Let's Chat...About Synthetic Drugs

304 South Main Street,South Bend IN 46601

10 November, 2022

Description

Join 525 Foundation for a new community education series called "Let's Chat". This month Let's Chat... about Synthetic Drugs. About this event This month Let's Chat... about Synthetic Drugs. What are they and how are they affecting our community? How are they being marketed and sold to our youth right here in Michiana? Synthetic Drugs... Is our community at risk? Synthetic drugs are chemical compounds produced in a laboratory. They can be produced commercially by drug manufacturers for valid medical purposes and are diverted from legal channels or produced illegally in clandestine laboratories for illicit markets worldwide. When produced clandestinely, synthetic drugs aim to mimic or even enhance the effects of natural illicit drugs, such as marijuana. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, many synthetic drugs originate overseas. They were first reported in the U.S. in December 2008, when a shipment of “Spice” was seized and analyzed in Dayton, Ohio. Synthetic drugs can be addictive and pose a serious threat on the health of everyday individuals. Nevertheless, it is difficult for regulatory agencies to control or monitor synthetic drugs. Manufacturers often slightly modify the molecular structures of illegal or controlled substances to circumvent existing drug laws or labeled “not for human consumption” to mask their intended purpose and avoid Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory oversight of the manufacturing process.Come join the discussion! The time is now to educate yourself around the dangers of Synthetic Drugs. Leading the discussion, we will be joined by DEA Group Supervisor (GS) Scott Hartz. Hartz supervises a group of investigators that enforce federal and state drug laws across the northern portion of Indiana. GS Hartz has been with DEA since 2011 and has been assigned to Albuquerque, NM; Quantico, VA; and now currently works out of the DEA Merrillville District Office. Prior to coming to DEA, GS Hartz was a police officer with the Porter County Sheriff’s Department in Valparaiso, IN, for ten years. GS Hartz has a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University Northwest. We will also be joined by Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski from the South Bend Police Department. A US Navy Veteran, Chief Ruszkowski joined SBPD in 1988. His brother, father, and grandfather were South Bend Police officers as well. In addition to the Navy, before joining SBPD Chief Ruszkowski worked at the South Bend Streets Department and, as a student at LaSalle High School, at Martin's Supermarkets. He became the 62nd Police Chief of SBPD on October 1, 2015. His number one priority is people: "We're here for the people and because of the people. Our want is to do no harm. Our belief is that our community is our family." Let’s Chat Facts.. and snack! Light lunch will be provided. Registration is free but is required. Must show proof of registration to enter event.