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Physician Charged with Possessing Crack Cocaine

Physician Charged with Possessing Crack Cocaine


On November 28, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York reported that a physician in Youngstown, New York named Daniel C Gillick and a woman, Christine D Guilfoyle, were arrested for possessing crack cocaine.  Guilfoyle is also from Youngstown.  


Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch is covering the case.  He stated that DEA agents stopped Christine Guilfoyle’s vehicles on November 27, 2012 and found an undocumented amount of crack cocaine on her possession.  


After she was arrested, she told the DEA agents that she purchased the crack cocaine from Daniel Gillick.  She also said that she and Gillick were going to use the drugs later in the evening.  


Gillick is currently a physician at Medina Memorial Hospital and Schuyler Hospital.  He works as an emergency room physician.  


A federal search warrant was issued for Daniel Gillick’s house on 230 Main Street soon after Guilfoyle’s arrest.  During the search, federal agents found drug paraphernalia and other evidence that was linked to drug use.  


Gillick and Guilfoyle made their initial appearance on November 28 in front of Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott.  Bond for both of the defendants was set at $5,000, and Guilfoyle will be ordered to enter an inpatient drug treatment program.  


The investigation was led by the DEA, the FBI, the Amerherst Police Department, the Buffalo Police Department, the Lancaster Police Department, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, the Depew Police Department, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Drug Task Force.  


Neither defendant has been convicted of the crime as of yet and remain innocent until proven guilty.  They are scheduled to appear in court again on November 20, 2012.  


Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
 

4 Facts about Drugs that You Need to Know

4 Facts about Drugs that You Need to Know

The Definition of Drugs

The term ‘drugs’ is one commonly used to define the wide range of pharmaceuticals that exist; pharmaceuticals are classified as any type of substance that adjusts, alters, or modifies physiological behavior and activity; the chemical makeup of the vast expanse of drugs – both legal and illegal, have been manufactured in order to specifically target certain areas of both the physical body or the neurological system, which is comprised of the human brain and central nervous system. 
While some illegal and controlled substances are organic and natural in their purest state, other drugs are synthetic in nature and produced as a result of chemical processing and creation. Furthermore, while some drugs and controlled substances are legal and regulated by the government, other drugs are considered to be illegal to possess, grow, cultivate, and develop.

Illegal Drugs vs. Controlled Substances

A substance or item whose use, possession, or purchase undertaken in a legal fashion is permissible with regard to applicable jurisdictional statutory legislature; in order for drugs to be considered as such, the individual in possession of the drugs in question will be required to obtain the expressed permission granted from the Federal Government of the United States and the prescription of the drugs in question from a certified medical practitioner:
However, the usage, possession, or purchase of drugs considered to be controlled substances undertaken without either of the requirements listed above will typically result in a variety of criminal charges equivalent to criminal charges associated with illegal drugs
In contrast to the usage and possession of controlled substances, whose legality is contingent upon authorized permission granted by regulatory institutions and professionals, drugs classified as illegal are uniformly prohibited


Criminal Charges Associated with Drugs

Amongst the multitude of classifications inherent to the drug industry within modernity – ranging in legality, accessibility, and punitive recourse concerning the possession of drugs, the following criminal charges may be applicable to individuals undertaking the use of illegal drugs or controlled substances:
The illegal possession of Illegal Drugs may be defined as the unlawful, illicit, and prohibited ownership of Illegal Drugs; however, the nature within which the individual suspect in question gained access to the Illegal Drugs may also be associated with the investigation
The Trafficking of Illegal Drugs is defined as the illegal sale, production, transport, movement, and intended distribution of Illegal Drugs considered to be illegal in nature
The manufacturing of illegal drugs is viewed as a serious offense, which is comparable – and oftentimes equivalent to associated charges applicable to the possession, sales, and trafficking

Reporting Illegal Activity Involving Illegal Drugs

Remember, regardless of the degree of usage or quantity of Illegal Drugs – or any other type of illegal substance –Illegal Drugs use, possession, and sales are a very serious offense, which risk damage, harm, and destruction onto individual wellbeing, as well as the community at large. Please contact the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) their telephone number (202) 307-1000 or your local ‘Crime-Stoppers’ organization if you have any information.

What Are Homemade Drugs

What Are Homemade Drugs

What are Homemade Drugs?
 
 
Homemade drugs refer to any natural product that can be produced in one’s home, without specialized laboratory equipment. Homemade drugs, as a term, can encompass both legal drugs, such as teas or cold-fighting medicines, to highly illegal drugs, such as meth. The ability to produce a homemade drug is dependent on the complexity of the substance.
 
 
Numerous homes are filled with chemicals and various agents that facilitate in the domestic process; for example, cleaning agents or paint is filled with chemicals that can be broken down or used to synthetically create homemade drugs. 
 
 
What is a Natural Product?
 
 
A natural product is a chemical compound or substance that is produced by a living organism found in nature that typically has a pharmacological or biological activity for use in drug discovery or drug design. All natural products can be classified or considered as such even if the substance can be prepared by total synthesis. 
 
 
The small molecules produced from natural organisms provide the source for the majority of FDA-approved agents and homemade drugs. As a result of this relationship, natural products continue to be one of the primary sources of inspiration for drug discovery. 
 
 
Sources of Homemade Drugs:
 
 
Homemade drugs, which typically come from natural products, may be extracted from tissues of terrestrial plants, microorganism fermentation broths or marine organisms. Those homemade drugs that come from crude or untreated extracts typically will contain novel, structurally diverse chemical compounds, which a natural environment is a rich source of. 
 
 
Chemical diversity in the earth’s natural environments is primarily based on geographical and biological diversity; as a result, researchers and scientists will travel around the world in hopes of obtaining samples to analyze and evaluate bioassays or drug discovery screens, which may in the future, yield beneficial drugs. This effort to search for natural drug sources is referred to as bioprospecting. 
 
 
Following evaluation of a natural product and the observation that the substance can be beneficial, the scientists must screen the agent to identify, select and process the natural products destined for medicinal use. 
 

Understanding Illegal Drugs

Understanding Illegal Drugs

What are Illegal Drugs?
 
 
Illegal drugs refer to classifications of chemicals that an individual, by law, is not allowed to possess, use or distribute. Illegal drugs are often addictive and deadly in nature; illegal drugs are often damaging to an individual’s mental state and physical healthy. 
 
 
The classification of which drugs are considered legal or illegal will vary from country to country. Furthermore, the punishments tied-into possession, use and the intent to distribute such drugs will also vary based on location. For instance, being found with a certain illegal drug may be legal (subject to fine) in one location, but it may carry grave felonious charges in another. 
 
 
Legal Drugs versus Illegal Drugs:
 
 
Legal drugs are drugs that an individual is allowed to have. This classification of course depends on the jurisdiction in which the individual is located in. If an individual purchases legal or over the counter drugs, they will not be punished by a governing body or law enforcement agency. Additionally, an illegal drug can carry legal use, typically for a medicinal application. Heroin or Morphine for example, is an effective painkiller, but in a generic setting, these drugs are deemed illegal and highly dangerous. 
 
 
By contrast, illegal drugs are drugs that a person is not allowed to possess, use or distribute. If an individual is caught with illegal drugs they will be punished according to the applicable drug laws of the respective location. In some instances the individual in possession will be fined, but for more serious illegal drugs, the individual will have to go to court for a pending jail sentence. 
 
 
Examples of Illegal Drugs: 
 
 
Heroin: This illegal drug is considered one of the most deadly and addictive chemical substances throughout the world. Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that gives it’s user an intense high. In addition to its illegal use, heroin may be used as an analgesic. 
 
 
Cocaine: This illegal drug is extracted from the cocoa plant. Cocaine is a stimulant extract of naturally-occurring substances.
 
 
Crack: A free base form of cocaine that can be smoked. Crack is a common street drug as a result of its cheap cost.
 
 
Crystal Meth: A methamphetamine and stimulant related to various amphetamines. Crystal Meth can be used in a legal fashion, particularly for the treatment of Narcolepsy.
 
 
Marijuana: This illegal drug comes from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, which may be obtained legally as a prescription in 12 states, including California, Arizona and Montana.
 
 
Ecstasy: Or MDMA, is a psychoactive drug in the amphetamine class. Ecstasy may cause feelings of euphoria, empathy and may lessen anxiety. This illegal drug also has horrible side effects, that are perpetuated with higher doses and regular use; the side effects include insomnia, constant jaw clenching and severe depression. 
 

Illicit Drug Trade

Illicit Drug Trade

What is the Illicit Drug Trade?

The Illicit or Illegal drug trade refers to the global black market, dedicated towards the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and subsequent sale of those drugs which are considered illegal and subject to drug prohibition regulation. The majority of legal jurisdictions throughout the world prohibit the illicit drug trade, except for those sellers who are licensed to conduct business under the drug prohibition laws. 
Reports have estimated that the drug trade generated an estimated $321 billion dollars in 2005 in the United States, with a global GDP of roughly $36 trillion dollars in the same fiscal year. As a result of these figures, it may be estimated that slightly less than 1% of total global commerce is accounted for by the illicit drug trade. 


What is Drug Cultivation?


Within the scope of illicit drugs and controlled-substances, Drug Cultivation is defined as the production, creation, conception, or generation of a prohibited, illegal substance without the expressed permission of a governing body or administration. 
The realms and circumstances surrounding Drug Cultivation are extensive in their nature; due to the varied ingredients, legality, creation process, equipment, and availability with regard to the cultivation of specific drugs, Drug Cultivation – as well as its applicable legality – is vast.
Criminal Law involving Drug Cultivation is expansive in nature, which creates difficulty with regard to any absolution in the classification of a drug charge; however, the act of Drug Cultivation normally contingent on the amount of drugs discovered in the possession of those involved, as well as the intended use of the amassment of drugs in question.

Legal Penalties of the Illicit Drug Trade:

In many countries throughout the world, the illicit drug trade (also known as drug smuggling) carries a severe penalty, including the death penalty (in nations such as Singapore and China). In the United States, Federal law dictates that first time offenders be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment which equates to a 1 to 3 average.
Drug trafficking is commonly regarded as the most serious of drug offenses in the world; however, sentencing is typically dependent on the type of drug (particularly how the drug is classified in the country into which it is being trafficked) and where the drugs are sold and how they are distributed. 
For example, if the illicit drugs are sold to or distributed by minors, the penalties for trafficking may be harsher or more lenient depending on the country. Although the penalties are exceedingly harsh in the majority of nations throughout the world, the exorbitant profits and constant demand for illicit drugs are more than enough reason to encourage traffickers and smugglers from participating in the illicit drug trade.

Understanding Antidepressant Drugs

Understanding Antidepressant Drugs

What are Antidepressant Drugs?


The classification of Antidepressant Drugs are used to define the wide range of pharmaceuticals that exist; pharmaceutical substance prescribed in order to adjust, alter, or modify physiological behavior and activity; Antidepressant Drugs are typically classified as such due to the fact that they have been manufactured in order to specifically target certain areas of either the physical body or the neurological system, which is comprised of the human brain and central nervous system. The wide range of Antidepressant Drugs includes the following classifications prescribes to alleviate and treat depression symptoms:
A Monoamine oxidase inhibitor, which is also known as a MAOI
A Tricyclic antidepressant, which is also known as a TCA
A Tetracyclic antidepressant, which is also known as a TECA
A Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is also known as a SSRI
A Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which is also known as a SNRI

