Ohio Youth Prison Drug Smuggling Leads to Arrest

An Ohio youth prison drug smuggling scandal could mean big trouble for the facility’s former manager. In addition to allegations of smuggling drugs and other contraband into the facility, the Circleville woman is also facing charges for engaging in inappropriate relationships with incarcerated teens under her care.

During her time as deputy superintendent at the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility (JCF) in Stark County, 39-year-old Renee Depalo of Massillon allegedly began an affair with at least one of the inmates, an adolescent named James Wilson.

Following an investigation by the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS), Depalo resigned from her position on May 17, 2024 after allegations of smuggling drugs and other contraband into the facility came to light.

She also agreed to have her counselor’s license suspended for two years. Yet the DYS found that Depalo and Wilson continued their relationship even after the resignation, including sharing illicit phone calls.

In the fall of 2024, officials monitoring calls at the Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility heard Depalo make plans to get drugs and prohibited technology thrown over the prison fence. The officials worked with DYS, on-site troopers, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s aviation unit to thwart the plan.

On November 8, 2024, they caught Korrell Bush, now 21, trying to deliver the package, which contained 15 THC vape pens, various phone cables, cell phones, and a cell phone battery.

Depalo’s trial begins June 16. She’s pleaded not guilty to attempting to convey contraband into a state prison. If convicted, she faces a third-degree felony charge. Bush’s trial begins September 18. He’s also pleading not guilty to charges that include illegal conveyance and receiving stolen property.

Oregon Safari Park Raid Uncovers $1.6M, Firearms, and Meth

Monkeys, machine guns and meth? It sounds like the set-up for a punchline but it’s actually the setting of a massive Oregon safari park raid. And what Brandon, Oregon authorities found is no joke.

The May 15-18 raid of West Coast Game Park Safari uncovered 44 firearms, eight grams of cocaine and about $1.6 million in cashier’s checks, certificates, bonds and cash. This discovery has led to the arrest of the park’s owner, 52-year-old Brian Tenney, and the permanent closure of the attraction.

It’s also caused a significant disruption in the drug trafficking trade on the Pacific Coast.

Established in 1968, West Coast Park Safari had become one of the country’s largest wild animal petting parks. It offered a walk-through safari experience and petting zoo, featuring endangered species such as a snow leopard. In recent years though, the location has been under scrutiny for possible animal mistreatment and lack of compliance to industry regulations.

In December of 2024 several animals were found to be underfed and their enclosures unkempt. Then in January of 2025 another inspection revealed several issues with the storage of deceased animals, along with inaccurate records for animal acquisitions and dispositions. These findings were the latest in a history of violations stretching back to 2016.

These repeated offenses culminated in an initial search on May 15, which was executed by the Oregon State Police in coordination with local and federal agencies. Along with seizing and relocating 310 animals, authorities discovered 80 grams of methamphetamine.

Obtaining another search warrant after this find, authorities uncovered the additional contraband and arrested Tenney on charges of drug possession, attempted distribution and drug manufacturing. The initial 80 grams of meth they discovered have a total street value ranging from $800-$32,000, and the eight grams of cocaine could fetch between $480 and $1,600.

The Oregon safari park raid is only the latest in a string of arrests spanning the United States and resulting in hundreds of arrests and millions of dollars worth of drugs kept off the streets.

Authorities have placed Tenney in the Coos County Jail, and the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile the more than 300 animals once housed at the park have been safely relocated to accredited animal sanctuaries and rescue facilities.

15 Indicted in Houston Taco Truck Drug Bust

A total of 15 suspected gang members involved in a Houston taco truck drug bust have just been indicted by a grand jury according to reports. The operation allegedly used taco trucks and the U.S. mail to deliver narcotics.

The different types of narcotics that were distributed included methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Customs and Border Patrol and state and local law enforcement began conducting this investigation in April 2022. The suspects are being accused of having multiple drug houses and a food truck where they stored the illegal drugs and made drug transactions.

Matthew R. Galeotti leads the Criminal Division side of the Justice Department. In a statement he expressed that methamphetamine was allegedly imported from Mexico. He went on to explain that they used a taco truck, the U.S. mail and homes in different Houston neighborhoods to distribute and sell methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs.

Galeotti also noted that many of the defendants allegedly used firearms to further their narcotics trafficking. The indictment alleged that in June 2023 law enforcement seized methamphetamine that one of the defendants was trying to transport to the United States.

The court unsealed the 29 count indictment on May 22 after the arrest of nine individuals allegedly involved in the Houston taco truck drug bust. There are still three individuals who have warrants outstanding for their arrests.

ICE HSI Houston Special Agent Chad Plantz expressed his appreciation for the support of the Houston Police Department in completing this work. He noted that the Houston Police Department and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force partners helped to expose the drug trafficking scheme.

