 10% from 2014 to 2015, from 9,372 to 10,316. Treatment admissions are not necessarily a barometer of increased use or availability of a drug; it may simply be that more people are going for treatment. Forensic lab data indicates marijuana may be trending down in the state.

1,649

1,306

1,534

1,024

1,2551,262

1,485

1,293

944 960986

1,305

568

947

567

1,277

1,0641,105

732764

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

1,800

CAM BER PAS MID ESS

MARIJUANA OFS LABORATORY SPECIMENS: TOP 5 COUNTIESANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015


SPECIMENS = 22027

These five counties accounted for 52% of OFS specimens.

Figure 27

502

359

424

356336

535

405

282

347

293

453

492

335 337

276

424

351371 363

208

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

BER MON CAM MID MER

MARIJUANA OFS LABORATORY CASES: TOP 5 COUNTIESANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015


CASES = 7449

These five counties accounted for 53% of OFS cases.

Figure 26




May 27, 2016

Marijuana Variants While vegetative marijuana appears to be trending down in New Jersey, laboratory submissions of edible forms of marijuana increased 111% from 2014. Synthetic cannabinoids have tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels as high as 90%, making them much more potent than marijuana vegetation, with THC levels of 10 to 20%. Hashish candy accounted for 70% of the total edible marijuana specimens submitted to OFS laboratories. Marijuana wax (also known as “dabs”) involved only 18% of submitted specimens, but the product is highly concentrated, and can contain up to 95% THC. Figure 29 at right illustrates the types of edible marijuana items submitted to OFS laboratories in 2015. Edible marijuana products may be replacing vegetative marijuana as one drug of choice in New Jersey.

One seizure of hashish candy represented 66% of all 2nd quarter specimens.

One seizure of hashish candy represented 81% of all 3rd quarter specimens.

Figure 28

Figure 29




May 27, 2016

141180

133

52

1,039

1,2351,263

345

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400


SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS OFS LABORATORY CASES & SPECIMENS:ANALYZED FROM JANUARY 1, 2015 TO DECEMBER 31, 2015

CASES SPECIMENSCASES = 506 SPECIMENS = 3882

Ten seizures accounted for 1,966 specimens, 51% of the 2015 total.

Figure 290

Synthetic Cannabinoids Synthetic cannabinoids, sometimes referred to as “K2” or “Spice,” are man-made chemicals sprayed on dried, shredded plant material and smoked, or sold as liquids to be vaporized and inhaled in e-cigarettes or other smoking devices.6 These chemicals are related to the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana, but are often stronger and more dangerous. They may be marketed as synthetic marijuana, a “safe, legal alternative” to marijuana. AB-Fubinaca and XLR-11 accounted for the majority of the synthetic cannabinoid specimens. Use of synthetic cannabinoids appears to be trending downward in the state, with a 61% decrease in cases between the 3rd and 4th quarter, and a 73% decrease in the number of specimens. Further, lab submissions were also down 22% from 2014. Table 8 below shows the ten largest seizures that occurred in five counties, during 2015. Specimens containing AB-Fubinaca and XLR-11 comprised 57% of these seizures.

6 National Institute on Drug Abuse, Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2/Spice). Retrieved January 21, 2016 from http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/synthetic-cannabinoids-k2spice

XLR-11 was first identified by labs in 2012, as an ingredient in synthetic cannabis smoking blends, and appears to be a novel compound invented specifically for grey-market recreational use. According to the DEA, XLR-11 was named after the first liquid-propellant rocket engine. (DEA, Special Testing and

Research Laboratory, 2/24/2016.)

Figure 301

Quarter County Drug Specimens

1 HUN UR-144 315

1 HUN XLR-11 110

1 BUR XLR-11 104

2 SOM AB-FUBINACA 360

2 HUN AB-FUBINACA 107

2 HUN XLR-11 102

3 CAM MAB-CHMINACA 536



4 CUM XLR-11 133

1,966TOTAL

Table 8




May 27, 2016

Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts) Synthetic cathinones, commonly known as “bath salts,” are synthetic drugs chemically related to cathinone, a stimulant found in the khat plant. The most common forms are powder or crystal. Forensic lab case submissions in the state decreased eight percent from 2014 to 2015. Figure 32 and 33 illustrate numbers of cases and specimens submitted to OFS laboratories and analyzed in 2015.