Antidepressant Drugs as Controlled Substances


A substance or item whose use, possession, or purchase undertaken in a legal fashion is permissible with regard to applicable jurisdictional statutory legislature; in order for Antidepressant Drugs to be considered as such, the individual in possession of the Antidepressant Drugs in question will be required to obtain the expressed permission granted from the Federal Government of the United States and the prescription of the Antidepressant Drugs in question from a certified medical practitioner:
The usage, possession, or purchase of Antidepressant Drugs considered being controlled substances undertaken without either of the requirements listed above will typically result in a variety of criminal charges equivalent to criminal charges associated with illegal drugs
Criminal Charges Associated with Antidepressant Drugs
Amongst the multitude of classifications inherent to the drug industry within modernity – ranging in legality, accessibility, and punitive recourse concerning the possession of Antidepressant Drugs, the following criminal charges may be applicable to individuals undertaking the use of Antidepressant Drugs:
The Possession of Antidepressant Drugs


Criminal charges expressing the illegal possession of Antidepressant Drugs are subject vary in nature, which commonly involves the classification of Antidepressant Drugs discovered on the person of the individual, the location within which the apprehension took place, the analysis of any or all criminal history belonging to the individual suspect, as well the implicit, intended usage of the Antidepressant Drugs discovered on the individual suspect.

Reporting Illegal Activity Involving Antidepressant Drugs


In the event that you have been made aware of the illegal usage, sale, cultivation, or possession of Antidepressant Drugs, you are encouraged to come forward and report these offenses to local law enforcement agencies stationed within your respective residence. 
Although the prospect of reporting such events may seem frightening and intimidating, a wide variety of law enforcement agencies offer the opportunity for individuals to submit anonymous tips and reports concerning illegal activity involving Antidepressant Drugs. Please contact the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) their telephone number (202) 307-1000 or your local ‘Crime-Stoppers’ organization if you have any information.

4 Important Facts about Antipsychotic Drugs

4 Important Facts about Antipsychotic Drugs

Antipsychotic Drugs Explained

Antipsychotic Drugs are drugs prescribed to treat, adjust, alter, or modify behavior and activity classified as ‘psychotic’ in accordance to its medical classification; these pharmaceutical substances are manufactured in order to specifically target certain areas of both the physical body or the neurological system – comprised of the human brain and central nervous system, from within which the symptoms and effects of psychotic conditions and maladies are considered to manifest. 
Psychosis is defined primarily through the observance of sensory hallucination, inappropriate thoughts, and schizophrenia in a patient; upon the identification of these symptoms, the prescription of Antipsychotic Drugs may be considered to be a valuable remedy.

The Prevention of the Abuse of Antipsychotic Drugs
Antipsychotic Drugs whose use, possession, or purchase undertaken in a legal fashion is permissible with regard to applicable jurisdictional statutory legislature; in order for Antipsychotic Drugs to be considered as such, the individual in possession of the Antipsychotic Drugs in question will be required to obtain the expressed permission granted from the Federal Government of the United States and the prescription of the Antipsychotic Drugs in question from a certified medical practitioner:
The usage, possession, or purchase of Antipsychotic Drugs considered being controlled substances undertaken without either of the requirements listed above will typically result in a variety of criminal charges equivalent to criminal charges associated with illegal drugs
Antipsychotic Drugs, which range from sedatives to antidepressants may result in their respective abuse due to addiction or misuse; the effects of Antipsychotic Drugs may include fatigue, lightheadedness, stimulation, or sedation

Criminal Charges Associated with the Misuse of Antipsychotic Drugs

Amongst the multitude of classifications inherent to the drug industry within modernity – ranging in legality, accessibility, and punitive recourse concerning the possession of Antipsychotic Drugs, the following criminal charges may be applicable to individuals undertaking the use of Antipsychotic Drugs:

The Possession of Antipsychotic Drugs

Criminal charges expressing the illegal possession of Antipsychotic Drugs are subject vary in nature, which commonly involves the classification of Antipsychotic Drugs discovered on the person of the individual, the location within which the apprehension took place, the analysis of any or all criminal history belonging to the individual suspect, as well the implicit, intended usage of the Antipsychotic Drugs discovered on the person of the individual suspect. 
The Trafficking of Antipsychotic Drugs