He also noted that it eliminated a significant cause of violent crime and may have saved an untold number of residents from developing addictions. A majority of the individuals arrested face up to a life in prison if convicted.

South Carolina Drug Cartel Bust Nets 108 Arrests

A major South Carolina drug cartel bust has led to 108 arrests and 380 indictments as part of the state’s “Devil in Disguise” investigation into fentanyl and associated overdoses. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson made the announcement on May 19 during a news conference.

Officials recovered four grams of fentanyl, 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 44 kilograms of cocaine during the investigation. Also seized were multiple firearms and $1 million in cash. Bond hearings for those indicted are scheduled to take place later at the Richland County Courthouse.

Wilson discussed how Mexican cartel organizations and groups members already in the United States coordinate drug shipments across the border. He noted that local officials at the Texas southern border said the drug crossings reached a peak in the summer of 2024.

However, Wilson praised the current Trump administration for shutting down the border. He repeated that state law enforcement will continue to aggressively fight drug traffickers with all available resources.

Wilson concluded by discussing Senate Bill 156, which created a new offense under state law referred to as fentanyl induced homicide. Any person who knowingly provides fentanyl to another person that leads to their death via fentanyl ingestion can be prosecuted. The charge carries up to 30 years of prison time. Wilson believes the law gives prosecutors an important tool for charging members of the South Carolina drug cartel when their drugs cause fatalities.

Teen Vape Addiction Raises Alarm Nationwide

Teen vape addiction is an alarming trend among today’s youth according to a recent article, and it’s not just harming kids’ health, it’s also violating federal law.

The fruity smell and taste of a vape cigarette is pretty much as far from that of a traditional cigarette as you can get, but vapes can be every bit as dangerous.

Companies market these products as a whimsical and harmless enjoyment that offer a safe alternative to other nicotine products. They often resemble something you’d find at a local candy store but they’re anything but a treat.

Many contain high levels of nicotine and other chemical adulterants that put smokers’ health at risk and leave them susceptible to serious addiction. And because of their sweet flavors, vibrant colors, and clever marketing, it’s kids and teens who are most attracted to these products–and who are facing potentially devastating consequences as a result.

Because of this, 27 United States Attorneys General are speaking in unison against the products and in support of the federal laws that prohibit the importing of these products. They point to research showing that China, in particular, makes billions every year from contraband shipments of illegal vapes disguised as consumer products.

Law enforcement agencies across the US are asking for the authority to seize illegal vape shipments. They underscore the reality that these illegal products are often shipped and hidden in innocuous packaging that resembles other items, like flashlights, to evade law enforcement.

And this is how they end up in the hands of children and teenagers despite the federal ban. One Maryland mom, Donna Bartlett, describes her teenage son’s battle with vape addiction. She describes the profound breathing issues that hindered her son’s ability to participate in the sports he loved.

“It got to the point where my son couldn’t even get through halftime and have (sic) to get pulled off the field because he couldn’t breathe,” Bartlett recalls.

But despite the dangers experts are not optimistic that a solution is as yet in sight. The reason? Teen vape addiction is driven by a multi-billion dollar, multinational industry.

In a study conducted last year by the major tobacco company Altria, 2,000 discarded vapes were collected and found to have originated from China. Simply put, the importing of illegal vapes into the US is a lucrative business for Chinese organized crime syndicates.

And the complete disregard of import bans isn’t just happening in China. It’s also front and center stateside. At the Alternative Products Expo in Miami this year, these products were openly displayed and sold to consumers, despite the federal ban.

Many are asking how this is possible. Some are even accusing the FDA of massive failures in their obligation to protect American consumers in general and children in particular.

Senators are demanding answers from the FDA for alleged inaction and a lack of transparency. Yet, it seems these questions have fallen on deaf ears. According to reports, the FDA has yet to provide any answers or to take action to address the concerns of lawmakers, healthcare providers and worried parents like Donna Bartlett.

42 Arrested in NC Drug Bust Tied to Cartel Networks

More than 40 people were arrested in a year long NC drug bust called Operation Roadrunner. The Alamance County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 42 suspects from North Carolina and Tennessee.

The operation was led by the Alamance Narcotics Enforcement Team with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the local police. It targeted drug trafficking networks plaguing Alamance County and beyond.

Sheriff Terry Johnson said that the drug issue has been ongoing and that it’s impacted Alamance County for a long time.

The seizures obtained in the NC drug bust operation include $876,812 cash, 41 pounds of cocaine, 159 pounds of marijuana, 2.2 pounds of meth, 24.4 units of MDMA and 25 firearms.

The suspects face several different charges which include trafficking cocaine and meth and marijuana. The charges also include possession with intent to sell as well as firearms violations. Some of the suspects are awaiting trial and some others have been convicted.

