Sent to Acting Director Malz - US DEA

I have long been involved with FAN in Michigan (branches in New York and one in North Carolina.

Practice/Mission/Vision Statement

Mission: To empower communities through education and recovery services that enhance the quality of life and health of all family members.

Vision: To promote a healthy community by reducing stigma and providing a comprehensive continuum of care that empowers individuals and families.

Purpose: Support all individuals affected by the disease of addiction/substance use disorder. Destigmatize the disease of substance use disorder. Provide education and resources to the communities we serve.

Specialties and Services

Hope Not Handcuffs

Community Naloxone Training

Peer Recovery Coaching

Family Recovery Coaching

Stronger Together Family & Friends Support Group

Comeback Quick Response Team Post-Overdose Wellness Check

Education and Community Outreach

FAN Community Forums

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For many years I have also been engaged in writing and making information videos.

My first book about the issue of overdose and drug use in the United States was inspired by my first meeting with FAN when over thirty fellow Americans stood up and, one by one, told us their name and the reason they were at the meeting that night – because either their son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister, friend or spouse or other family member(s) or friend(s) had died from drug overdose.

I was speechless but have since found my voice.? I had to do that because these stories and this reality is not appearing in the news media – it is not in the entertainment media with the exception of ‘Four Good Days’ and ‘Dopesick’.? The? rest of it is repetitions of storylines from 1930’s gangster movies – and here is another exception – except the protagonist drug dealer is no longer a bad guy or horrible human being but some sort of anti-hero.? We see that in ‘Scarface’ and revoltingly portrayed in ‘Breaking Bad’ where excuses for murdering neighbors with drugs include lack of funds for healthcare, a lackluster home life and temporary unemployment.? The casual approach to the issue is disconcerting enough – but to have the issues presented from the point of view of the dealers and money makers while setting aside the tens of thousands of funerals impacting families across the nation is terrible.

In my family by cousin provides a heartwrenching example of a casualty that, as far as I can tell, is never mentioned, except by me – I think I’m the only one that brings this aspect out.? He took or was given fentanyl.? His heart stopped.?? By the time the medical team got there he had experienced brain damage.? He is now physically and mentally debilitated for the rest of his life.? He was just 30 years old.

His parents care for him.? They are ageing.? They had a gigantic farm of over 6000 acres producing fruit for market and many other items throughout the year.? The impact is catastrophic.?

To make matters worse I know they are not the only ones.? At FAN meetings and other locations, whether volunteering or even passing people on the street – this aspect of this conflagration is everywhere.? Slurred speech, lost jobs, inability to read anymore, can’t follow a conversation, needs permanent ongoing care in some way or the other for the rest of their lives.

So – now to at least one point of my letter to you.

I used to be able to secure pamphlets and other printed materials from the Federal Government about drugs and all the associated problems.? When I found that I found other public health materials.? I would order them from the Centers from Disease Control, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Public Broadcasting Stations and even the Department of Justice.

They sent them to me, and, with volunteers, we broke the materials up and distributed them to local schools and libraries.? We shared them at public meetings.? I created additional support video materials from them – provided them to radio and television stations and newspapers.? Read them in public.? Drew information from them to write books – now, with the crackdown on Federal activities, this resource has dried up!

I have a set of them in my garage which is the last of it that I have.

We will be breaking them up this Saturday on March 1st at the Wayne Public Library.? The people who will be helping me are children from the Youth Services program – who are prone to this – believe me, I know personally.? We will also have people from the Court Program along with other volunteers to do the work.? Small packages will be made and the materials hand delivered over the next two to three weeks to every library in Wayne County – any leftovers will be distributed further afield to schools, colleges and such.

I’m pretty sure there won’t be any left over.

I work and volunteer with Crimestoppers of Michigan.? Drug use, drug sales and transport contribute in a big way to the violence and crime in this region.? There is some program that the DOJ has dealing with high traffic drug areas.? One of them is here in southeastern Michigan where the drugs are brought, apparently, and then distributed all along the Mississippi River Valley and into the west towards Minnessota and Wisconsin.

I wondered then – okay – they know all that information – why aren’t those systems broken up quickly?

Now the program has been crushed.

I will tell you, however, a few years ago I had to go sit on a grand jury in Detroit.? The local prosecutors (from the Federal Government) came in one after the other with their cases.? Some seemed like pet projects.? I say that because one specifically stated after being asked why these drug distribution outfits weren’t crushed, ‘We don’t hunt guppies.? We only go after whales.’

So for that one case the guy had all these witnesses who were helping the ‘King Pin’ traffic drugs.? He wanted to arrest the one guy, so, and he said this, they used indictments to scare the others into helping.

I don’t know what the heck is going on but I thought that the breakup and destruction of these crime rings was supposed to be complete.? As it must occur to you, if you chop off the head of one of these groups somebody else just takes over the job.

I learned that from ‘Scarface’.

The Police Department in the City of Wayne practices something called ‘Hope Not Handcuffs’.? People suffering from drug use can come into the police station and ask for help.? They don’t get processed or have warrants run on them.? They are told to sit down in the lobby and the police call FAN.? An ‘Angel’ comes (a volunteer) who then helps the person find a bed in a facility.? The bed might not even be in Wayne County.? Most of them are filled.? If the bed is outside of Wayne County FAN transports the people to the location where they will be initially treated.

Even then the treatment is often only about three weeks.? It gets them healthy and they are booted out on the street again.? Most of them are homeless or on the verge of it.? It’s a revolving door.? The options before this were that the person might be arrested or encounter and untimely death very quickly.? There are many success stories but there is no way to expand the system without money.

