Drugs

Crime

27 indicted in prison drug ring with ties to white supremacy

This week a federal grand jury in Tacoma indicted 24 people, most from Washington state, accused of trafficking drugs and weapons in multiple states. Federal authorities say many members of the drug ring have ties to a white supremacist prison gang.

Law & Courts

‘Therapeutic’ courts could see influx under Washington's next drug law

Lawmakers in Olympia are mapping out changes to Washington state’s drug possession law. It could emphasize “diversion” programs designed to help people avoid jail and criminal records. Drug courts or “therapeutic” courts could be one route for these cases.

Law & Courts

Washington's next drug law could let accused choose treatment, services over jail time

The Washington State Senate has passed a bill that would boost criminal penalties for drug possession but allow people to avoid jail if they engage in treatment and services.

Adderall shortage forces some patients to scramble, ration or go without

The FDA announced the supply troubles in the fall. Four months later, the medication remains hard to get and could stay that way until the spring

Health

Ongoing rise in fentanyl deaths highlights need for treatment alternatives

‘I haven't seen anything like it in my 27 years of working with folks with opioid addiction and people experiencing overdoses.’ -Caleb Banta-Green

Crime

WA softened drug penalties last year. Now some South King County cities are cracking down

For months, a coalition of mayors in South King County has criticized state and county approaches to public safety. In a letter they blamed methamphetamine and “a flood of fentanyl” for an increase in violence, and property crimes. Now those cities are passing their own drug laws. Critics say that’s a step in the wrong direction.

Arts & Life

Hear it again: 'Sweetheart Deal' – Inside sex work and addiction on Seattle's Aurora Avenue

In the documentary "Sweetheart Deal," co-directors Elisa Levine and Gabriel Miller follow four sex workers along Seattle's Aurora Avenue. The film tells the stories of Tammy, Sara, Kristine, and Amy and their battles with drug addiction, dangerous circumstances, and a man called Laughn Elliot Doescher, the self described “Mayor of Aurora.”