Operation Roadrunner focused on the Pleasant Grove community and surrounding counties. It also addressed local drug fueled violence linked to regional trafficking organizations associated with broader and even more sinister networks like the infamous Sinaloa cartel.

The effort involved surveillance and controlled purchases as well as search warrants in North Carolina and South Carolina and Tennessee. Sheriff Johnson said the operation targeted dealers who had been known to law enforcement for years. This multi agency success underscores a commitment to restoring safety and quality of life in Alamance County.

DraftKings Lawsuit Sheds Light on Gambling Addiction

Five men from Pennsylvania have filed a class action lawsuit against DraftKings on allegations the popular sports betting site exploited their gambling addiction. The lawsuit claims DraftKings continued to allow the plaintiffs to gamble even after they had explicitly requested that their accounts be closed due to their gambling addiction.

Plaintiff Avi Setton claims he requested DraftKings close his account as early as 2020 but his account remained active. Setton would go on to lose $350,000 by 2024. It was only after Setton made repeated additional requests that DraftKings finally closed the account later in 2024.

Those who had voluntarily requested to be barred from gambling were put on what is called a self exclusion list. The lawsuit accuses DraftKings of targeting individuals on these lists by declining to bar them. They claim this enabled gambling and exploited their addiction.

The lawsuit also claims the company used deceptive marketing strategies such as risk free promotional bets that enticed gamblers into betting more money than they could afford. DraftKings is additionally being accused of promoting their VIP program to encourage customers to continue gambling and spending beyond their means.

In addition to seeking damages the plaintiffs want the district court to certify their proposed class action and determine that those policies violate consumer protection laws.

This case reveals why online gambling companies must have regulations in place to keep their practices fair and ethical. They’re also responsible for protecting vulnerable players who may struggle with addiction and ensuring that their marketing and outreach tactics don’t unfairly target such individuals.

Nebraska DUI Arrests Rise, Reports Show

There’s been a ‘huge uptick’ in the number of Nebraskans driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In fact the number of Nebraska DUI arrests rose by 20% in 2024.

Reports also show that the average blood alcohol content of Nebraska drivers pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated is .167%. That’s more than twice the state’s legal limit.

But it’s not just alcohol that worries experts. There’s also a surge in drivers who are under the influence of drugs.

Lieutenant Joe Milos, a veteran of the Bellevue Police Department, argues the problem is worsened by the misconception that cannabis use actually improves driving ability. Research has resoundingly debunked this idea and Milos’ firsthand experience affirms the scientific evidence.

He notes that the majority of impaired driving incidents involve cannabis.

Nebraska’s Drug Recognition Experts are playing a key role in combatting this trend. DREs specially trained officers who are certified to identify drivers under the influence of drugs. Candidates have to earn a perfect score on their certification exams to advance into the role.

The state is leaning into the DRE program at a critical moment. Officer Milos states that in his 30 years of experience as a DRE he’s never seen as many drivers under the influence of drugs as he’s seeing today.

In addition to the use of DREs, state law enforcement agencies are also ramping up public education campaigns and enforcement efforts to battle against the epidemic of impaired driving.

But with medical marijuana prescriptions on the rise and recreational Delta 8 products being legalized it can be difficult to detect someone driving under the influence without DREs at the scene. And authorities fear the continued increase in Nebraska DUI incidents could have a major impact on road safety.

Naloxone Now Available Online in California

There’s good news in the fight to lower opioid overdose rates in California. A new program is allowing California residents to buy overdose reversal meds online from the state.

The generic version of Narcan, naloxone, started selling for $24 per twin pack last year to local government agencies and businesses but the state has now widened the network to include individual consumers.

The convenience of ordering it online may also encourage those who want to have anonymity when they buy the medication. Two doses of naloxone nasal spray can cost up to $70 at online markets or brick and mortar pharmacies.

The service is a part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s drive to compel pharmaceutical companies to lower prices for potentially life saving meds in the wake of an ongoing opioid crisis across the US. In 2023 alone an estimated 7,847 Californians lost their lives to opioid overdose.

The new program is called CalRx and it makes essential medicines like naloxone more affordable and accessible for anyone who needs them.

Naloxone is a groundbreaking medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. It’s only been available in the United States without a prescription since 2023 when it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

But the state isn’t stopping there. California hopes to make insulin more affordable for its residents soon. They have an agreement with Civica, a nonprofit company that can produce insulin branded under CalRx for diabetes treatment.

This program is a good start to helping reduce overdose deaths related to opioids and to providing other medicines that communities desperately need but cannot afford. Hopefully, other states will follow the example set forth by Cal Rx to bring awareness and proven treatment to everyone in need.

San Francisco’s Bold Plan to Curb Overdoses

Nearly 200 San Franciscans have been lost to drug overdose in the first three months of 2025 according to recent reports. Two more people in the Bay Area are added to the death toll every single day.

Newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie is responding by making the issue his administration’s top priority. San Francisco Department of Public Health Director, Daniel Tsai, remarks “As a department, we are not content nibbling around the edges looking at these overdose numbers. We have an epidemic before us and we are going to tackle it as such.” Those on the frontlines of the war against substance addiction are cautiously optimistic that change is coming.

At the center of the city’s efforts is the Restore Program. It’s a bold approach that offers immediate shelter to homeless people struggling with addiction on the condition that they agree to enter treatment. The model aims to stabilize individuals quickly by connecting them not just with a bed but with consistent and hands-on case management and clinical support.

Restore has helped more than 340 people since it launched in March of 2024. Half of those individuals have transitioned into longer term services like residential treatment or sober housing.

On April 16 of this year city leaders announced that Restore would double in size by expanding to 70 beds. They are actively searching for new spaces to bring the total closer to 200. Much of the program’s success is tied to the Adante Hotel. A floor has been dedicated in a space for recovery at the hotel.

But challenges remain. Drug use persists in other parts of the hotel and officials are working to create stronger oversight and maintain the integrity of the recovery environment.

Community leaders like Cedric Akbar from Westside Community Services are urging the city to go further. They are calling for more accountability and truly drug free spaces.

The city is renewing its lease at the Adante and plans a much wider expansion of the program.

Oklahoma Hospital Tackles Stigma of Addiction in Pregnancy

An Oklahoma hospital is fighting the stigma of addiction in pregnancy and in the process is changing the lives of new moms and their babies. A program recently launched by Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health has embraced a mission of compassion, care and recovery for women who experience addiction while expecting.

The measures are meant to replace the punitive stance that had once been standard for women whose babies are born addicted to drugs such as opioids. Mothers and their newborns receive comprehensive support both in the hospital and at home.

The new project is called the Perinatal Health and Substance Use Quality Improvement Virtual Learning Collaborative. It’s one of eight such projects whose mission is to establish best practices in care for women and children impacted by addiction.

The program is funded through grants from the American Academy of Pediatrics and channeled to healthcare providers across the state through the acclaimed University of Oklahoma health system.

Infants born to mothers with substance use disorder may face severe and life-threatening complications throughout their lives. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) refers to the constellation of painful and potentially dangerous symptoms these infants may endure after they are born.

Drugs and alcohol consumed by pregnant women may cross into the placenta, creating a physical dependency that produces withdrawal-like symptoms in infants shortly after birth. These symptoms range in severity and may encompass anything from trouble sleeping and poor appetite to seizure and stroke. Some infants do not survive.

The perinatal care program at Oklahoma Children’s provides specialized support for pregnant women and new moms in recovery and their babies. In addition to medical care, moms and families receive customized training to address the unique needs of infants born with NAS.

This includes training in soothing strategies that families can master before they leave the hospital with their infant. Prior to the baby’s discharge, families are connected with a multi-disciplinary support team dedicated to making the transition home as smooth, seamless, and safe as possible.

New moms receive services from mental health and addiction recovery specialists, medical care providers, and social workers. New babies get at-home care from clinicians, nurses, and therapists. And the result is long-term, personalized support that promotes the health and wellbeing of moms, babies and families across the lifespan.

$500M in Illicit Drugs Seized at Florida Port

On Wednesday morning, the United States Coast Guard offloaded more than $509 million in illicit drugs at Port Everglade in Fort Lauderdale. According to a recent report more than 48,000 pounds of cocaine and marijuana were seized in 13 interdictions in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

This event was so momentous that Pam Bondi, the United States Attorney General, and FBI Director Kash Patel were both present, in addition to the U.S. Coast Guard Commander. It also comes just weeks after another massive drug confiscation mission in the Caribbean Sea.

The Justice Department believes Mexican drug cartels were behind the large shipments. They also mention that the majority of the interdictions included pure, uncut cocaine.

The crews used aircraft, ships, and drones to find and stop the traffickers off the coasts of Ecuador, Peru and the Galapagos.

The seizures are a definite win for many people as it could save untold lives in the US and beyond. It also puts more than a dent in the financial operations of these dangerous cartels.

Experts estimate that the seizures represent at least 154 lives saved from cocaine-related deaths. Further, it could mean approximately 11,000 fewer new cocaine users having access to drugs.

In financial terms, the confiscations also yield a savings of more than $16 million for US tax payers. The savings include costs related to inmate care for those involved in the drug trade and in healthcare costs for those experiencing addiction.

This event was the Coast Guard’s third drug offload this year. Along with the seizures, they’ve taken dangerous smugglers into custody. According to FBI Director Patel, the plan is to prosecute so they can’t repeat the crimes. They also plan to dismantle the cartels in their mission to save American lives.

With someone dying of a drug overdose every seven minutes in the US, time is truly of the essence. Authorities are pushing full steam ahead to stop the infiltration of these illegal drugs into our nation.