High Prices

September 14, 2003

Crystal meth Q&A -The Honolulu Advertiser
Drug's youngest victims see families torn apart
Trauma of ice both physical, emotional

Meth proves to be round-the-clock trouble across much of Oklahoma. Editor’s note: This is the first in a six-part Associated Press series on the devastating effects of methamphetamine manufacture and addiction in Oklahoma communities. Part two. 08/31/03

A 'devil in disguise': Called Sierra Vista's 'dirty little secret,' meth tightly holds its users. This is the first of a four-part series. By Nate Searing (part 2, 3 & 4)

Buying drugs in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia Posted by veritas at August 31, 2003 MAP: Malaysia

The Rehab Economy. "There's something a little screwy about having to get arrested to get into a treatment program." By Judith Lewis, LA Weekly August 23, 2003

June 17, 2003

Afghan heroin makes a return: Salim Azam, a doctor in Karachi, said high production of opium and heroin in Afghanistan could have a silver lining for Pakistani addicts -- who have increasingly been sharing syringes to cut costs, leading to an alarming rise in diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. -AP

In Missouri, an Uphill Battle Against 'Meth': For five hours, the two men escaped notice as they bought up blister packs of decongestant pills, two at a time, at stores across suburban St. Louis. But at their last stop -- the 19th of the day -- a suspicious security guard alerted police. By Robert E. Pierre

Meth: Drug wreaks havoc on mind, body of user (Part 2 of 5): "They'll (meth addicts) be up for days, two or three days," Saline County narcotics agent Kevin Cooper said. "They'll be up digging a swimming pool in the front yard in the middle of the night."...And the one unique thing agents see when busting a meth labs, they said, is that "there is always a lot of porn."..."Meth takes up the character flaw," Friend said. "You were fat, now you're skinny. You want to be outgoing and you are. It's the miracle drug for users. They see what they want to see. It's as much psychological as anything." Stories by Amanda Harris (Part 1 & 3)
Update June 21: (Part 4), Meth: Woman shares ups, downs of meth use, Meth: Parent speaks out about effects of drug on family
Comment

Drug problem persists; 3.4M users recorded. Despite a new anti-drugs law that sets stiff penalties, the number of drug users in the Philippines has grown to 3.4 million...Senator Robert Barbers, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and illegal drugs, warned that the Philippines could become Asia's drug capital in five years if the problem remained unchecked. By Philip C. Tubeza, Michael Lim Ubac and Christian V. Esquerra
Update: Law makes fighting drugs everyone’s job: Trade unions must now include drug tests in collective bargaining agreements. Companies must promote drug-free workplaces...by Jarius Bondoc 06/18/2003
Map news: Philippines

Southeast Asia is reeling from combo of meth, AIDS: "Good high," says one of the young men as he forks over 20,000 kip ($2) for one pill. What is he going to do with it? the youth is asked. "Boom-boom girl," he says, thrusting his pelvis forward and laughing. "Aren't you worried about AIDS?" he is asked. His young, unlined face, all of 20 years old, stays lit. "What AIDS?" he says. "I live forever." -Kevin Fagan May 29, 2003
Map news: Thailand

Intravenous injection (IV) methamphetamine. Posted by veritas

Meth Is Bad, But 'Spun' Might Be Even Worse. The life of methamphetamine addicts is not a pleasant one -- judging by this unpleasant movie...The ambition of the indie drama "Spun" is to re-create the sensations of life for a methamphetamine addict. By Sean P. Means

May 21, 2003

The US is Addicted to War on Drugs. When it comes to drugs, the White House is singing loud and clear: Blame Canada. by Ethan Nadelmann
Map news: Canada

The Return of the Poppy Fields. With America's attention elsewhere, the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan is faltering. As a result, poor and desperate farmers are once again turning to the only crop they can count on. Michael Scherer

CRYSTAL METH FUELS HIV (First of three parts) by Christopher Heredia, May 4, 2003

December 14, 2002

Soldiers of Fortune
Once a reclusive clan of headhunters, Burma's Wa tribe has become Asia's most dangerous drug cartel. By Andrew Marshall and Anthony Davis
Update: Opening the Door to the Opium Kingdom March 2003

Burma seeks to pin blame on neighbours: Burma yesterday criticised neighbouring countries, including Thailand, for failing to stop the smuggling of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production. -Anucha Charoenpo and Wassana Nanuam

'Drug Nation’. Charles Bowden, chronicler of dusty borders and drug wars, talks about his new book, Arizona’s underbelly and having a contract out on your head By Seth Mnookin Nov. 20

The Nitrous Oxide Philosopher. Do drugs make religious experience possible? They did for James and for other philosopher-mystics of his day. James's experiments with psychoactive drugs raise difficult questions about belief and its conditions by Dmitri Tymoczko, The Atlantic Monthly; May 1996

the drug war: The U.S. prohibition on certain drugs has effected direct repercussions on domestic and foreign policy, criminal justice, public safety, personal liberty, health care and countless other spheres of society. Below you’ll find a wide variety work the Cato Institute has done examining all facets of the war on drugs.

October 31, 2002

Opiate is gas used at theater
Russia's top health official said yesterday that the gas used in the storming of a Moscow theater held by Chechen gunmen was based on fentanyl, a fast-acting opiate with medical applications, Russian news agencies reported. By Judith Ingram
Map news: Russia