Between April 15, 2015, and April 19, 2015, there were approximately 25 non-fatal overdoses involving suspected synthetic cathinones in the area of Newark Penn Station in Newark, NJ. Alpha-PVP (“Flakka”) specimens accounted for only five percent of 2015 lab cases. Flakka appeared in New Jersey three times in 2014, in crystalline/powder form and packaged in gel caps. Gel caps were seized in New Jersey and also in Florida. The DEA reports that Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO’s) are re-branding synthetic cathinones as MDMA (3,4-

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine commonly known as ecstasy) or “Molly” to continue selling the drugs, because risk perception has increased and popularity is decreasing.7 This rebranding is significant, since many synthetics are inherently more dangerous than MDMA, and even seasoned drug users are at risk of overdose or death from unfamiliar drugs.8

7 The Name Game with Synthetic Cathinones: Interpreting National-Level Drug Use Data Sets and the Continuing Cathinone Threat, DEA-DCT-DIR-012-16, February 2016. 8 Ibid.

Figure 312

Figure 323




May 27, 2016

Naloxone Administrations Naloxone is an antidote to opioid drugs (heroin, morphine, oxycodone/Oxycontin, methadone, hydrocodone/Vicodin, codeine, and other opiod-based prescription pain medications). Opioids can slow or stop a person's breathing, causing death. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids and temporarily prevents a fatal overdose.9 EMS and law enforcement agencies in all 21 counties in New Jersey have been trained in the use of naloxone.

The Department of Health (DOH) receives naloxone administration data from 45% of the EMS entities in the state. Those entities provide emergency medical services for more than 80% of the population of New Jersey. In turn, DOH shares de-identified naloxone data with DMI, which also receives naloxone administration data from law enforcement agencies statewide. EMS data as reported by DOH and law enforcement naloxone data was combined for this analysis. Naloxone administration maps correlate with drug arrest and heroin seizure data maps.

9 For additional information regarding naloxone administration, go to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Training and Technical

Assistance Center (NTTAC), https://www.bjatraining.org/tools/naloxone/Naloxone%2BBackground

Figure 334




May 27, 2016

AGENCY

EMS 2,861 86% 5,091 71%

LE 461 14% 2,116 29%

TOTAL 3,322 100% 7,207 100%

2014 2015

EMS (5,091)71%

LAW ENFORCEMENT

(2,116)29%

LE & EMS NALOXONE ADMINISTRATIONSJANUARY 1, 2015 TO DECEMBER 31, 2015

Figure 35

Law enforcement agencies were involved in almost one-third of all naloxone administrations statewide.

Review of days of the week for naloxone administrations for both EMS and LE revealed that 17% more administrations occurred on Fridays and Saturdays, with an average of 1,151 administrations, compared to an average 981 administrations from Sunday through Thursday. Figure 36 below illustrates naloxone administrations for 2015, by month.

Both LE and EMS administrations show a spike in May and August, a slight increase from September to October, and decreases each month through the end of the year. From April to May, Camden County administrations increased 188%, and in Ocean County, administrations increased 79%.

Table 9

339361

493 493

830

682652

768

714747

597

531

238 254

366345

565

474456

553

505 509

434

392

101 107127

148

265

208 196215 209

238

163139

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

LE & EMS NALOXONE ADMINISTRATIONSJANUARY 1, 2015 TO DECEMBER 31, 2015

TOTAL EMS LE TOTAL = 7207 EMS = 5091 LE = 2116

Figure 346




May 27, 2016

At right are the top five counties for naloxone administrations during 2015. Males are the largest group of naloxone recipients in all age ranges; the disparity between the numbers of male and female recipients narrows as age increases. Whites account for 74% of all naloxone administrations.

Total naloxone administrations by age range and gender are illustrated in the Figure 38 below.

EMS1,160

EMS348

EMS417

EMS355

EMS417

LE344

LE276

LE139

LE177

LE64

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

CAMDEN (1,504) OCEAN (624) BURLINGTON (556) MIDDLESEX (532) ESSEX (481)

LE & EMS NALOXONE ADMINISTRATIONS - TOP 5 COUNTIESJANUARY 1, 2015 TO DECEMBER 31, 2015

TOTAL = 3697

COUNTY

CAMDEN 1,160 77% 344 23%

OCEAN 348 56% 276 44%

BURLINGTON 417 75% 139 25%

MIDDLESEX 355 67% 177 33%

ESSEX 417 87% 64 13%

TOTAL

LEEMS

2,697 1,000

Figure 357

Figure 368




May 27, 2016

The top residence cities of naloxone recipients during 2014 and 2015 are shown in Figure 39. During 2015, there was an increase in naloxone administrations in suburban municipalities, including Brick, Toms River, and Williamstown. The top cities of naloxone administration are not necessarily in the top five counties. There is increasing recognition that individuals saved by the administration of naloxone remain vulnerable to their addiction unless they receive appropriate treatment. Addiction is a chronic disease requiring intervention by recovery specialists ideally contemporaneous to each naloxone administration. Governor Christie recently announced the expansion of an intervention plan by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. The Recovery Coach Program places treatment specialists (including individuals in recovery themselves) at hospitals, to encourage patients to seek treatment while they are still in the hospital. Naloxone administrations continue to trend upward in the state. This may indicate increased addiction, or could be a barometer of the strength of new adulterants.

Figure 3937




May 27, 2016

Cross-Jurisdictional Impact of Naloxone Administrations Law enforcement and EMS naloxone administrations were reviewed to determine whether administrations were given where the user resides, or whether it was outside their residence jurisdiction. This information indicates how local resources are being impacted by individuals from outside their jurisdictions. The chart below (Figure 40) illustrates naloxone administrations in all 21 counties during 2015, showing percentages of in-county residents and out of county residents, as well as the percentages of recipients with unreported residence locations. Statewide, 1,253 (17%) of naloxone recipients received the drug in a location outside their residence county. Recipients with unreported residence locations totaled 522 (7%). In five counties, more than 20% of administrations during 2015 involved individuals who did not live in the county.

Figure 380

Non-resident information is indicated in the blue sections of the chart.




May 27, 2016

Summary New Jersey’s drug environment continues to evolve, and the drug trends reveal dangerously potent drugs impacting the health and safety of the people in New Jersey. Marijuana was once again the most prevalent drug, and its edible variants increased by 111% from 2014. Certain opioid synthetics which may be 100 times stronger than heroin continue to be recovered in New Jersey. The presence and prevalence of several synthetic drugs such as bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids (marijuana-like), and opioids (heroin-like) are having an impact on public health. During 2015, the presence of synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts, marijuana, and cocaine declined. Since 2011, opioid pill submissions in New Jersey had trended down, but increased from 2014 to 2015. Other opioids such as fentanyls have broadened their footprint and have had the greatest impact on drug overdoses statewide during 2015. The heroin and opioid epidemic continues to plague New Jersey and its impact on the state cannot be overstated as heroin and opioids have contributed to 4,960 overdose deaths between 2011 and 2014. Data also shows that during 2015, naloxone was administered more than 7,200 times by law-enforcement and medical services. During 2015, the number of specimens containing fentanyls increased by 2,155% from 382 during the first quarter to 8,616 during the fourth quarter. The number of drug arrests increased 3% statewide during 2015, with 60% of the individuals arrested being between 18 to 29 years old. This age range also received 32% of the naloxone administrations; meanwhile, only 41% were receiving substance abuse treatment. While 20% of the arrests involved females, they received 33% of the naloxone administrations. Overall, heroin and synthetic drugs continue to have the most profound impact on public health and public safety, and their footprint in rural and suburban areas of the state has increased, as indicated by the increased number of drug arrests and naloxone administrations during 2015.

