Major Drug Seizures & Arrests in Polk County and Central Florida

 

                                    (photo: Ledger Sara-Megan Walsh)

Several area law enforcement agencies gathered today to discuss major arrests and hundreds of pounds of drugs they were able to get off the streets and away from kids. 

In Orlando, a news conference was held to announce that a years' long federal investigation has led to an arrest and confiscation of more than one-hundred pounds of dangerous drugs. FDLE announced that the drug trafficking operation was being run out of homes in two Central Florida neighborhoods. At the news conference, the Office of the U.S. Attorney Middle District of Florida announced the arrest of a 35-year-old man from Orlando who faces charges of possession with intent to distribute a large quantity of drugs. Investigators found 150 lbs. of methamphetamine, the largest ever seized in Orlando, plus several kilograms of other drugs including cocaine, fentanyl, and more than 100,000 pressed pills. Agents also seized several firearms and over $700,000 in drug proceeds.

Here in Polk County, a similar press conference was held this morning to announce the agency's largest-ever seizure of 14 kilograms of fentanyl worth $3.5 million and 4 arrests by the Polk County Sheriff's Office during the investigation of a Mexican drug trafficking organization that had been operating in several states.

Sheriff Grady Judd announced, "Fentanyl is an enormous threat to Americans today. In addition to tens of thousands who are killed by fentanyl-related drug overdoses each year, there is also great damage done to families and communities. I am confident that with the arrests and seizures made during this investigation, many lives have been saved in Polk County and beyond, but more work needs to be done at the southern border to cut-off the supply into the United States."

Florida State Attorney General Ashley Moody also attended today's news briefing and added, "This latest, largest fentanyl bust in Polk County history is enough of this deadly poison to kill 7 million Floridians."

Drug busts like this are crucial to the safety of our community, especially youth, to help fight the opioids crisis. Addiction can happen quickly. Counterfeit pills are man-made in mass quantities in labs and mixed with harmful chemicals, including fentanyl - the deadly synthetic opioid designed to drive addiction with potential to kill. Users have no way of knowing if they are taking the "real thing" or a counterfeit pill because they look exactly the same. One pill containing 2mg. of fentanyl - equal to the size of a few grains of sand - can kill. 💊

Americans Under Age 20 Exposed to Delta-8 THC

 

 

Americans under age 20 made up 56% of 2022 exposures to Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive substance found in cannabis sativa plants like marijuana and hemp. While teens comprised 15% of these exposures, children age 12 and under constituted 41%, according to data reported by America's Poison Centers 2022 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System. 

Delta-8 THC (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally-occurring chemical compound called a cannabinoid found in traces in hemp and cannabis (marijuana plants). In some states, you can legally buy products like gummies, vape cartridges, and capsules that contain a concentrated form of this compound. Hemp-derived THC products often look like candy wrapped in child-friendly packaging and sold at convenience stores and gas stations, leading to children accidentally consuming them. 

It produces a fuzzy, euphoric high similar to that from marijuana. Some people use delta-8 products to ease symptoms of stress, depression, or chronic pain even though research does not confirm it's effective. Questions surround its safety and legality. Delta-8 is made in labs with cannabinol (CDB) from hemp plants + chemicals. The FDA does not regulate the chemical process so products are not safety or quality tested. Consuming delta-8 may cause hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Map of THC-related emergency department visits and hospitalization
Mapping the Delta-8, Delta-9, or Any THC-Related Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations Through News Reports | Get Smart About Drugs

More info
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/children-and-teens-make-majority-delta-8-thc-exposures

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-delta-8

Thursday Thoughts: How Can Positive Reinforcement Benefit Children?

 

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool to help children learn to behave, build confidence, and increase self-esteem. It can even help motivate them to take on challenges in the future. However, it’s equally important to remember there can be too much of a good thing. 

Parents should praise both big and small accomplishments, but it’s not needed for every little action. Instead, pick and choose moments when kids have worked hard, gone beyond to show kindness, or modeled new positive behaviors.

Here are some suggestions for using positive reinforcement:

*Verbal praise – be specific about what your child did well

*Tangible rewards – provide something your child enjoys like stickers or small treats

*Activity reinforcers – reward kids with a preferred activity like games or computer time

*Praise efforts & accomplishments – to encourage positive behavior

*Privileges – recognition helps motivate children to continue positive behavior

*Schedule reinforcement – a routine can provide opportunities for positive reinforcement

*Reinforce immediately – good behavior is more likely to be repeated if reinforcement is given right away

Easy “proud of you” quotes parents can use: So proud of your hard work! - You deserve this! - You were so sweet to your brother/sister. - I love that you care about the environment. - - Thank you for always being you. - Wow, you’ve gotten so much better at (fill in activity or task) 

It is equally important to acknowledge when mistakes are made. Do this in a positive way so kids can learn from the situation, analyze their mistakes, and look for potential solutions. Simply ask what went right, what went wrong, and what can be done better next time.

Teaching kids to reframe mistakes and find potential solutions shows them that you are their supporter and it’s safe to come to you with their problems - and that's something positive that all good parents want to encourage!

Celebrating Healthy Fun & Positive Social Norms Today!

 

Healthy summertime fun is being celebrated today at the Child Welfare Provider Health Fair presented by Heartland for Children. IAA's prevention specialists, Deanne and Amy, are happy to be participating in this wonderful event at the Bartow Civic Center to share UthMpact Facts and positive social norms highlighting GOOD NEWS that most Polk County students are making healthy choices NOT to use alcohol and marijuana or abuse prescription drugs.🙌

If you're in the Bartow area, stop by from 10am to 2pm to see Deanne and Amy for helpful prevention information and fun giveaways - thanks to Heartland for Children for inviting us to participate!😎

Improving safety, permanency, and well-being for all children
in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties.

