How Philadelphia Became A ‘Mecca’ For Those Addicted To Heroin
Veteran narcotics agents describe the neighborhood a few miles from where Democrats will convene Monday as among the most flagrant open-air drug markets on the East Coast.
Los Angeles Times:
Democrats Aren't The Only Tourists Flocking To Philadelphia. So Are Heroin Addicts
As Democrats from across the country flock to Philadelphia for their national convention, they won’t be the only tourists in town. Hundreds of heroin addicts from other states have washed up in Philadelphia, law enforcement officials say, drawn to a city that has become a major distribution hub for inexpensive, high-grade heroin produced by Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. Philadelphia is a "mecca" for out-of-town addicts, said Justin Smith, 32, an addict who arrived six years ago from Ocean City, Md., and now sleeps on a stained mattress in a dank roadway tunnel in Kensington in north Philadelphia. (Bennett, 7/23)
In other news, President Barack Obama signed measures to combat the opioid crisis into law —
Reuters:
Obama Signs Into Law Opioid Addiction Bill To Protect Newborns
President Barack Obama on Friday signed into law a measure that pledges greater efforts to protect drug-dependent newborns and assist their parents. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act also stresses drug treatment and overdose prevention to help stanch the nation’s heroin and opioid drug epidemic. (Wilson, 7/22)
The Hill:
Obama Signs Opioid Bil
President Obama signed a bill aimed at addressing opioid addiction Friday, though he called out Republicans for the measure’s shortcomings. Lawmakers in both parties reached a compromise over the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, though Senate Democrats held out hope until the final hour that they could win more funding for treatment. (Neidig, 7/22)
CIR:
New Opiate Safety Law For Veterans Signed By President Obama
President Barack Obama signed sweeping new narcotics reforms into law Friday, that dramatically change the way the Department of Veterans Affairs dispenses and monitors dangerous and addictive opiates. The Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act was prompted by an investigation published last January by Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting. The story disclosed that veterans at the VA hospital in Tomah, Wisconsin showed up to appointments stoned on prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants, dozed off and drooled during therapy sessions and burned themselves with cigarettes. (Glantz, 7/22)