Outlook Synthetic drugs will continue to impact New Jersey’s drug environment as clandestine production of synthetics domestically and abroad continues. The molecular changes of clandestinely produced synthetic drugs impact the strength and effects of the drug, posing increased risks to users encountering these synthetic drugs. As the potency of these drugs increase, smaller amounts may be required to achieve the desired effects and will facilitate smuggling as bulk shipments of these synthetics will be smaller. This translates to increased profits for manufacturers and distributors, who are increasingly ordering synthetic drugs over the Internet and using the postal service for delivery into the United States. As synthetic drugs continue to broaden their footprint throughout the state, their impact on public safety and public health will increase as well.




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6-MONOACETYLMORPHINE 1 4 1 1 7

6-MONOACETYLMORPHINE/MORPHINE 0 0 0 1 1

ACETYL FENTANYL 1 20 49 38 108

ACETYL FENTANYL/COCAINE 0 0 1 0 1

ACETYL FENTANYL/XYLAZINE 0 0 0 2 2

CLENBUTEROL 0 1 2 0 3

COCAINE 0 1 0 1 2

CODEINE 0 2 1 0 3

CODEINE/ACETYL FENTANYL 0 0 0 1 1

DIPHENHYDRAMINE 0 0 0 1 1

FENTANYL 3 39 41 44 127

FENTANYL/ACETYL FENTANYL 0 2 14 0 16

FENTANYL/ACETYL FENTANYL/HEROIN 0 0 1 0 1

FENTANYL/AMINOPYRENE 0 0 0 1 1

FENTANYL/CAFFEINE 0 1 1 0 2

FENTANYL/HEROIN 0 1 0 0 1

HEROIN 2,510 3,053 3,183 2,775 11,521 92%

HEROIN/6-MONOACETYLMORPHINE 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/ACETYL FENTANYL 2 22 12 24 60

HEROIN/ACETYL FENTANYL/CODEINE 0 0 2 0 2

HEROIN/ACETYL FENTANYL/DILTIAZEM 0 0 0 3 3

HEROIN/ACETYL FENTANYL/FENTANYL 0 0 1 8 9

HEROIN/ACETYL FENTANYL/FENTANYL/METHAMPHETAMINE 0 0 1 0 1

HEROIN/ACETYL FENTANYL/GABAPENTIN 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/ACETYL FENTANYL/XYLAZINE 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/ALPRAZOLAM 0 0 2 0 2

HEROIN/BUPRENORPHINE 0 1 0 0 1

HEROIN/BUPROPION 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/CAFFEINE 8 29 10 19 66

HEROIN/CAFFEINE/FENTANYL 0 0 5 1 6

HEROIN/CAFFEINE/PROCAINE 2 2 0 1 5

HEROIN/CAFFEINE/QUININE 2 0 0 0 2

HEROIN/CAFFEINE/XYLAZINE 0 0 1 0 1

HEROIN/CARISPRODOL/TRAMADOL 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/CLENBUTEROL 0 0 2 0 2

HEROIN/COCAINE 1 3 43 17 64

HEROIN/COCAINE/ACETYL FENTANYL 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/COCAINE/FENTANYL 0 1 9 4 14

HEROIN/COCAINE/LIDOCAINE 0 0 1 0 1

HEROIN/COCAINE/OXYCODONE 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/DIAZEPAM 0 0 1 0 1

HEROIN/DILTIAZEM 0 0 0 17 17

HEROIN/ETHYLONE 0 1 0 0 1

HEROIN/FENTANYL 29 48 74 92 243

HEROIN/FENTANYL/ACETYL FENTANYL 0 1 27 36 64

HEROIN/FENTANYL/ACETYL FENTANYL/METHAMPHETAMINE 0 0 5 0 5

HEROIN/FENTANYL/CAFFEINE 0 1 0 0 1

HEROIN/FENTANYL/COCAINE 0 1 3 5 9

HEROIN/FENTANYL/DIPHENHYDRAMINE 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/FENTANYL/METHAMPHETAMINE 0 0 1 0 1

HEROIN/FENTANYL/METHAMPHETAMINE/ACETYL FENTANYL 0 0 1 1 2

HEROIN/FENTANYL/PAPAVERINE 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/FENTANYL/SORBITAL/CAFFEINE 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/HYDROMORPHONE 0 1 0 0 1

