Local school and police officials say it is only a matter of time before an inexpensive and highly addictive mixture of black tar heroin and cold medicine - linked to at least 19 Dallas-area teen deaths since 2005 - will rear its ugly head in East Texas. Known as "cheese" because of its resemblance to Parmesan, investigators believe it is primarily used by Hispanic males and females between 15 and 18 years old. Children as young as 11 have also been caught with it. [continues 804 words]
TYLER - Even though state Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, was pleased to be honored by federal officials Thursday for his fight against illegal drugs, he said there is still more work to be done. As part of National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, Berman was presented with a resolution in Tyler by U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Orwig, recognizing his contribution to fighting the production of meth in East Texas. Berman co-authored and introduced Texas House Bill 164 in 2004, which led to the 2005 law that medications containing pseudoephedrine must be kept behind the counter at pharmacies. [continues 411 words]