Alcohol Awareness Month: Teen Tips to Avoid Drinking

 

During the 4th week of Alcohol Awareness Month, we recognize that it can be hard for teens to say no when friends are drinking. Empowering yourself with knowledge showcases strength and individuality and can help you stand your ground against peer pressure. 

Different strategies for refusing alcohol work for different people. Some find it helps to say no without giving an explanation by saying “I’m not into drinking” or “A close relative died from drinking.” Others think offering a reason works better, such as saying it will get you in trouble or you’ve seen negative effects it has on others. It’s not about making excuses, it’s about standing up for yourself and how you feel. Whichever you choose, it helps to plan your responses and be clear and direct – preparing ahead of time can help you handle situations with confidence. Here are some helpful tips:

*Participate in Alcohol-Free Activities – fun activities naturally deter alcohol use. Plan alternate activities with friends that aren’t focused on drinking – see a movie, head out shopping, or go play basketball, mini-golf, or bowling.  Everyone will have a better time than engaging in risky behaviors that tend to occur when teens are under the influence of alcohol.

*Shift the Blame – use your parents or coaches as an excuse for not wanting to face tough consequences, like “I already got in trouble at home, I don’t want to go through that again.” or “I have a game tomorrow, my coach will kill me.” These are valid excuses most kids can relate to in their lives.

*Crack a Joke – humor can be a great way to change the subject and take the attention away from you – and away from drinking.

*Involve Like-Minded Friends – surround yourself with friends who either don’t drink or respect your choice not to. A buddy system can also help when you’re at a gathering where alcohol is present so you can support each other while there and even leave together if you want to.

*Educate & Communicate - talk with parents or trusted adults about drinking and plan strategies to handle tough situations. Understand the risks that go along with underage drinking - it can strengthen your resolve to stay sober. 

*Don't Believe the Hype - you're not alone - most teen are NOT drinking. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), teen binge drinking has declined over recent years. Close to home, statistics collected among 6-12 grade students in Polk County annually show that 84% of Polk Teens CHOOSE NOT to Drink Alcohol (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey 2022, FYSAS).  

*Know Your Goals & Stick to Them - think about what is most important to you. This can help you make decisions that align with your best interests. When you realize YOU are among the majority who do make healthy choices, it can empower you to avoid peer pressure, embrace healthier habits, and refrain from risky behaviors. When you surround yourself with like-minded people, you can help each other continue to make smart choices.

*Remember, your choices are your own – don’t give anyone the power to dictate your actions.

Learn More

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/alcohol.html

Time to Clean Out Your Home Medicine Cabinet

 

Start your spring cleaning with the home medicine cabinet...this Saturday, April 27 is your opportunity to dispose of unwanted or expired medication at the Drug Enforcement Administration's Spring Prescription Drug Take Back Day!

Unneeded medications stored in home medicine cabinets can become a public safety issue and wind up in the wrong hands, too often becoming a gateway to addiction. InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, and our law enforcement partners in Polk County invite you to help make our community safer by turning in expired or unwanted Human and Pet Medication💊 at our community's DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 10am to 2pm at participating police department locations:

Previous medication collections in Polk since 2010 have resulted in approximately 28,547 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. We urge parents to lock the home medicine cabinet to keep all medication out of reach of children and teens. 

See you on Saturday from 10am to 2pm!👋

Surge in Fentanyl Poisoning Among American Children

 

 

InnerAct Alliance has received new information from our prevention partners at Drug Free America citing a recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) which reports increased exposure of young children to illicit fentanyl in the United States. Over the past 11 years, cases of illicit fentanyl poisonings of children under the age of six have surged by over 10,000 percent, totaling 1,466 recorded cases, according to the NEJM article published on March 6, 2024. In 2023, only five cases were reported to the U.S. poison control centers, whereas last year saw an alarming spike to 539 cases. 

While the overall case numbers are low in the under 6 age group compared to the number of fentanyl poisonings in teens and adults, this surge is disturbing and the impact is substantial. Many of the children experienced severe effects including central nervous system depression (63.2 percent), respiratory depression/arrest (49.6 percent), and received the overdose reversal medication naloxone (62.5 percent). Heartbreakingly, 142 children needed CPR and 51 children died. 

Response to the overdose crisis is mainly focused on adults however given that overdose ranks among the leading causes of death, it is crucial to address risks to young children. Analysis of these cases revealed that 82 percent of these children were exposed to fentanyl at home - the majority (84.4 percent) were toddlers aged two years or younger. 

Given the inherent curiosity of toddlers to explore and ingest objects, it is imperative that parents and caregivers comprehend the deadly nature of drugs today. Tragic stories in the news underscore the urgency of this issue - earlier this month, an 8-year-old Kentucky boy lost his life after treatment at the emergency room for an alleged allergic reaction to strawberries that turned out to actually be a fentanyl overdose traced to his stepfather's involvement in trafficking of fentanyl. 

InnerAct Alliance is committed to keeping our community informed with evidence-based programs to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy choices. Our agency is partnering with the DEA to share their One Pill Can Kill public safety awareness campaign with messaging on local radio, tv, billboards, and social media communicating that the only safe medications are those prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by licensed pharmacists. You can view a copy of our public safety spot in one of our recent blog posts (see below).

Talking about the dangers of fentanyl and supporting youth not to use illegal drugs is the best prevention. Even if you believe your child would never touch a drug of any kind, talk with them about the dangers of experimentation. Knowledge saves lives!

IAA Public Safety Spot: One Pill Can Kill
https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/2024/04/iaa-public-safety-awareness-ad-fentanyl.html

Resources & Information

The New England Journal of Medicine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2313270)

https://www.dea.gov/onepill/social-media

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/prescriptions-opioids-fake-pills