Marijuana still drug of choice, synthetics use on the rise

Fort Scott police continue to tackle an ongoing problem in the area -- drugs.

The Tribune recently sat down with Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton, and FSPD detectives Jason Pickert and Brian Thurston to discuss drugs that are on the rise and others that continue to cause problems in society.

Some drugs that police commonly deal with in Fort Scott include meth and marijuana, the latter of which the officers agreed is the most commonly used drug in Fort Scott. Police are also dealing with the rapidly growing problem of abuse of prescription medications. There has also been an increase in use of K2 or Spice, both brands of synthetic marijuana, a product that mimics the effects of cannabis and is banned in Kansas.

"It's (K2) starting to be (an issue)," Thurston said. "It's growing."

The officers said that while K2 is illegal in Kansas, the product is legal in other nearby states, the closest of which is Oklahoma, meaning the drug is still easily accessible.

"They can cross the border and buy it," Pickert said.

Thurston said K2 can produce "some horrible side effects" such as elevated body temperatures and even seizures.

"The local hospital is seeing bad side effects related to K2 use," he said.

Pickert said K2 "doesn't have the same odor as marijuana" and doesn't create "as pungent of a smell."

Thurston said K2 or Spice comes in small packets and is typically marketed and labeled as herbal incense or potpourri. The product, which looks similar to pot, is usually smoked by users.

"You don't know if you're not allergic to it," he said. "It has a similar look, it's a green, leafy substance."

There is a process police use when handling a case related to the use of K2. Police have to confirm that the substance is in fact a form of synthetic marijuana, which they do through field testing.

"There's a certain chemical in it," Thurston said. "We confirm and then proceed with a case; it's a process."

"Parents should know it's illegal in Kansas," Shelton said.

Shelton said while K2 is "on the rise," the department, in conjunction with the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, is trying to hit the problem at the source. Police have recently made arrests of two suspected K2 dealers, he said.

The officers also agreed that meth continues to be an issue in the area and continue to see problems with abuse of other drugs.

"Heroin is on the rise; not so much here," Shelton said. "People are also abusing prescription medications."

Thurston said marijuana is the "top drug" and most commonly seen by the police force. Thurston said he has also seen accidental deaths due to prescription drugs or a combination of alcohol and prescription drugs such as various types of antidepressants.

"We see our share of illegal drugs as well," Shelton said.

Shelton said crimes such as domestic incidents and thefts often stem from drug use.

"It can cost marriages and family life," he said.

Concerning domestic incidents, Thurston said detectives see more occurrences related to alcohol than those involving drugs. He said "substance abuse doesn't help" people who are dealing with marriage or relationship problems.

On a positive note, Thurston said police have seen several former drug abusers turn their lives around and he is pleased with that.

"It's what you strive for," he said. "And we've seen several of them, people cleaning up and getting back on track."

As far as combating the drug problem, police are doing their part but also need help from the community.

"It starts with education in schools," Shelton said, adding that the department has recently put together some educational materials that identify certain drugs and the effects of drug abuse.

Thurston said he has talked with current drug abusers who have told him "they wish they could go back in time" and make better decisions.

"They get hooked on the stuff," he said. "We want to get them clean and make them productive citizens; that's our goal. And we see it."

"It's not a victimless crime," Shelton said. "They need money for their next fix or purchase ... it's a bleed on society. They're selling to support their habit."

Shelton said in March the department added a third detective to the force, a budgeted position, to help work cases.

"He will be following up on cases, property crimes and drug crimes as well," he said. "That's more manpower and boots on the ground to help. Instead of being reactive, we're being proactive."