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In August 2021, 47 people were charged in a meth and cocaine drug bust in Pennsylvania. Clearfield County law enforcement handed down six separate indictments in connection to a drug trafficking ring that stretched across the country. A total of 47 individuals were indicted for trafficking 550 grams of methamphetamine and 500 grams of cocaine all the way from California to western Pennsylvania. Our Clearbrook rehab in PA is sharing more information on the scope of this major drug bust and why the substances involved are so deadly.
Recent Drug Bust in Philadelphia
Multiple agencies, including the United States Attorney’s office, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Pennsylvania State Police, DuBois City Police Department, and Pittsburg Police Department, ran a nine-month-long wiretap investigation on a drug trafficking ring that extended from California to Pennsylvania, specifically in the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny. The lead indictment includes 37 suspects who were charged with narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and firearms violations. As a result of Operation Return to Sender, law enforcement found that suspects distributed over 550 grams of meth and 500 grams of cocaine, both highly addictive and harmful central nervous system stimulants. As of August 31, 2021, law enforcement is still searching for four of the defendants that were charged.
Dangers of Stimulant Addiction
Central nervous system stimulants are drugs that increase levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine to produce euphoria, increase alertness, and elevate physiological functions. Methamphetamine and cocaine are two of the most abused illicit stimulants in the U.S. Both meth and cocaine work by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. This chemical plays a role in managing pain, regulating pleasure, and reinforcing certain behaviors, such as drug abuse. When a person ingests coke or meth, they may experience a sudden rush of euphoria accompanied by physical symptoms like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and elevated blood pressure.
Both meth and cocaine, while their origins are different, are highly addictive and dangerous. These drugs also often contain a variety of cutting agents or additional substances that are used to make them weigh more as drug dealers and traffickers may encourage the use of cutting agents to make more money off less product. However, not only are the drugs themselves dangerous, but these added substances – including paint thinner, fentanyl, and baking soda – can lead to long-term side effects, as well. Despite these dangers, however, users often require the help of an inpatient drug rehab to quit because these substances are so addictive.
Some common effects of stimulants on the brain and body include:
- Euphoria
- Increased energy and alertness
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Seizures
- Panic and anxiety
- Headaches
- Stomach cramps
- Aggression
- Paranoia
The comedown from stimulants is also uncomfortable and is usually marked by feelings of depression and severe fatigue. As a result, meth or cocaine users may take several doses in one period to avoid withdrawal symptoms or the comedown from meth or cocaine. Moreover, chronic use of these substances is known to affect a person’s skin, hair, heart, and other organs. Typical long-term effects of stimulants include high blood pressure, chronic insomnia, impotence or erectile dysfunction, seizures, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, overdose, and death.
If you’re currently battling a meth or cocaine addiction, our Northeast addictions treatment center can help. Clearbrook Pennsylvania offers various levels of substance abuse treatment, including detox options, to ensure that our patients recover from the physical and psychological impact of drug abuse. For more information about our drug rehab programs in Pennsylvania, call Clearbrook Treatment Centers today at 570-536-9621.
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