$35.2 Million Worth of Methamphetamine Seized in Texas.
On the 12th of April 2022, US Customs and Border Protection officers at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas discovered almost 800 kg (1,761 lbs) worth of methamphetamine hidden in pink bags.
A tractor trailer was attempting to cross from Mexico into the US, supposedly carrying a shipment of strawberry puree. However, after being called for secondary examination, 158 bags of methamphetamine were discovered. This extortionate amount of methamphetamine was valued at a street price of $35.2 million.
The 2021 World Drug report found that methamphetamine was responsible for over 75% of the annual quantity of amphetamine-type stimulants in the region of America between 2015-2019. Globally, America also takes the lead with the number of detected methamphetamine laboratories, 85% of the total laboratories detected were US based. These laboratories are used to convert the liquid form methamphetamine that is smuggled from various countries, such as Mexico, back into the crystalline form.
Methamphetamine (crystal meth, speed, crank) is a strong stimulant that acts on the Central Nervous System. It is commonly used as a recreational drug to increase alertness, elevate mood, and improve concentration. Although, in small doses, a weaker form of (methamphetamine HCL, desoxyn) can help with medical conditions such as ADHD. It is an extremely addictive drug and for this reason, it is rarely prescribed for medical issues. Abuse of this drug can lead to acute symptoms such as: severe stomach pain, heart attack and seizures and long-term conditions such as: extreme paranoia, delusional behaviour, and severe weight loss. Using a large quantity of methamphetamine can be fatal.
Through cutting edge R&D, Randox Evidence Series analysers and patented Biochip Array Technology allow for the detection for over 600 drugs and drug metabolites across blood, urine, and oral fluid. Offering flexible, user friendly and accurate results, Randox pushes the boundaries for drug detection worldwide.
Randox Toxicology offers a variety of panels that can be customised to your needs. Due to the growing abuse of Amphetamine and its derivatives, the detection of these appears on all Randox Drugs of Abuse arrays as well as our New Psychoactive Substances and Toxplex arrays.
To find out more about our research and products, visit https://www.randoxtoxicology.com/.
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