Tag Archives: law enforcement

Zombie drug ban

People are inventing so many new, legal ways to get high that U.S. lawmakers can’t seem to keep up.

Over the past two years, the country has seen a surge in the use of synthetic drugs made of legal chemicals that mimic the dangerous effects of cocaine, amphetamines and other illegal stimulants. Some are imported cheaply from China or India.

The drug that causes Zombie like reactions is often sold at small, independent stores in misleading packaging that suggests common household items like bath salts, incense and plant food. But the substances inside are powerful, mind-altering drugs that have been linked to bizarre and violent behaviour across the country. Law enforcement officials refer to the drugs collectively as “bath salts,” though they have nothing in common with the fragrant toiletries used to moisturize skin.

President Barack Obama signed a bill into law earlier this month that bans the sale, production and possession of more than two dozen of the most common bath salt drugs. But health professionals say that there are so many different varieties of the drugs that U.S. lawmakers are merely playing catch up.

“The moment you start to regulate one of them, they’ll come out with a variant that sometimes is even more potent,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

There are no back alleys or crack houses in America’s latest drug epidemic. The problem involves potent substances that amateur chemists make, package and sell in stores under brands like “Ivory Wave,” ”Vanilla Sky” and “Bliss” for as little as $15.

Emergencies related to the drugs have surged. The American Association of Poison Control Centers received more than 6,100 calls about bath salt drugs in 2011, up from just 304 the year before, and more than 1,700 calls in the first half of 2012.

The problem for lawmakers is that it’s difficult to crack down on the drugs. U.S. laws prohibit the sale or possession of all substances that mimic illegal drugs, but only if federal prosecutors can show that they are intended for human use. People who make bath salts and similar drugs work around this by printing “not for human consumption” on virtually every packet.

Barbara Carreno, a spokeswoman for the Drug Enforcement Agency, said the intended use for bath salts is clear.

“Everyone knows these are drugs to get high, including the sellers,” she said.

Mark Ryan, director of the Louisiana Poison Center, says there are so many different drugs out there that it’s almost impossible to know what people have ingested, or how long the effects will last.

“Cocaine is cocaine and meth is meth. We know what these things do,” he said. “But with these new drugs, every time the chemist alters the chemical structure, all bets are off.”

The most common bath salt drugs, like MDPV and mephedrone, were first developed in pharmaceutical research laboratories, though they were never approved for medical use. During the last decade they became popular as party drugs at European raves and dance clubs. As law enforcement began cracking down on the problem there, the drugs spread across the Atlantic.

Poison control centres in the U.S. began tracking use of the drugs in 2010. The majority of the early reports of drug use were clustered in southern states like Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky. But the problem soon spread across the country.

The most dangerous synthetic drugs are stimulants that affect levels of both dopamine and serotonin, brain chemicals that affect mood and perception. Users, who typically smoke or snort the powder-based drugs, may experience a surge in energy, fever and delusions of invincibility.

Zombie Prep – WHAT YOU NEED IN YOUR BUG OUT BAG

What is a Bug Out Bag?

A bug out bag is a bag (or several) that is supposed to last you for at least 72 hours. The original term was derived from the term ‘bail out bag’ used by many military aviators. The idea soon passed into wide usage among other military and law enforcement.

A bug out bag is to contain items for both leaving an emergency situation as well as going into an emergency situation.

A bug out bag is not required in order to survive, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

So where to start?

First things first, you need to determine what the bug out bag is going to be used for. In this case, we’re going to be building a bug out bag for the zombie apocalypse. There are many different types of bug out bags, which means you can have one bag designated for a specific circumstance, such as a fire, earthquake, flood, etc.

But, we’re just going to stick with making one for the zombie apocalypse, since that’s what we do best! Which also means, that we’re going to be recommending items that are meant to last for a long time, instead of just 72 hours.

You’ll need a sturdy backpack. Hikers backpacks are always a great item, since they’re meant for durability. But make sure it’s not a cheap backpack, out of everything, this is the item that you’ll want to spend a bit of money on. Because this backpack will basically be carrying your basics for survival – so get a quality backpack!

What items should I include?

Now here’s the fun part! We’ll recommend several items that we believe you should include in your bug out bag, but don’t take us word-for-word. While these items are highly recommended, you may find that something else works better for you.

1. Containers: Having several containers at your disposal will be extremely useful. These containers can be anything from, water bottles, little kettles, water proof tupperware, etc. When choosing your containers, make sure that you can fit other stuff within the container, that way the container serves multiple purposes. So find random little containers to carry in your pack.