HEROIN/MEPROBAMATE 0 0 2 0 2

HEROIN/METHAMPHETAMINE 0 0 8 5 13

HEROIN/MONACETYLMORPHINE 0 0 1 0 1

HEROIN/MORPHINE 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/PROCAINE 0 2 0 2 4

HEROIN/SORBITAL 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/TEMAZEPAM 0 0 0 1 1

HEROIN/TRAMADOL 0 0 1 0 1

HEROIN/XYLAZINE 0 0 0 5 5

HYDROMORPHONE 0 3 1 0 4

METHAMPHETAMINE 0 2 1 0 3

MORPHINE 0 0 0 1 1

OTHER 12 11 10 15 48

TOTAL 2,571 3,253 3,519 3,134 12,477

QRT 4

SUSPECTED HEROIN SUBMISSIONS ANALYZED BETWEEN 1/1/2015 TO 12/31/2015

TOTALCONTENT QRT 3QRT 2QRT 1

Table 10

Appendix A: Drugs In Heroin Submissions This is a complete list of drugs analyzed by forensic laboratories in New Jersey during 2015. Drugs are listed in the order of the amount found in a tested sample, i.e. heroin/fentanyl means that heroin was the most predominate drug; acetyl fentanyl/heroin/cocaine means that acetyl fentanyl was most predominant. Additional information can be obtained from the DMI.




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ATLANTIC 302 69% 64 15% 21 5% 51 12% 438 6%

BERGEN 274 85% 24 7% 13 4% 10 3% 321 4%

BURLINGTON 438 79% 52 9% 16 3% 50 9% 556 8%

CAMDEN 1,019 68% 323 21% 42 3% 120 8% 1,504 21%

CAPE MAY 143 85% 10 6% 6 4% 10 6% 169 2%

CUMBERLAND 159 89% 11 6% 2 1% 6 3% 178 2%

ESSEX 359 75% 46 10% 28 6% 48 10% 481 7%

GLOUCESTER 285 63% 61 14% 79 18% 25 6% 450 6%

HUDSON 184 91% 10 5% 6 3% 2 1% 202 3%

HUNTERDON 46 79% 4 7% 1 2% 7 12% 58 1%

MERCER 214 64% 27 8% 65 20% 26 8% 332 5%

MIDDLESEX 422 79% 44 8% 42 8% 24 5% 532 7%

MONMOUTH 383 85% 40 9% 9 2% 20 4% 452 6%

MORRIS 74 76% 17 18% 3 3% 3 3% 97 1%

OCEAN 546 88% 29 5% 8 1% 41 7% 624 9%

PASSAIC 128 72% 24 13% 5 3% 22 12% 179 2%

SALEM 51 73% 5 7% 8 11% 6 9% 70 1%

SOMERSET 116 84% 16 12% 4 3% 2 1% 138 2%

SUSSEX 41 82% 4 8% 1 2% 4 8% 50 1%

UNION 162 59% 69 25% 7 3% 38 14% 276 4%

WARREN 82 85% 3 3% 4 4% 7 7% 96 1%

INCIDENT

COUNTY

VICTIM RESIDENCE LOCATION

TOTAL

*Totals exclude 4 EMS administrations with unreported incident locations.

Indicates counties with the lowest percentage of in-county resident administrations.

5,428 883TOTAL* 7,203

IN-COUNTY OTHER COUNTY OUT OF STATE

522370

LE & EMS NALOXONE ADMINISTRATIONS

CROSS JURISDICTIONAL IMPACT JANUARY 1, 2015 TO DECEMBER 31, 2015

Identifies counties administering naloxone to the highest number of other county residents.

UNREPORTED

75% 12% 5% 7%

Appendix B: Naloxone Administrations Cross-Jurisdictional Table Below is a table of Naloxone administrations for all 21 counties, showing numbers and percentages of county residents and out-of county residents who received naloxone during 2015.

Table 11




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Appendix C: Definitions This section includes some of the terms used, and drugs reviewed, in the 2015 DMI Report. Unless otherwise noted, the National Institute on Drug Abuse was used as a reference. For additional information regarding other drugs or additional information about the drugs in this report, go to http://www.drugabuse.gov/.

AB-FUBINACA AB-Fubinaca is a synthetic cannabinoid added to plant material, marketed as an herbal incense product or “synthetic marijuana.” Chemically similar to THC, marijuana’s active ingredient, but much more dangerous. No commercial or medical uses. Also sold as a liquid for use in vaporizing devices (e-cigarettes). Can cause hallucinations, aggressive behavior, racing heartbeat, drowsiness, and vomiting.

ADDICTION Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing, brain disease causing compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the person with substance abuse disorder and to those around them. Although the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, brain changes occurring over time challenge their self-control and hamper their ability to resist intense impulses to take drugs.

ALPHA-PVP (“FLAKKA”) Alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP) is a synthetic cathinone, chemically similar to synthetic drugs known as "bath salts." It is a white or pink crystal that can be eaten, snorted, injected, or vaporized. Vaporizing causes rapid entry into the bloodstream, increasing the potential for overdose. Can cause "excited delirium," paranoia, and hallucinations, violent aggression, or self-injury. Linked to suicide, heart attack, dangerous high body temperature, and kidney damage/failure.

BATH SALTS (SYNTHETIC CATHINONES) “Bath salts” contain one or more synthetic (man-made) drugs using chemicals related to cathinone, a potent stimulant found in the khat plant. Synthetic cathinones are chemically similar to amphetamines, cocaine, and MDMA, producing similar effects on the brain. Side effects may include aggressive or suicidal behavior in users. Producers of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones continually create new chemical variations as state and federal regulations change to outlaw these substances.

COCAINE Cocaine is a powerful addictive stimulant made from leaves of the coca plant native to South America. Schedule II drug, with some accepted medical use. Produces short-term euphoria, energy, talkativeness, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Powdered form is inhaled through the nose (snorted), where it is absorbed through nasal tissue, or dissolved in water and injected into the bloodstream. Crack is cocaine processed to make a rock crystal that is heated to produce vapors, absorbed into the blood-stream through the lungs.

ETIZOLAM Etizolam is a benzodiazepine analog, with amnesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. Abusers use the drug to relieve stress, induce sleep, counteract the after effects of stimulants like cocaine, or intensify the effects of depressants such as heroin. Legal in the US only for research purposes.




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FENTANYL/ACETYL FENTANYL Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid, similar to, but more potent than, heroin. Mixing fentanyl with heroin or cocaine amplifies their potency and increases risks to users. Acetyl fentanyl and butyryl fentanyl are dangerous fentanyls, and may be five to 15 times stronger than heroin.

HEROIN Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from seed pods of the Asian opium poppy plant. May be a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance (“black tar heroin”). Can be injected, inhaled by snorting/ sniffing, or smoked, delivering heroin to the brain very rapidly. Can suppress breathing, affecting oxygen reaching the brain (hypoxia). Effects can include psychological and neurological effects, coma and permanent brain damage. Severe physical and psychological effects during withdrawal.

HEROIN STAMPS Heroin is commonly packaged in wax folds/glassines, usually stamped with a name and/or symbol to distinguish a particular dealer’s product. Wax folds are available preprinted with identifiers/stamp names, rather than individually stamped with a stamp and ink pad. Stamps are more common in the Northeast region of the US. Drug dealers also use unstamped capsules, pills, small balloons, or small plastic bags to package heroin.

MARIJUANA Marijuana is dried plant material from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, which contains the psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds. Plant material can be concentrated in a resin (hashish) or a sticky black liquid (hash oil), which are smoked or used in edible products.

