Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jun 2006
Source: Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune (WI)
Copyright: 2006 The Daily Tribune
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Website: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1609
Author: Jeff Starck, Wausau Daily Herald
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)

COPS WORK TO IDENTIFY SUBSTANCE FROM BUST

Crime Lab Says Teens Didn't Have Khat, a Drug Popular in Middle East

MERRILL -- An analysis of evidence seized in a recent drug bust has
law enforcement officials scratching their heads, while four suspected
drug dealers face reduced charges.

Members of the Wausau Police Department's K9 Unit found eight
containers of marijuana, two electronic scales and what they thought
was khat, a type of amphetamine, during a search of a vehicle June 3
on Highway 64 outside of Merrill.

The Wisconsin Crime Lab in Wausau, however, determined Thursday that
the substance is not khat, though the lab could not immediately
identify what it is.

"Initial field tests showed amphetamines, but when it was tested by
the crime lab, it did not come back with positive traces," said
Michael "Gus" Caylor of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department. "It
was not showing characteristics of a known drug."

Caylor said the substance may be a new drug from Mexico or South
America, though it's possible that it's not a drug at all.

Khat, a flowering evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the
Arabian Peninsula, is typically chewed like tobacco. Common side
effects include anorexia, an abnormally fast heartbeat, hypertension,
insomnia and gastric disorders. Chronic khat abuse may result in
physical exhaustion, violence and suicidal depression.

Prior to the crime lab's analysis, Lincoln County Sheriff Tom Koth
said khat had never been found in the area before.

"It's another concern, another problem starting to rear its head,"
Koth said. "People find different ways to alter their consciousness.
In my 30 years, there is always a new or up-and-coming drug de jour
creeping into our society."

The driver of the vehicle, [name, age and city redacted], was cited for
operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a narcotic and
arrested on a charge of possession of narcotics with intent to deliver.

Passengers [names, ages and city redacted]
were each charged with possession with intent to deliver. A
16-year-old Mosinee girl in the vehicle was taken to the juvenile
facility in Wausau, where she was referred to authorities in Marathon
County on similar drug charges.

The teens told deputies they were traveling to the Antigo area to go
camping. Deputies also confiscated a large amount of illegal fireworks
and alcohol from the vehicle. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake