MANSFIELD -- Richland County's heroin problem will be the focus of upcoming segments on "Nightline" and "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Nightline" producer Katie Hinman got the idea after reading a state wire story in which a Drug Enforcement Agency agent compared Ohio's heroin problem to Miami's cocaine quandary in the 1980s. "I'm an Ohio native," Hinman said. "It's one of the reasons I was so surprised at how aggressive the heroin problem has become." METRICH Enforcement Unit officials referred Hinman to Richland County, which has a reputation for heroin in Shelby and Plymouth. Producers and reporters also visited Willard in Huron County. The story has been in the works since spring. [continues 357 words]
MANSFIELD -- Local Ecstasy users could be taking their lives in their hands because of fake samples. "Not only are you not sure of what you're getting, but what dose," METRICH Commander Lt. Dino Sgambellone said. "It's like Russian roulette to me." More and more local samples have proven to be fake and have included such ingredients as meth and caffeine. Other samples have had "two new drugs we've never seen before," Mansfield police crime lab Director Tony Tambasco said. [continues 308 words]
MANSFIELD -- Richland County Common Pleas Judge James Henson knew the "war on drugs" needed to change. "Sending young people to prison for using drugs wasn't working," he said. "We were getting the same people out that we were sending in." Chief probation Officer Dave Leitenberger agreed. "We've seen so much growth in drug crimes over the last two decades," he said. "The long-term problem has to be solved through behavior change and treatment. You have to offer them treatment and an opportunity to live a normal life." [continues 463 words]
MANSFIELD -- Meth-amphetamine presents special risks for law enforcement. "Meth labs are extremely dangerous and volatile given the chemicals and methods used to manufacture the drugs," METRICH Commander Lt. Dino Sgambellone said. "Meth abusers exhibit extreme chronic effects and are prone to paranoia and violence among other physical characteristics." Meth use can be highly addictive, even lethal. Its effects are similar to those of amphetamine but are more damaging to the central nervous system. Meth can be smoked, snorted or taken orally, but it's most frequently injected. The user experiences an intense rush. [continues 694 words]
