Coke, pot are common, but heroin is local killer
JANESVILLE — While marijuana and crack cocaine are the two most available and used drugs in Janesville, heroin has killed here.
And smack regularly comes close to killing users, says Sgt. Stephen DeWitt, supervisor of the Janesville Police Department's Street Crimes Unit.
Heroin has become more prevalent in Janesville, he said.
"It seems like heroin skipped a generation," DeWitt said. "It was here in the '60s and '70s, and now it's back. We see a reported overdose every couple of weeks. There are people here who deal heroin. Most of the people who deal it are users. Rockford (Ill.) is the big supply."
Local heroin users—typically men and women in their 20s—usually are sophisticated, such as the dealer in the movie "Pulp Fiction" who injected Uma Thurman's overdosed character with epinephrine to revive her, DeWitt said.
"They come into the hospital with epinephrine syringes stuck in their chests," he said. "Heroin users say it's very common. They all have the syringes and the stuff. They know how to use it."
The Rock County Coroner's Office reported 49 accidental overdose deaths in 2006, 2007 and so far this year. Thirty-six were caused by opiates or synthetic opiates: heroin, 1; morphine, 15; hydrocodone, 16, and methadone, 4. Heroin breaks down quickly in the blood and can appear as morphine in some autopsies.
The office has not received toxicology results on all possible accidental overdoses.
Most of the heroin trade in Janesville is not usually gang-related or large scale, DeWitt said. "Three to four grams at most."
A gram of smack translates into five $20 bags.
"Some people we run into do it two or three times a day, two to three bags at a time. Users are running two and three times a day to Rockford. They rarely hold large amounts," DeWitt said.
Users who snort heroin use less, while those who inject the drug shoot up three to five bags three to five times a day, he said.
Some heroin users in Janesville hold down jobs; others don't, DeWitt said.
Besides death through overdose, heroin's harm to society "ranks pretty high because your whole time is spent getting your fix. It doesn't leave a lot of time for work, school and family," he said. "Users probably don't meet as many violent people as crack people do. Heroin users are very cliquey. They know each other, trust each other and use the same sources."
The veteran Janesville officer offered a street cop's view of the drug scene in the city.
Drug use in Janesville is more prevalent now than in his 31 years on the job, DeWitt said, and has been on an upward trend over the last three years.
The reason?
"Money, because there's money to be made," DeWitt said. "It's all money, supply and demand."
Asked to break down the local drug trade by substance, DeWitt offered:
Marijuana: Pot has become more prevalent and cheaper over the last two years. Most of the commercial-grade pot comes from Mexico and costs about $70 an ounce. Higher grade marijuana—such as that grown indoors in hydroponic tanks or by sophisticated growers in British Columbia, Canada—sells for about $140 an ounce.
"I don't think there are a lot of local growers," DeWitt said.
His conservative estimate was that 100 pounds of pot a week moves into Janesville and through the city to the rest of Rock County and Madison.
Police are investigating about a half dozen dealers moving 10 to 20 pounds a week.
"And there's at least a half dozen we don't know about," DeWitt said.
People "all over the board," young to old, poor to rich, on all sides of the city, smoke marijuana.
From his perspective, the societal costs of marijuana use are "people don't want to work; people don't want to go to school. If they start dealing, they run into crime problems plus legal penalties. The problem you lead into with bigger amounts is that those people get beat up and get their product stolen.
"The problem is with the money," DeWitt said.
Cocaine: Powder cocaine comes into the city and county in kilos—2.2 pounds per kilo—and usually is converted to crack because the process expands the drug's volume.
"There are key people who handle kilos here," DeWitt said.
Crack cocaine is more available than powder cocaine.
An ounce of powder cocaine becomes what is portrayed as—but probably doesn't weigh—two to three ounces of crack. And because crack often is sold in small amounts, or rocks, it is cheaper to buy: $10, $20 or $50 rocks compared to $100 for a so-called gram of crack or $125 for a gram of powder cocaine.
DeWitt said his conservative estimate is that a dozen dealers each moves four to six ounces of cocaine a week here.
"The sky's the limit," DeWitt said. "There is a lot. It's easier to find crack than marijuana."
Most of the powder cocaine users the Street Crimes Unit encounters are in their late teens to upper 30s. Crack users range in age from 17 to 50s. Men and women use both forms of cocaine, but the unit doesn't see many professional people using cocaine in either form.
The current situation is not like the 1980s when white-collar cocaine use was prevalent.
But DeWitt stressed: "Our main focus is street-level drug dealing."
Professional people in Janesville might circulate drugs among their circles of friends, "but it's not our mission," DeWitt said. "It's not on our radar, but if we become aware of it, we deal with it."
"You see a lot of addiction with cocaine. You see a lot more people in financial trouble, marital trouble, work problems. Also the (criminal) element that they're dealing with can be difficult."
Coke dealers are apt to be armed and dangerous, DeWitt said. "The profits are higher; the costs are higher, so you're going to get that."
Methamphetamine: "We don't see a lot of it because cocaine is so cheap and available. Ecstasy (which contains methamphetamine) is always here, but you have to look for it."
While "heroin people can still function; meth people don't function very well," DeWitt said.
Ecstasy use appears limited here to college-age people.
"A lot of girls use it because it's a party kind of thing," DeWitt said. "It keeps you stimulated."
Hallucinogens: "We've found more (psilocybin) mushrooms here than LSD. We've found mushrooms grown here. On search warrants, we might find a small bag.
"It's more a designer drug, more a drug user's special drug, like a connoisseur thing. It's not a thing everyone does or can find."
Prescription drugs: Painkillers such as OxyContin, and stimulants such as Adderall.
Adderall is prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
"A lot of it gets prescribed to kids, and they sell it. It's a lot like the oxy drugs (synthetic opiates). It's more a friends' circle. Someone gets a prescription, and they make a little money," De Witt said.
Police don't see a lot of trade in prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicadin.
"We don't run into a lot of it. There might two or three pills on a (traffic) stop or warrant."
But reports of stolen prescriptions are common.
"Some people actually are victims of theft. Some people actually sell their own prescriptions, then report them stolen."
People on all social levels abuse prescription painkillers in Janesville. Typically, they are recreational users are in their 20s and older.
Jul 15, 2008 at 9:57 a.m.
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Every town has a drug problem. I just depends on hard you look for it. Listen to people tell stories, and you will hear it among the younger generation. I live in a town of less than 1200, there is a drug problem there, but the cops turn a blind eye, and are friends with those that they know sell and use. It is there way of avoiding the situation. So don't think that Janesville has a drug problem more than any other town. It just is out in the open and being talked about.
Jul 15, 2008 at 9:47 a.m.
Jul 15, 2008 at 8:27 a.m.
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I never got the logic of doing these drugs. I can see pot since it is natural, but this stuff that is processed with such harsh chemicals seems like a no brainer as far as staying away from it.
Jul 14, 2008 at 4:07 p.m.
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I guess I don't know what would compell someone to take these highly dangerous and addictive, and expensive, drugs. Even to try them! It blows my mind. I won't be caught dead with heroin or cocaine.
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On a side note, I can't stand the movie Pulp Fiction simply because of the scene where Uma Thurman OD's and has to get the syringe stabbed into her chest. It makes me physically ill just thinking about it.
Jul 14, 2008 at 2:57 p.m.
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hannah you could ask mr favre that question:) lol
Jul 14, 2008 at 1:53 p.m.
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vicodin- who would want to be so constipated and not so high???
Jul 14, 2008 at 1:12 p.m.
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the cops prices on pot tells me they really have no clue...you tell me where i can find a 140 oz of some good pot...trust me people does not exist...and as for oxys not being a problem...give me a break...there almost as popular with kids as pot...being a bartender i see everything and hear about anything and everything for sale...really cops should think about going undercover as a bartenders...you would be amazed at the information people give a complete stranger while they drink...
Jul 14, 2008 at 11:57 a.m.
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Crack is Wack!
Jul 14, 2008 at 11:12 a.m.
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thekid3477-
What did I tell you about making the paper again?? LMAO
Jul 14, 2008 at 11:05 a.m.
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SarahB- you wrote excellent information! It was well written and very factual.
One thing I would like to add is even though opiate WITHDRAWAL will not kill, opiates CAN. They tend to cause respiratory depression. A rule of thumb is any respirations below 10 per minute they need to STOP THE DRUG IMMEDIATELY AND SEEK EMERGENCY TREATMENT. They have a medication that can reverse the effects.
Even if the drug is prescribed, does NOT mean that there are not any side effects. Prescriptions should only be taken for those who have a valid prescription, and exactly for the amount prescribed within that time period.
Jul 14, 2008 at 10:56 a.m.
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Nina-
Some of the points made here are really well written. However, with heroin, there are "phases" to the drug. A person on heroin may experience cravings, especially for sweets such as chocolate and pepsi/coke, etc. Then they will have a "nodding out" phase, where they will nod their head and pass out. They will itch and scratch themselves because heroin breaks down into morphine in the body and that is a side effect. They may take benadryl for this. Another thing to be on the lookout for is for needles, alcohol pads, torniquets. If they are taking the drugs into their veins, you will see "track" marks..so people tend to hide these marks between toes/fingers andunder nails. If the person snorts the drug, it may be a little more difficult to determine, look for red eyes, raw nose, etc.
Marijuana tends to be smoked, and teens will try to cover this with excessive amounts of perfume/cologone. They will get the "munchies" where they will eat massive quantities of food. They may giggle, laugh really hard, or become anxious and paranoid. Rolling papers, pipes, cans, tin foil, these are products used to smoke marijuana.
They sell home tests at Walgreens near the pharmacy. You can do them yourselves. Just remember certain substances can cause a false positive-pain killers, ibuprofen, amoxicillian, etc.
Jul 14, 2008 at 10:39 a.m.
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"Super High Me." Rent it...if you dare.
Jul 14, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.
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benthinkin: that is the cops opinion. it actually says 'from his perspective'. does he have any stats to back it up?? from my perspective, and a lot of people who have posted on here including a valedictorian who started smoking in the 6th grade, the cop is completely wrong. im not sayin it doesnt happen, but to say that it happens to EVERY smoker, is simply reefer madness. EVERY pot smoker i know has their life in order. i cant say that for every drinker i know. benthinkin, PLLLEEEEAAAAASSSEEEEE, tell me where the victim is in me possessing an ounce for my personal use??
Jul 14, 2008 at 8:08 a.m.
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I would say the #1 thing to look for is the pupil being extremely tiny, that will tell you there on something. (not weed, bloodshot and glassy eyes, although visine works very well)
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Having experimented with LSD a few times back in the day (12+ yrs. ago, never again as bad trips suck), the pupils were the most recognizable way to tell, mushrooms had the same sign.
Jul 14, 2008 at 7:46 a.m.
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Are the sweats and itching a cause of heroine or painkiller usage? Is heroine shot up? How about being very active and full of energy is that a sign of heroine usage?
Jul 13, 2008 at 10:10 p.m.
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Thanks for everyone's input; as a teacher, I don't have a chance to see some of the signs since I am only with them for less than an hour a day. Sounds like it can be tricky; guess how many kids sweat a lot and fall asleep during movies in school! :) Seriously though, I do appreciate all the input on differentiating between the two types of highs in a student.
Jul 13, 2008 at 10:10 p.m.
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So I hear thekid over and over talking about pot as a victimless crime and yet in the story above the 31 year police veteran talks about societies cost of pot.
Now I am all confused...
So I start thinking...well maybe the police are biased. No that can't be it cause no crime would equal police out of work.
Jul 13, 2008 at 9:14 p.m.
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Brett Favre survived!
Jul 13, 2008 at 8:53 p.m.
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So according to this cop drug use is up because there is money to be made? come on there has always been money to be made in stuff that sells itself. If drug use blips up a little it's more likely from social views on drug use and I doubt janesville has more drug users than any other town it's size..
Jul 13, 2008 at 8:44 p.m.
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Heroin is powerful! When you are with someone using the signs are not always noticed. It is true about the itching and scratching. He used to say " I used the wrong soap & made me itchy!" They nod off in the middle of movies. Sitting up right at a table. They look like they fell asleep but they are just zoning out! They will wake up sick! Until they get that first hit they will have a head ache & and feel like throwing up! They will do anything to try and look "normal" to all they see on the streets. They will do anything to get the $ ! Also they sweat A-lot when high off heroin! Heroin does not have a smell like Marijuana does so watch for the signs!
Jul 13, 2008 at 7:53 p.m.
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Nina: You've asked a tough question, especially if you're dealing with your own child and want to believe like all heck that they are not using any drugs. However, physical changes are not the easiest to detect. Look for changes in the person's life also ... grades dropping, work/school attendance problems, always short on funds, sleeping more, etc. One source that may help with your questions is Rosecrance Treatment Centers in Rockford, IL. They are known nationwide for their adolescent program and their web site carries lots of helpful information for parents regarding what to look for in their children. Just "Google search" for Rosecrance Treatment and you will find the site. Good luck.
Jul 13, 2008 at 5:50 p.m.
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welcome to janesville people this crap has been her for a long time but alot of you people sed it was not janesville was to small of a town to have the big drug problem, It is here and JPD,RCSD,can not handle the problem by them self's it will take the whole cummunity to help clean up this crap, just go down to the 4th ward and up by the hospital in those area's you will find a few crack house's let the JPD,RCSD, know that they are there. O and a few crack apartment's on kelloge ave.
Jul 13, 2008 at 5:22 p.m.
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Nina...One sure sign is weight loss,if they are always itching or scratching they think they have something on them.(bugs) Their pupils are like the size of a pin point.Some names that they will use are Big Harry,Bart Simpson and Al Capone I believe there are a lot more slang names but those are some the kids use.
Jul 13, 2008 at 5:11 p.m.
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What nobody is saying or telling you is kids are paying $3.00 for a hit of heroin .That's what most parents give their kids for lunch money !It's cheaper than pot and that's why kids are using it more than smoking a joint !
Jul 13, 2008 at 5:05 p.m.
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If he's high on pot, he's laying back eating a bag of Oreos.
If he's high on heroin, he's ignoring the Oreos and he's using a dead cat for a pillow.
Jul 13, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.
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Can someone explain to me how a parent or other adult might be able to tell the difference between a teen high on pot or high from snorting heroin?
Jul 13, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.
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From the MeeMee's story:
"In a press release, Janesville police said: “These arrests are part of an ongoing investigation … into citizen allegations of prostitution, alcohol use, illegal drug use, and illegal drug sales occurring at Screamin’ MeeMees …"
Jul 13, 2008 at 4:20 p.m.
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thekid, they dont know thats the problem. theyre to busy trying to catch prostitutes and ferocious felines.
Jul 13, 2008 at 3:21 p.m.
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Thank you dirtbag potheads for keeping these drug dealers in business. Ya, "pot is a victimless crime", keep telling yourselves that as your purchases help keep these drugs flowing freely through our neighborhoods.
Jul 13, 2008 at 2:47 p.m.
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As I read the comments, there are 2 Google ads above the posts. One was for cocaine rehab services, the other was to buy Coke Paraphernalia online!!!!
Coke Paraphernalia available. Don't just Buy it - Win it!
Unreal!!
Jul 13, 2008 at 2 p.m.
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These cops have no idea. Their prices for "high grade" weed are so far off its funny.
Jul 13, 2008 at 1:01 p.m.
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Logic tells me the writer is speaking of illegal drugs, not legal drugs such as alcohol. However, if you consider that underage drinking is illegal, yes, alcohol trumps them all.
Jul 13, 2008 at 11:48 a.m.
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Im with thekid. alcohol is the most abused in town and causes more harm to families and lives than a measley joint would
Jul 13, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.
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1) 'While marijuana and crack cocaine are the two most available and used drugs in Janesville' WRONG. alcohol is most def a drug and i dont have stats but id guess alcohol is used more than those two.
2) these cops are just guessing. mid grade 70/ounce?? hydro 140/ounce?? sure. if someone tells you they got 140/ounce of hydro they most def gots a badge:) if these cops know where all these dealers are, how come they arent arresting them??
Jul 13, 2008 at 9:34 a.m.
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Drugs don't hurt people......
Jul 13, 2008 at 8:43 a.m.
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Opiate withdrawal does not kill you. Drugs such as heroin, methadone, Oxy-Contin, morphine, dilaudid, and Vicodin are opiates. Opiate withdrawal does not include seizures. Symptoms include things such as hot-cold flashes and sweating, bone and muscle pain, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, watery eyes and insomnia. Symptoms generally peak about 36 hours after the last use of the substance (longer if the drug used is methadone) and the person is generally on the road to feeling better about 72 hours after the last use. Cravings, however, are another story. But my whole point in writing this comment is to help kill the myth that opiate withdrawal kills people. The most dangerous substances to withdrawal from are alcohol and sedatives (benzodiazepines and barbituates). These should not be attempted without medical assistance. They both carry a high risk of seizures.
Jul 13, 2008 at 8:32 a.m.
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Vicodin, not Vicadin.
Jul 13, 2008 at 8:31 a.m.
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so disheartened to know that this is reality... as much as people that know someone that is addicted and want to help, they are reluctant to do so because of the behavioral reprecussions... the only one that can help them is themselves... if anyone knows someone that needs help, please, help them... a lot of cases, death from either an OD or withdrawls (if done outside a methadone clinic or the supervision of a physician) is the end result for many of these individuals... no one will be able to stop it from being in our community, but we can at least make an effort to help those that want to truely quit and get their lives back in order...
Jul 13, 2008 at 7:53 a.m.
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This is so sad ! Maybe now this town will wake up and see we have BIG ISSUES !! in a small town !!!!
Jul 13, 2008 at 7:33 a.m.
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Jul 13, 2008 at 12:56 a.m.
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They dont have to go to Rockford for the H Janesville has ample supply. And If you want it just ask a majority of the mid teens to young adults they will steer ya where it is at. I moved into an apt. and went to use my broiler and loe and behold 12 pkts if the stuff!!! it was a little crisp but I was told by a 17 year old what it was. It gas been a problem here for longer than the JPD wants us to be,ieve it has. It is sad but I know alot of people that are on it and makes me sick as to hpw bad they really look and what it has done to them and their families. Adderall is very popular as is methadone. My heart is with the users as they cant get off it alone and the friends they hang with sure arent going to help them..... An 18 year old honor student just died of an overdose and noone even suspected he did any drugs................
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