2. Water: This should be a no brainer but the water that you carry with you isn’t going to last forever. You need to find ways to purify water. Such as a little pot to boil water. Or purification tablets. Or even a mini water purifier that they sell at any outdoors store. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s durable and will last for at least several weeks.

3. Food: Canned foods are NOT GOOD! They are bulky and heavy, which will slow you down. One of our members has a bunch of dried foods in zip lock bags that were full of calories and carbohydrates. You want foods that will fill you up quick and give you energy. MRE’s are also good if you can get your hands on them. You should also invest in some fishing wire and hooks, so you can fish for your food.

4. Shelter: The ‘space’ blanket is a favorite of most, and it’s a good choice. Also, poncho’s and poncho liners will be incredible for the cold. With either the space blanket or poncho, you can throw those on around you, light up a little fire inside your poncho and you’d be toasty warm! Plus you’d be protected from getting wet. Finding something that is lightweight and durable will be a shelter lifesaver. A hammock might not be a bad idea, either, since they are generally lightweight and you can string them up practically anywhere.

5. Fire: We don’t recommend flashlights, although they can be great for the first 72 hours, unless you have 100 different flashlights and batteries to go with them (which is impractical to begin with) then you’re going to need an alternative for flashlights. Glow sticks are a great alternative. So is flint and steel. Remember, zombies are attracted to light, so we recommend getting used to the dark and ONLY using fire and light when you’re cooking or need to read a map or compass. Candles and water-proof matches are also a good idea.

6. Weapons: Ah I bet you were just WAITING for this section, weren’t ya? We’re not going to recommend individual weapons, that’s based on personal preference. But instead, just make sure you have enough bullets to get you through for a while and MAKE SURE to use them sparingly. You never know when you’ll come across more ammo, so only shoot when your life depends on it. Also have a few melee weapons available, like knifes, axes, machete’s and such, if not for fighting, then definitely for small game hunting, skinning fish, etc. Find weapons both for survival and for defense.

7. Rope & tape: We recommend 550 cord. It’s the toughest and most long-last rope you’ll ever need or want. We also recommend carrying some duct tape – cause you never know when you’ll need duct tape!

8. Shoes: These don’t go in your bug out bag necessarily, but having the proper shoes will go a long way in keeping you sane. If you have a bulky pack on your back and you’re having to walk A LOT, then having a good pair of shoes will be a life-saver. Be sure to break the shoes in BEFORE it’s time to flee.

9. First aid: Some people are more obsessed with first aid than others. It’s at least a good idea to have a few alcohol swabs, bandages, pair of tweezers, tourniquet (or handkerchief), as well as other varied pieces of first aid that you think you may need.

10. Misc: The rest of the items in your bag will depend on personal preference. An extra pair of clothes perhaps (under armor is highly recommended), carabiners, Zombie Response Team patch (coming soon!), a little radio (for the first 72 hours (or until the batteries run out) to hear news about what’s going on), a mini solar panel (HIGHLY recommended), a hat (to protect your head from the sun and other elements), gloves, compass, really warm socks, a little sewing kit, deck of cards (never know, you may be bored), a picture of loved ones, etc. The list can go on and on.

That about covers it!

‘Zombie’ attacks continue? Man naked, bites off chunk of man’s arm

PALMETTO, Fla. – The latest in a string of “zombie” like attacks happened in a Manatee County home Wednesday night after a man under the influence went into a fit of rage and bit a piece of someone’s arm off during a visit with his children.

Much like the Miami face-eating attack, 26-year-old Charles Baker got naked, ate human flesh and wouldn’t go down without a fight, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report.

Authorities say Baker went to his girlfriend’s home on 25th St in Palmetto to visit his kids at 10:15 p.m. They say he was high on an unknown substance when he knocked on the door, then barged in, began yelling and taking off his clothes.

He was screaming and wouldn’t calm down, then began throwing furniture around the home. Jeffery Blake, who lives in the home, attempted to restrain Baker, but the suspect bit him, taking a chunk of his flesh from his bicep. Blake, 48, was able to get Baker to the ground and kept him there until two deputies arrived.

When law enforcement came inside, Blake released Baker. Baker got up, but would not respond to deputies orders. The suspect instead faced the deputies, tensing his body, clenching his fists and screaming.

Baker, still naked, acted like he was going to rush the deputies, according to the report. Deputy Wildt deployed his an electronic control device after giving a verbal warning.

Baker fell to the ground, and then tried to get back up, so Deputy Wildt deployed the device again. Baker pulled the probes out, so deputy Blake deployed his electric shock device.

Those probes were also pulled out, and Deputy Wildt deployed a second cartridge. By this time, several other deputies had arrived on scene and were able to hold him down and handcuff him.

Baker was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for evaluation before being transported to the jail.

Miami zombie cannibal similarity? East Naples man bites nurse, threatens to ‘eat faces,’ cops say

NAPLES, Fla. — After being arrested for DUI, an East Naples man was taken to the hospital, where deputies say he bit a nurse and attacked staff, threatening to eat their faces off and rape their wives.

Giovani Martinez, 21, of the 1700 block of 54th Terrace Southwest, was arrested Saturday by Collier deputies at Airport Pulling Road and U.S. 41.

According to an arrest report, deputies observed a small car traveling at 60 mph in a posted 45 mph zone and failed to stop at a red light.

Deputies said they then conducted a traffic stop on the car and discovered the driver, Martinez, to be intoxicated with a spilled beer in the front seat of the car.

At first, Martinez told deputies that the beer belonged to his sister, but he later admitted that he had a few beers that night, which led deputies to conduct a sobriety test on Martinez.

After failing his sobriety test, Martinez was transported to the Naples jail, where he later became unresponsive, according to arrest reports.

Deputies said they then had Martinez taken to NCH Downtown Naples Hospital, where he became violent with the hospital staff.

During the transfer from the ambulance bed to the hospital bed, Martinez began punching and kicking the staff, according to reports.

Martinez then bit one of the nurse’s arms and spit blood in his face as he yelled at them that he would eat their faces, like the guy in Miami, and rape all of their wives, deputies said.

Martinez was referring to an incident over Memorial Day in Miami where 31-year-old Rudy Eugene was found naked and chewing on Ronald Poppo’s face. Police shot and killed Eugene when he failed to respond to orders to stop attacking Poppo.

A hospital staff member told deputies that Martinez kicked him in the stomach and another deputy in the head.

Deputies said it took about 20 minutes before they were able to get Martinez secured.

Martinez faces three counts of felony battery on law enforcement officers and EMTs. He also faces a DUI charge.

 

ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE OUTBREAK – LATEST SIGHTING – Connecticut

Lowpel Davis, a Connecticut woman who was arrested for allegedly stealing a wig from a beauty supply store, was the latest person to be linked to the “Zombie Apocalypse” after she reportedly bit off a chunk of the store owner’s bicep.

Davis, 38, allegedly attempted to steal a $15 wig from the New Haven store when owner Jongyol Lee and his 70-year-old father attempted to stop her. However, Davis managed to fight off Lee, his elderly father and workers in the store before biting off a piece of his arm and spitting it in his face.

It took four members of the Federal Protective Service, a department of homeland security law enforcement agency, along with additional New Haven police officials to restrain Davis who fought with the authorities. David Hartman, New Haven police spokesperson, described the incident as “struggling with a crazed woman,” in a Connecticut Post report.

Davis reportedly attempted to bite the officers and tried to kick the windows out of the police car she was riding in. Eventually, she was transferred to a windowless transportation van.

The store owner described the alleged assault that took place at the hands of Davis on Wednesday.

“She started swinging at me and she hit me on the right side of my face and knocked my glasses off,” Lee told WTNH-TV. “When somebody is caught stealing like that usually they are shamed publicly, they drop it and leave. But in this case she continued on her way.”

The officers who contained Davis were taken to the hospital to treat their bites and evaluate other injuries, while Lee was treated for the bite wound in his arm and injuries to his face at Yale-New Haven Hospital. The assailant was charged with sixth-degree larceny, second-degree breach of peace, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree assault and two counts of assault for attacking the police officials who tried to restrain her.

When arriving in court to hear that her bond was set at $150,000, Davis was reportedly calm and did not know the extent of her actions, the Post reported. Davis is due back in court on July 11.

For the past few weeks, an increased number of zombie-like behavior has taken place across the country. Last month, a Miami man was shot dead by police after he was seen naked, growling and consuming the flesh of a homeless man’s face.

Less than one week after the incident in Miami took place, a New Jersey man reportedly stabbed himself 50 times before throwing his flesh and intestines at police officers. Days later, a Maryland man told authorities that he had eaten the heart and brain of his roommates.

While other incidents made headlines in Louisiana and Miami once again, the CDC spoke out about the reported “Zombie Apocalypse” that had become a trending topic on the Internet.

“The CDC does not know of a virus or condition that would reanimate the dead (or one that would present zombie-like symptoms),” CDC spokesman David Daigle told The Huffington Post.

While many of the incidents caused some to speculate about the involvement of a new street drug called “bath salts,” the cause of Davis’ outburst in Connecticut had yet to be determined.