MARIJUANA VARIANTS & EDIBLES Marijuana variants are produced using cannabinoid extracts from the Cannibas sativa plant and include edibles, such as hard and gummy candies, chocolate, marijuana butter, and marijuana oil. Edible marijuana delivers THC and cannabidiol (CBD) to users’ bodies more slowly, resulting in a longer high. Users may inadvertently overdose as a result of consuming too much of the drug because of the slower onset of effects.

MDMA MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymeth), known as ecstasy or “Molly,” is a synthetic psychoactive stimulant. Molly is usually purchased in capsules. Produces feelings of increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth and empathy toward others, and distortions in sensory and time perception, but may also cause confusion, depression, and sleep problems. Capsules sold as “Molly” have been found to contain caffeine, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin or other drugs, alone or in various combinations.

METHAMPHETAMINE Methamphetamine (meth, crystal, chalk, or ice) is an extremely addictive stimulant drug. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder. Smoking or injecting methamphetamine delivers it very quickly to the brain, producing an immediate, intense euphoria. Because the resulting pleasure also fades quickly, users often take repeated doses, in a “binge and crash” pattern.




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10 Tramadol, Drugs.com, http://www.drugs.com/tramadol.html, accessed March 2015. 11 Emerging Drug Trends – 2014, Regional Organized Crime Information Center; RxList.com.

NALOXONE (NARCAN) Naloxone, also known by the brand name (Narcan), is an “opioid antagonist” used to counter the effects of opioid overdoses. Counteracts life-threatening depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems, allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally. Non-addictive, works only if a person has opioid drugs in their system; it has no effect if opioid drugs are absent.

OPIOIDS For this report, “opioids” include heroin and the entire family of natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic opioid substances that have similar effects on the opioid receptors. These drugs are derived from the poppy plant and opium. Opioids affect areas of the brain controlling pain and emotions, producing a state of euphoria and relaxation. Effects include drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea, constipation, and depressed respiration.

POLY-DRUG PILLS/IMITATION PILLS A growing trend in New Jersey is the combination of various drugs into a single pressed pill, which have a high potential for overdose. Imitation pills mimic common PLDs such as Oxycontin or Xanax; drugs have included cocaine, heroin, alpha-pvp, ethylone, etizolam, and fentanyl. Overdose symptoms depend on the quantities of the specific drugs used in a particular pill.

PRESCRIPTION LEGEND DRUGS (PLDS) Prescription legend drugs are legal drugs prescribed by medical professionals. Drugs are often diverted and sold illegally. PLDs, particularly opioids and morphine derivatives, can be highly addictive and abuse may lead to heroin abuse. Some PLDs have psychoactive (mind-altering) properties, and users take them for reasons or in amounts not intended by doctors.

SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS (“SPICE,” “K2”) Synthetic cannabinoids are chemically related to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These drugs are sometimes called “synthetic marijuana” or “legal marijuana,” but effects can be more powerful and more dangerous. Users may experience anxiety, agitation, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, shaking, seizures, hallucinations and paranoia, and may act violently. SYNTHETIC CATHINONES – SEE BATH SALTS

TRAMADOL Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever, used to treat moderate to severe pain. Can slow or stop breathing. Seizures/convulsions sometimes occur, especially if mixed with antidepressants, muscle relaxers, narcotics, or medicines prescribed for nausea and vomiting. Intended to be taken orally; inhaling or injecting the drug can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.10 There are reports that naloxone may only partially reverse a Tramadol overdose, and may increase the possibility of seizures.11

XLR-11 XLR-11 was first identified by laboratories in 2012, as an ingredient in synthetic cannabis smoking blends. Appears to be a novel compound invented specifically for grey-market recreational use. Banned in multiple countries and several states in the US, including Arizona and Florida. Linked to hospitalizations and acute kidney problems. In 2013, the DEA added XLR-11 to the Schedule I list for two years.



Documents

New Jersey Drug Environment 2015 Annual Report · De-identified substance abuse treatment admissions data – New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services,