METHAMPHETAMINE

This drug is of the stimulant class and is very addictive.  Kerman has a high occurrence of Meth addiction as does the rest of the Central Valley.  Meth is generally smoked in glass pipes which have a white residue on the inside of the pipe. 

Most Meth found in this area is going to appear as a white or clear crystal. 

Physical effects can include anorexia, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, flushing, restlessness dry mouth, headache, hypertension, hyperthermia,diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, muscle twitches, insomnia, numbness, palpitations, tremors, dry and/or itchy skin, acne, and with chronic and/or high dosages, convulsions, heart attack, stroke and death can occur.

Psychological effects can include euphoria, anxiety, increased alertness, increased energy, increased self-esteem, increased self-confidence, increased excitation, increased irritability, increased aggression, excessive feelings of power and/or superiority, repetitive and/or obsessive behaviors, paranoia, and with chronic and/or high doses, amphetamine psychosis can occur.

Most criminal activity in Kerman can be linked to methamphetamine use.

Possession of Meth pipes is a misdemeanor in California.  Possession of Meth itself is a felony.

ECSTASY (MDMA)

This is actually a amphetamine and a psycho-active drug.  We are seeing more of this drug within the Kerman School System.

The most common physical side effects reported by users include:

Urinary retention, (abnormal pupil dilation),Increased physical energy, Increased heart rate and blood pressure,Increased mean body temperature,

lockjaw, Bruxia (involuntary teeth grinding), Gurning (projecting the lower jaw forward. Usually caused by higher doses), Nystagmus (rapid, uncontrollable eye movements)

The most common lingering side effects (i.e., following primary subjective effects) reported by users include:

Several hours of restlessness, sometimes accompanied by residual euphoria, Fatigue,

A period of general malaise, normally resolving within a few days.

Some further studies have also shown that this damage causes increased rates of depression and anxiety, even after quitting the drug.

There is no real standardized look to Ecstasy.  This drug has several different manufacturers with several different appearances.  What we have seen here in Kerman are the blue pills with no stamp.  Ecstasy is a felony to possess.

HERION / COCAINE / PCP

These three drugs are rare in comparison to Meth and MDMA.  They have been found in Kerman however.  Usually PCP is found laced in Marijuana and is taken unwittingly.  All three are felonies to possess.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency site over 7 million Americans are currently abusing prescription drugs.  This is up almost 80% in the last 6 years.  This is more than those abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, Ecstasy, and inhalants, combined.  In addition Opioid  painkillers drugs are now responsible for more overdose deaths than cocaine and herion combined.  This type of drug abuse goes through all age ranges, economic levels and professions.  Prescription drugs such as Vicidon, Oxycontin, Demerol or Morphine are all extremely additive opiates and are commonly abused.  In Kerman we have seen children as young as 12 buying these pills from another 12 year old at the Middle School.  These drugs were taken from his parents medicine cabinet.

Allegations of drug abuse in the City of Kerman can be made by calling the police department or by emailing Corporal Wil Barcoma.