Bogus drug outfits busted
Two local Hispanic grocery and convenience stores were searched recently during a year-long federal, state and local investigation that resulted in about 30 federal search warrants being issued across Mississippi. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Agent in Charge Keith Davis said counterfeit pharmaceuticals were recovered at both locations. (November 19, 2010, Page 1A)
Narcotics agents hope to keep new ‘legal’ drug out of Oxford
Few would disagree there’s no better way to end a stressful day than by soaking in a hot bath, filled with bubbles and scented bath salts.
Unfortunately, it appears those same bath salts have become a recreational tool of another kind for some people.
Narcotic agents are becoming concerned over reports that a product, marketed as “concentrated bath salts,” is being used to get high. The main ingredient, methylenedioxypyrovalerone, is a psychoactive drug that acts like a stimulant that has four times the potency of drugs like Ritalin.
“We haven’t seen any on Oxford’s streets yet,” said Lafayette County Narcotics Agent-in-Charge Keith Davis.
The bath salts are not the usual kind you can purchase from Walmart or drug stores like Walgreen’s, Davis said.
“They are usually found at shady convenience stores and head shops and on the Internet,” he said. (November 5, 2010, Page 9A)
Stiffer charges sought for drug dealers
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit’s Keith Davis, and the other investigators at Metro, are pushing adding “enhancement charges” to regular drug dealing charges. Enhancement charges include, selling drugs within 1,500 of a school or church or child endangerment, for selling drugs when a child is present.
An enhancement charge does just that — it enhances the sentence of the defendant if found guilty. Under state law, selling drugs within 1,500 feet of a church or school allows a judge to double the penalty.
Several suspects charged with dealing drugs were indicted during the September grand jury and have been given enhancement charges along with being indicted with selling drugs.
See these and other indictments handed down by the grand jury in today’s EAGLE. (October 20, 2010, Page 1)
Metro busts four for selling Spice
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics United arrested three people recently for allegedly selling synthetic marijuana.
“We couldn’t have done this without the help of other area law enforcement agencies, particularly the University Police Department,” said Agent in Charge Keith Davis.
In the last two weeks, the Narcotics Unit, with the help of UPD officers, visited several local businesses suspected of selling the artificial marijuana, known by several brand names including K2, Spice, Demon, Voodoo, Genie and Zohai. The leafy material is marketed as an incense, although by smoking it, it is said to have similar effects to that of marijuana.
The UPD officers posed as undercover buyers at the establishments. According to Davis, three people were arrested for selling the now-illegal substance. (September 15, 2010, Page 2)
Fake pot banned
City joins county in making ‘spice’ illegal. A public hearing was held in City Hall and no proposal was made for or against the substance until Alderman Janice Antonow made a motion to make the ban effective immediately due to health concerns. The ordinance makes the possession, use or sale of any synthetic marijuana a misdemeanor with a possible $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. (August 18, 2010)
City eyes ban on fake pot
On Monday, the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors banned the sale or possession of synthetic marijuana for the entire county, which included inside the city limits.
Just to make sure the message is clear, the Oxford Board of Aldermen are also considering an ordinance banning the fake marijuana that’s known by several brand names, including K2, Spice, Demon, Voodoo, Genie and Zohai. (August 4, 2010, Page 1)
Agent takes over helm at Metro Narcotics
A police officer since June 2000, Randall K. Davis is now the head of the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit. His number one goal — to make Oxford a safer place to live. (April 20, 2010, Page 2)
Narcotics unit has change at top
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit will soon be under new leadership. Oxford Police Chief Mike Martin said the narcotics unit will be headed up by OPD’s Capt. Kevin Stark on a temporary basis until a replacement for former commander Searn Lynch is hired. (March 30, 2010, Page 2)
Former restaurant owner opts for drug court over prison
The former owner of the restaurant 208 arrested for possession of drugs last year has chosen drug court over jail time. (March 25, 2010, Page 2)
