A state law went into effect last year requiring “Pain clinics” to register with the state and be inspected by the Texas Medical Board if half of their patients received prescriptions for controlled substances. Some clinics are getting around this new law by simply calling themselves something other than a pain clinic. read more

If you are caught with less than one gram of crack-cocaine, it is a crime. But if you are caught in Harris County, you’ll likely be let off with nothing more than a stern warning and a dirty look from the police. This is because Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos has stopped prosecuting for such offenses, an action that has the police up in arms. read more

“This has been going on as long as there has been smuggling,” says Houston attorney Norm Silverman. He’s talking about the use of unsuspecting, innocent people by drug traffickers to transport their goods, either across the Mexican border or throughout the state of Texas. “If you are a drug trafficking organization, there is no more effective means you can use than have a person be an unwitting courier” he said. “They won’t have any signs of nervousness because they simply don’t know.” read more

This month, the Texas National Guard is moving into Dallas. They’ll be tearing down a series of abandoned homes and buildings that have known drug ties. While they’ve torn down a reported 1,200 structures in the state, this will be the first time they’ve brought the program to Dallas. read more

New laws aimed at slowing the rate of prescription drug overdoses and the illegal drug trade may already be having a fairly significant effect. These new laws first took effect on September 1, only two months ago. But the Houston Chronicle is already reporting improvements. read more

Sometimes it’s just easier to put something in the mail. Apparently this isn’t only true for your bills, but also controlled substances. According to the Houston Chronicle, drug traffickers are turning to the mail system more and more often with agents in Houston intercepting 15 packages in the last 60 days. read more

A kilo of cocaine is definitely not what you’d expect to find on a morning walk on the beach. But it wouldn’t be the first nor the last time someone has ran across significant remnants of the drug trade and officials are seeing an increase in such packages washing up on Texas shores. read more

Nearly 30 people were arrested by federal agents this week for participating in a drug ring with ties back to a Mexican drug cartel. The ring was called the “United Nations” of drug rings because of its unusual diversity. The makeup of this ring simply shows that the stereotypical drug dealer isn’t always what people think. read more

Any criminal conviction can affect your life for years to come, in ways you might not consider. That’s why it is always makes sense to speak to a criminal defense attorney about your legal options, even for minor offenses like drug possession or shoplifting. If you have a reasonable chance to beat a criminal charge in court, the lawyers fees may be the best money you ever spent. read more

Prescription drug abuse is at an all time high in Texas and across the country. Unlike other illegal controlled substances, prescription drugs usually enter the black market from a legitimate original source. In a case that’s getting a lot of interest, Parkland Health & Hospital may have been that “legitimate original source” for a large amount of prescription drugs on the streets of Dallas. read more