Swansboro Police Chief Ed Parrish is concerned about a legal form of synthetic marijuana that has been wrinkling the brows of police departments across the country.

"It's being sold as potpourri," Parrish said of the synthetic marijuana, now available for sale in the community. However, its effects when smoked are similar to the real thing, and it's also priced a lot like the real thing.

"This stuff sells for about $30 an ounce," Parrish said.

The "potpourri" is a blend of various spices and herbs that have been sprayed with a synthetic chemical similar to THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Though most packages are marked with the disclaimer "not for human consumption," the spice blends are not generally sought for their aromatic appeal.

[continues 629 words]

These are strange days at the Swansboro Police Department. Chief H.C. Pugliese is speaking Dutch and Officer Jarko is busting criminals for a chance to fetch Kong.

Kong is a hard rubber chew-toy, Officer Jarko is a highly trained police dog and Pugliese is just trying to communicate with his new K9 patrolman.

Jarko (pronounced "Yarko") was born June 21, 2000, in the Netherlands. The 90-pound Belgian malinois reported for active duty with the Swansboro Police Department Aug. 4 and has wasted little time in establishing himself as a top cop.

[continues 771 words]

Swansboro Middle School officials are shocked by an apparent on-campus drug deal that sent two pupils to a hospital for treatment last week - but they vowed to tackle the problem head-on.

Although its use occurred off-campus, the Ecstasy - also known as XTC, X or E - was apparently traded on the sixth-eighth grade campus early last week, said Jeannie Baker, assistant principal.

The notion that "this occurred under our watch" has shocked and saddened the school's faculty and staff, said Lori Howard, principal.

[continues 961 words]