Deadly synthetic drugs have become exceedingly popular among teenage Americans, thanks to the ease of purchasing the illegal substances online. Parents, teachers and drug rehab facilities are rightly concerned over the growing epidemic of synthetic drug-related deaths.
Wholesale Chinese “research chemical” websites offer American drug users a buffet of synthetic drug choices. Many of these sites only require a Visa or MasterCard to complete a transaction, while others require speaking to a customer service representative before wiring money for the drugs. Either way, the process takes less than 30 minutes–plus shipping–and has resulted in countless rehab stints and deaths.
“It’s probably easier than buying a case of wine online,” Richard Yarow, an attorney familiar with the process told the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. “When you buy wine you at least have to show ID.”
Clandestine Practices
Jim Hall, a drug abuse epidemiologist in Ft. Lauderdale, told The Washington Post, “You’ll see some pretty sophisticated websites with everyone in white lab coats, but these are still clandestine operations.” These companies know where their products are going and how they are used.
The online companies sneak these illegal substances through American customs by affixing false labels, such as bath salts, shampoo or solvent. Hall noted that some of the companies will even replace an order if it is seized.
Enforcement Problem
There are thousands of research chemical labs in China peddling synthetic drugs and their chemical compounds online. The problem lies in knowing which labs are legitimate and which are supplying the American drug epidemic.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer wants the DEA to work with credit card companies to crack down on illegal online purchases. The Oswego County Today reported that Schumer has called for a special DEA unit to monitor Chinese drug retail sites and cooperate with credit card companies to stop payment on orders before shipment can occur.
Schumer’s plan may help stem the tide, but the cat is out of the bag. Expect to see more deaths and more synthetic drug-related rehab stints in the future.
Alex Kirkwood is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter
Wholesale Chinese “research chemical” websites offer American drug users a buffet of synthetic drug choices. Many of these sites only require a Visa or MasterCard to complete a transaction, while others require speaking to a customer service representative before wiring money for the drugs. Either way, the process takes less than 30 minutes–plus shipping–and has resulted in countless rehab stints and deaths.
“It’s probably easier than buying a case of wine online,” Richard Yarow, an attorney familiar with the process told the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. “When you buy wine you at least have to show ID.”
Clandestine Practices
Jim Hall, a drug abuse epidemiologist in Ft. Lauderdale, told The Washington Post, “You’ll see some pretty sophisticated websites with everyone in white lab coats, but these are still clandestine operations.” These companies know where their products are going and how they are used.
The online companies sneak these illegal substances through American customs by affixing false labels, such as bath salts, shampoo or solvent. Hall noted that some of the companies will even replace an order if it is seized.
Enforcement Problem
There are thousands of research chemical labs in China peddling synthetic drugs and their chemical compounds online. The problem lies in knowing which labs are legitimate and which are supplying the American drug epidemic.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer wants the DEA to work with credit card companies to crack down on illegal online purchases. The Oswego County Today reported that Schumer has called for a special DEA unit to monitor Chinese drug retail sites and cooperate with credit card companies to stop payment on orders before shipment can occur.
Schumer’s plan may help stem the tide, but the cat is out of the bag. Expect to see more deaths and more synthetic drug-related rehab stints in the future.
Alex Kirkwood is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center. Follow on Twitter