The Trafficking of Antipsychotic Drugs is defined as the illegal sale, production, transport, movement, and intended distribution of Antipsychotic Drugs considered to be illegal in nature. However, a trafficking offense concerning Antipsychotic Drugs exceeds the severity of a Antipsychotic Drugs possession offence, due to the fact that the volume and quantity of Antipsychotic Drugs discovered on the individual suspect typically results in the automatic association of an ‘intention to distribute’ charge in conjunction with the initial Antipsychotic Drugs trafficking charge.
Reporting Illegal Activity Involving Antipsychotic Drugs

In the event that you have been made aware of the illegal usage, sale, cultivation, or possession of Antipsychotic Drugs, please contact the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) their telephone number (202) 307-1000 or your local ‘Crime-Stoppers’ organization if you have any information.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic Antidepressants

What are Tricyclic Antidepressants?
Tricyclic Antidepressants are chemical compounds typically used to treat depression. Discovered in the early 1950s—and introduced later in the decade– Tricyclic Antidepressants are named for their chemical structure, which is comprised of four rings of atoms. 
Tricyclic Antidepressants are used primarily for their clinical treatment of mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant variants. Moreover, Tricyclic Antidepressants are used in the treatment of several medical disorders, including social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Tricyclic Antidepressants may also be used to treat chronic pain, smoking cessation, migraines, tourettes, irritable bowel syndrome, narcolepsy, insomnia, chronic hiccups and schizophrenia. 

Tricyclic Antidepressants Side Effects:
Side effects associated with Tricyclic Antidepressants are related to the drug’s properties. These side effects are common and will include dry nose, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, memory impairment and increased bodily temperatures. Other side effects may include anxiety, apathy, drowsiness, restlessness, dizziness, hypersensitivity, and swings in appetite/weight, sexual dysfunction, weakness and irregular heart rhythms. Toxic effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants will include delirium, hallucinations and coma if the patient overdoses. 
The presence and tolerance of these side effects is dependent on how often Tricyclic Antidepressants are used in the particular patient’s treatment. The side effects will be lessened if treatment is initiated with a low dosage then gradually increased. 
Although the side effects are somewhat marginal, Tricyclic Antidepressants may produce a severe a discontinuation syndrome. It must be understood that a discontinuation syndrome is held separate from drug withdrawal—the pharmaceutical public and the medical profession differentiates between the two terms because a discontinuation syndrome does not produce severe side effects linked to addiction. The discontinuation symptoms associated with Tricyclic Antidepressants are managed through a gradual reduction in dosage over a period of days, weeks or months to mitigate the attached symptoms. With Tricyclic Antidepressants, discontinuation symptoms include insomnia, headache, nausea, motor disturbances and anxiety. 
Tricyclic Antidepressants overdose is a primary cause of fatal drug poisoning. An overdose concerning Tricyclic Antidepressants is typically fatal as the drugs are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of the small intestines. As a result, toxicity becomes apparent shortly after the patient overdoses. That being said, symptoms associated with Tricyclic Antidepressants overdose may take several hours to appear. 
According to the United States Government, the potential for abuse concerning Tricyclic Antidepressants is very low. Although several cases of misuse have been reported, there has been only a handful of cases involving the non-medical use of Tricyclic Antidepressants over the past 30 years. 

Rohypnol: What You Must Know

Rohypnol: What You Must Know

Commonly referred to as the “date rape drug” or “ruffies”, rohypnol is an ephemeral benzodiazepine with properties similar to those of Valium. Rohypnol, aside from its illegal use, is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a pre-medication in surgical procedures. It must be noted that these medical uses are not used in the united States—the U.S. has never approved Rohypnol for medical use. The drug is, however, legally prescribed in over 50 countries throughout the world. 
Similar to other benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium), the effects of Rohypnol include the following: muscle relaxation, reduced anxiety, sedation and prevention of convulsions–Rohypnol is 7 to 10 times more potent than Valium. The effects of “ruffies” will appear approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the drug is ingested and last for up to six hours. 


