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

Because marijuana laws are a hot topic around the country this year, a Tyler man is making more headlines than usual for the extreme sentence he received in Smith County last week. The fifty-four year old defendant was sentenced to 35 years in prison for possessing 4.6 ounces of marijuana. read more

Al convicted criminals make mistakes that lead them to be caught and prosecuted. But one would think that if you are running a significant criminal operation, you’d be careful some simple details that would lead you to be noticed by the police.  However, that doesn’t appear to be the case in many illegal drug operations in Texas. read more

In a surprising move, the Houston, TX District Attorney’s office is instructing  prosecutors to lessen criminal charges filed for possession of a crank pipe. read more

While Dallas school officials are saying they don’t yet see the influence of Mexican drug cartels in their schools, the Feds and the Texas Department of Public Safety are cautioning parents to be aware. read more

A Mexican drug organization that operated in Texas was feeling serious pressure this week as authorities across the country cracked down on their drug operations. Hit particularly hard, North Texas. read more

It all began in 1988. It all ends, for this particular family, now. For 21 years, over two dozen people recently arrested operated a complex drug ring right under the noses of their coworkers, neighbors, and friends. read more

The city of Dallas, TX has put 31 apartment complexes on notice. They must clean up their act or pay a fine. This comes after the Police Department along with the city decided these 31 complexes were hot spots of crime that needed to cool off.

According to WFAA, things like better lighting, visibility, security fences, and community watch meetings can all improve the safety of a neighborhood. In addition, community managers are being asked to tighten up their background checks and rental policies, being more cautious of who they are renting to. read more

Gangs don’t typically victimize average citizens. Gang members usually prey on other gang members or people associated with them. Does this mean Austinites shouldn’t be concerned about the rise in gangs around the city? Absolutely not.

Gang-connected crimes are most often linked to drugs. The more gangs we have battling it out for drug territory, the more overall violence our city will experience and the more expenses we will all carry as the local criminal justice system is overloaded.

This article from the American Statesmen points out that Austin experienced a 65% increase in gang related crimes. It also states there are more and more gang members within the city. The reasons are unclear but the results remain the same.

Being involved in a gang is not something easily walked away from. Like many law breakers, gang members find it difficult to live a clean life. Unlike most other criminals, however, for some gang members, leaving the lifestyle is impossible. read more

South Texas is already reporting increased in violence spreading north from Mexican drug cartels. This report from the Dallas Morning News looks at whether or not North Texas should also be preparing for the worst.

Drug cartels out of Mexico are major operations ran by violent people with one main interest, making money through large scale drug operations. If this interest ends in the death, kidnappings, or injuries of many, they don’t seem to care. If someone stands between the cartels and their money they may suffer dire consequences.

Although the Gulf cartel is said to control the supply of cocaine into Dallas, they have remained somewhat quiet over the last several years. This, apparently, is to avoid attracting attention to their large scale operations. read more