A multi-agency investigation in Bogalusa, Louisiana, uncovered a drug trafficking operation distributing opioids, marijuana, and other substances, utilizing social media for sales and firearm purchases. The operation led to seven arrests, including that of 25-year-old Mayor Tyrin Truong, who faces charges related to drug proceeds, vehicle theft, and solicitation. Other individuals face drug distribution and conspiracy charges. The investigation is ongoing, with further details to be released.
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Giant companies, specifically pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), received secret payments to facilitate the unrestricted flow of opioid prescriptions, significantly contributing to the devastating opioid crisis. This wasn’t a simple oversight; these payments, often in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, acted as a de facto incentive to prioritize profit over public health. The sheer scale of the payments, like the approximately $400 million Purdue Pharma paid to PBMs by 2012, underscores the blatant disregard for the human cost of their actions.
These PBMs, controlling access to medication for millions, wielded immense power. Instead of utilizing this power to restrict opioid prescriptions, even amidst a surging overdose crisis, they actively worked to keep the flow of opioids unrestricted.… Continue reading
McKinsey & Company will pay $650 million to settle a federal investigation into its role in boosting OxyContin sales for Purdue Pharma. This settlement avoids criminal charges but requires McKinsey to cease work related to controlled substances for five years. Former McKinsey senior partner Martin Elling pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for destroying relevant documents. The Justice Department alleges McKinsey knowingly aided Purdue Pharma in unsafe and unethical sales practices, contributing to the opioid crisis.
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In a significant development, drug overdose deaths in the U.S. experienced a record 17% decrease between July 2023 and July 2024, according to a new CDC report. This follows record-high overdose numbers in 2022, exceeding 108,000 deaths. Attributed to increased naloxone access, targeted law enforcement efforts, and expanded treatment options, this substantial drop marks a major turning point in the fight against the opioid crisis. The White House credits the administration’s comprehensive strategy, which includes international cooperation, for contributing to this positive trend.
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A new Global Commission on Drug Policy report advocates for the decriminalization of drug use and possession in the U.S. and Canada, citing the failure of the “War on Drugs.” The report, authored by numerous former world leaders, recommends harm reduction strategies like expanding access to opioid agonist therapy and safer supply models to curb overdose deaths. Instead of prohibition, the report emphasizes health, human rights, and social equity as the guiding principles for effective drug policy, arguing that current punitive measures have led to increased violence and disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. The report highlights the ineffectiveness of prohibition, noting that drug use continues to rise despite substantial global spending on enforcement.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Trump’s nominee for HHS Secretary, revealed in a resurfaced interview that he used heroin in high school, claiming it improved his academic performance. He attributed his initial struggles to undiagnosed ADHD, stating that the drug initially allowed him to focus and excel. However, Kennedy acknowledged heroin’s devastating consequences, detailing his 14-year addiction and subsequent recovery, including an arrest for possession. He now advocates for “wellness camps” to address the rising rates of addiction among young people.
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As a paramedic, I have witnessed the harrowing effects of drug overdoses firsthand. However, it seems that there has been a surprising decline in drug overdose deaths over the past six months. Officials are scratching their heads, wondering what exactly is working to curb this crisis.
One of the major factors that seem to be contributing to this decrease is the widespread availability of Narcan. Organizations like Dance Safe and End Overdose have been instrumental in providing free Narcan to the public, equipping individuals with the tools to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses effectively. The prevalence of Narcan at events and in communities has undoubtedly saved countless lives.… Continue reading
The recent train-wreck of a rally that Donald Trump held in Florida at Doral showcased just how far gone the former President truly is. Among the barrage of nonsensical statements that he spewed, there were three that stood out as the wildest of them all. Trump’s bizarre rant about asylum-seekers and his comparison to the fictional character Hannibal Lecter was not only alarming but also highlighted his lack of coherent thought. His ramblings about Hannibal Lecter being a “lovely man” who would love to have you for dinner, claiming he had many people for dinner, is not only disturbing but also indicative of his deteriorating mental state.… Continue reading
The situation with the Supreme Court rejecting the nationwide opioid settlement with Purdue Pharma is a complex and controversial one. On one hand, the Court made a technically correct ruling based on the interpretation of the Bankruptcy Code. However, the implications of this decision are far-reaching and deeply impactful, especially for the victims of the opioid crisis.
The crux of the matter lies in the fact that the settlement would have shielded the Sackler family from civil lawsuits while providing billions of dollars to combat the opioid epidemic. Sure, the Sacklers agreed to contribute up to $6 billion and give up ownership of the company, but they would have retained billions more.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the grim milestone that has once again struck the United States, with overdose deaths surpassing 100,000 for the third consecutive year, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and frustration. To put it in perspective, the number of lives lost each year to drug overdoses in America is comparable to the fatalities during World War II or 30 times the number of lives lost during the tragic events of 9/11. It’s a staggering and heartbreaking reality that we are facing.
It’s disheartening to see how differently various media outlets cover this issue.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood