Government action on the nation’s heroin problem

http://www.carolinalive.com/news/story.aspx?id=1225079#.VZXXZEaui1w

(SBG) — A new report that shows despite a major increase in seizures of heroin, the government simply can’t keep up with the growing demand.

Like so many of this country’s challenges, the foundation of this one is money.

The price of heroin dropped immensely from nearly $3,000 per gram in the early 80’s to under $500 now.

And it comes as no surprise then the number of people who have died as a result of heroin saw a 172 percent increase since 2010.

Heroin seizures by the DEA have also gone up by 80 percent.

“We need to keep going after those big fish, those large scale criminal networks, drug trafficking organizations that are trying to get their product into the United States,” said DEA Spokesman Rusty Payne.

But he says they can’t always tackle the other side of this equation.

“If we don’t get our arms around the demand for these drugs, these bad guys aren’t going away. If there’ a demand they’re going to find a way. The money is just too good,” he said.

Research shows the money is good because the market has expanded.  

The DEA says heroin is no longer just a street drug, but is often used by soccer moms, doctors, lawyers and those who never thought they’d go near heroin.

An addict who did not want to reveal her identity said she became addicted to painkillers after an accident in which she broke her ribs.  When the pills ran out, she turned to heroin.

“I tried it, it grabbed a hold of me really bad. And the next thing I know I have to have it all the time.”

New legislation has now been introduced on both sides of Congress addressing the issue of heroin and other drugs, with the goal of prevention and education, as well as enforcement.

Filed under: General Problems