Important Information Concerning Rohypnol:
Rohypnol is deemed a Schedule IV drug of the Controlled Substances Act. This classification yields the following characteristics:
• Schedule IV drugs have a low potential—relative to other drugs listed in Schedule III and above—for abuse
• Rohypnol and other drugs listed under Schedule IV have a currently accepted medical use (the legal use in the United States regarding medical use of Rohypnol is not affirmed)
• Abuse of Rohypnol and other drugs listed under Schedule IV may lead to limited psychological or physical dependence relative to other substances listed in the more severe schedules
Rohypnol causes transient amnesia; users will not recall certain events that they experienced while under Rohypnol. This effect is dangerous when the drug is used to aid in the commission of sexual crimes; a victim of sexual assault will not be able to recall the assault, the aggressor or the events precipitating the attack.
While Rohypnol is known for its use as a date-rape drug, it is often abused for other reasons, including rave parties and as a compliment to other dangerous drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. The drug is consumed orally or snorted and combined with alcohol to intensify the effects. 
Rohypnol yields the following side effects: dizziness, loss of motor skills, lack of coordination, slurred speech, partial amnesia, slurred speech, drowsiness and respiratory depression for larger doses. Chronic use of the drug will result in a physical dependence and withdrawal. 

Legal Issues Surrounding Rohypnol:
Although the drug is classified as legal in over 50 countries, Rohypnol is considered illegal in the United States. The drug is illegal because of its connection to sexual assaults and rapes; the high number of sexual attacks that involved the drug led the government to pass the Drug Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996. This legislation states that any person who uses drugs in coordination with a sexual attack will receive harsher punishments, such as longer prison sentences or higher fines. Possessing the drug—without committing or conspiring to commit a further crime—is punishable by a fine and up to three years in prison. Although the drug is categorized under Schedule IV, the penalties for use and possession reflect those listed in Schedule I.

Last Person Sentenced in Operation Woodchop

Last Person Sentenced in Operation Woodchop


On November 13, 2012, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) announced that Willie Shelly received three years in prison for distributing BZP pills—similar to Ecstasy.  He is the last defendant sentenced who was connected to Operation Woodchop.  


The investigation was led by the DEA’s Orlando District Office Enforcement Group along with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit.  The defendants arrested during the investigation regularly communicated with each other and were part of two gangs, the “Zellwood Boyz” and the “Tangerine/Terrell Boys.”


A total of 24 individuals were charged in Operation Woodchop.  All of the defendants were subsequently convicted of felonies, and 20 were charged with state crimes like murder, property crimes, and drug violations.  The defendants are listed below:


Daniel Baldwin, 90 months for distributing crack cocaine
Darius Bentley, 60 months for distributing crack cocaine
Quentin Bradford, 36 months for distributing crack cocaine
Stanley Campbell, 100 months for distributing crack cocaine
Tramyian Doston, 120 months for distributing crack cocaine
Daciane Hill, 60 months for distributing crack cocaine
Samantha Hill, two years probation for using a phone for drug conspiracy
Tywon Hill, 110 months for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances
Michelle Julien, three years probation for using a phone for drug conspiracy
Christopher Lenoir, time served for using a phone for drug conspiracy
Travis Rollins, 108 months for cocaine distribution and firearms charges
Willie Shelly Jr., 36 months for distributing BZP pills
Brandon Smith, 123 months for cocaine distribution and firearms offenses
Addison Smith Jr., 60 months for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances
Nathanial Walker, 110 months for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances
Kemo Dowe, 240 months for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances
Travion Barnes, 18 months for distributing BZP pills
Clemente Blocker, 37 months for distributing crack cocaine
Frederick Bodison, 100 months for distributing crack cocaine, MDMA, and BZP pills
Robert Hardwick, 82 months for distributing crack cocaine
Willie Slydell Jr., 48 months for cocaine distribution
Lawrence Lockhart, 96 months for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute
Roderick Mobley, 32 months for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute
Teresa Hawkins, time served for distributing crack cocaine and other controlled substances


Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency