Synthetic DrugSynthetic DrugAwarenessAwareness

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 2

BLUFConsistent trend in use across DoN

CONUS / OCONUS

Navy / Marine Corps

Similar trend – Army /Air Force

No anticipation of decline in 2011

Threat to Operational Readiness and Warfighter

Coordinated effort required to mitigate threat by: Law enforcement

Prevent / Reduce / Eliminate use

Legal

Hold users Accountable

Command Leadership

Increase Awareness of negative impact / effects

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 3

Spice Mixture of natural herbs and synthetic cannabinoids

Sold as incense Smoked for marijuana-like effects

Natural herbs baybean, blue lotus, lion’s tail, lousewort, indian warrior, dwarf skullcap,

pink lotus, red clover etc… sprayed with synthetic cannabinoid before packaging for commercial sale

Synthetic cannabinoids Provide THC-like effect

“High” ranges 4 to100 times more potent up to 12 hours duration

Impair coordination & memory

Spice

Availability Sold as incense, potpourri, herbal room freshener Labeled “Not for Human Consumption” Convenience stores, gas stations, smoke shops,

head shops, liquor stores, on-line

Common Brands Spice, K2, Genie, Red Dragon, Scale, Yucatan Fire, Zohai (several more) Different brands = different synthetic compounds = different effects

Price $10 - $90 per gram Determined by locale / availability

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 4

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 5

Effects

Marijuana-like “high” Decreased motor skills / impaired coordination Impaired concentration / short-term memory / senses Increased heart rate / blood pressure

Unpredictable Combine use with alcohol Strength of synthetic chemical used

Chemical blends continuously manipulated Maintain legal status No oversight / regulation over manufacturing process

Effects

Users Have Reported to ERs with Numerous Side Effects

Elevated Blood Pressure Hallucinations Tremors and Seizures Tachycardia Flushed Skin Excessive Sweating

Numbness or Tingling Vomiting Loss of Consciousness / Non-

Responsive Agitation Anxiety

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 6

Users often report a PCP-like “separation from consciousness”

Effects

Rapid Onset of Psychoactive and Negative Health Effects

Hospitalizations Public Safety Issues DUIDs Violent Episodes Intoxication Other Criminal Offenses

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 7

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 8

Prohibitions

SECNAVINST 5300.28D

NAVADMIN 108/10 (25Mar10)

Marine Corps Order 5300.9

State action Nineteen states have passed laws banning possession, use, manufacture,

distribution

Federal action 01Mar11– DEA issued a final order reclassifying 5 chemical compounds used in

synthetic cannabinoids Temporary Schedule I drug status

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 9

Challenges

Continuous manipulation of chemical compounds

Ease of purchase / concealment

No field test

No DoD / DoN urinalysis screening Cost / time to develop

Limited knowledge of long-term health risks

One of many “synthetic”, “imitation” or “designer” drugs

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 10

NCIS Response

Special Agents corroborate commercial spice suppliers & local commanders place establishments off limits

Undercover operations w/ DON personnel Buy walks, buy bust Reverse sting operations

Over 100 cases presented for prosecution

MCPON Public Service Announcement

LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE/FOUO 11