Synthetic drugs ‘readily available’ in Birmingham area

On Jan. 22, concerned residents of Homewood and Mountain Brook met at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church to learn more about the spread of synthetic narcotics in the area.

During the event, members of law enforcement warned of the dangers of these drugs, which are mostly manufactured in unregulated environments and marketed with bright, colorful packaging. One of the more popular versions is synthetic marijuana, typically a collection of herbal material sprayed with chemical compounds that replicates some of the effects of the illegal drug.

According to Ann Slattery, supervisor for the Poison Control Center at Children’s Hospital, these compounds are known popularly as “Spice” or “K2” and have resulted in approximately 140 reports of toxic exposure in the past three years in the state.

“People are doing it because it’s accessible, comes in attractive packaging and creates psychoactive effects,” Slattery said.

Barry Matson, deputy director of the Alabama District Attorney’s Association, echoed Slattery’s description later in the meeting.

“You can go into any convenient store in a one-mile radius of where I’m standing and find synthetic drugs,” he said.

Synthetic compounds meant to replicate the effects of illegal narcotics were widely available and gained popularity among younger users, prompting legislation in the Alabama House of Representatives called the Brandon Murphree and Brandon Clark Act in 2011. The bill is named for two teenagers who committed suicide as a result of psychosis induced by synthetic marijuana. Their parents spoke during the event.

“Parents, if you notice huge changes in your kids’ behavior – if they become irritable and angry – do something,” said Lori Murphree, whose son died in 2011. “When they smoke this stuff it’s like playing Russian roulette with their lives.”

Using the bill, authorities have found ways to become increasingly proactive against the spread of the drugs, but Lt. Mike Reese with the Alabama Beverage Control Enforcement Division said the drugs are still readily available. He said 12 percent of high school seniors have reported using them. He added new versions of synthetic marijuana to watch for are labeled “Kratom – OPM” and “Adarol.”

The meeting was hosted by State Rep. Paul DeMarco and co-sponsored by A Safe and Healthy Homewood Coalition and the Mountain Brook Anti-Drug Coalition.