In fact, to be cold, there is no reason to do it if drug dealing is not only going to be tolerated but encouraged.

The State of Michigan recently legalized marijuana.? In short time the potency of the drug shot up.? Other chemicals are added.? The State of Michigan is drawing in tens of millions of dollars, at least – likely far more.? I know this because the City of Wayne has three ‘pharmacies’ or whatever these drug dens are called, and the city receives hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax rebates related to the sale of the drugs.

This is happening all over the State of Michigan.? I have seen it recorded in other states as well.

Local gas stations sell ‘bath salts’ and other types of materials that are smoked that contain thc but are not regulated.

Kratom was making great inroads and on the rise but now seems to have settled down.?

Ketamine is a problem but – that’s not likely to get solved when Elon Musk is apparently an avid user and supporter of the damaging drug.

There are no drug programs using video commercials as when I was growing up.? The lack of information about how bad this stuff is and how easy it is for adults and even elementary children to get is wrong.

The idea of elementary school children having easy access to and selling illegal drugs is deeply concerning and highlights a severe breakdown in multiple areas. Here's a breakdown of why this is so wrong:

Devastating Impact on Children:

• Brain Development: Children's brains are still developing, and drug use can cause irreversible damage, affecting cognitive function, learning, and emotional regulation. Early exposure increases the risk of addiction later in life.
• Physical Health: Children's bodies are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of drugs, leading to serious health problems and even death.
• Safety and Well-being: Drug use impairs judgment, putting children at risk of accidents, injuries, and exploitation. It can also lead to involvement in dangerous situations and exposure to violence.
• Loss of Innocence: Children should be focused on learning and playing, not dealing with the devastating consequences of drug use.

Societal Breakdown:

• Failure of Protection: Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, and it is our responsibility to protect them. The fact that they can access drugs indicates a failure of this responsibility.
• Systemic Issues: This situation points to deeper problems within communities, such as poverty, lack of access to resources, and the presence of criminal activity.
• School Safety: Schools should be safe havens for learning. The presence of drugs undermines this safety and disrupts the educational environment.
• Adult Responsibility: Adults who are providing these drugs to children are committing heinous crimes. Those adults are destroying the lives of children.

Key Concerns:

• Access and Availability: How are these drugs getting into the hands of young children? This points to serious issues with drug trafficking and distribution.
• Lack of Supervision: The fact that children are selling drugs in schools suggests a lack of adequate supervision and security.
• Need for Intervention: This situation requires immediate intervention from parents, schools, law enforcement, and social services.

It is absolutely vital that all possible actions are taken to protect children from the dangers of illegal drugs.

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The Border is a problem in more than one way.? Setting aside the illegal aliens flowing across at will were you aware that companies can cross without thorough searches.

Just FAST alone is a problem – let alone the fact that only a small percentage of containers are ever searched, inspected or x-rayed.

FAST is a is program is designed to expedite the processing of commercial shipments across the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders for pre-approved importers, carriers, and drivers.

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Allowing foreign and American companies to purchase preferential treatment at the border, effectively bypassing standard searches, creates a host of problems, particularly concerning the influx of illegal drugs into the United States. Here's a breakdown:

Increased Drug Trafficking:

• Weakened Security: Bypassing searches creates a significant vulnerability that drug cartels and traffickers can exploit. They can easily conceal drugs within legitimate shipments, knowing they won't be thoroughly inspected.
• Corruption: The system itself fosters corruption. Border officials and other personnel may be tempted to accept bribes to further facilitate the movement of illegal goods.1
• Reduced Deterrence: If traffickers know they can avoid scrutiny, the risk of getting caught decreases, making it more appealing to smuggle drugs.
• Exploitation of Legitimate Trade: Criminal organizations can use legitimate businesses as fronts, hiding drugs within their shipments and taking advantage of their "trusted" status.2

Economic and Social Consequences:

• Unfair Competition: Companies that don't pay for preferential treatment are at a disadvantage, as they face longer wait times and more thorough inspections. This creates an uneven playing field.
• Public Health Crisis: The increased flow of illegal drugs, particularly opioids like fentanyl, exacerbates the ongoing drug overdose crisis, leading to more deaths and addiction.
• National Security Risks: Weakened border security also increases the risk of other illicit goods, such as weapons and explosives, entering the country.3
• Erosion of Public Trust: The perception that wealthy companies can buy their way around the law undermines public trust in government and law enforcement.
• Damage to international relationships: If some companies from certain countries are given preferential treatment over others, it can cause international friction.

Specific Concerns Regarding the Drug Onslaught:

• Fentanyl Crisis: Fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, is a major contributor to the drug overdose crisis.4 Its small size and high potency make it easy to conceal and transport.5 Preferential treatment at the border would make it even easier for traffickers to smuggle fentanyl into the country.
• Cartel Operations: Drug cartels are sophisticated criminal organizations with vast resources.6 They are adept at exploiting vulnerabilities in border security.7 Allowing companies to bypass searches gives them a significant advantage.
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The complex nature of global supply chains makes it difficult to track and inspect every shipment. Preferential treatment further complicates this, making it easier for drugs to slip through the cracks.

In essence, allowing companies to purchase preferential treatment at the border creates a dangerous loophole that criminals can exploit, with devastating consequences for public health and national security.

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The shift away from widespread, federally funded distribution of printed anti-drug materials has created significant challenges for both rural and urban communities, exacerbating the ongoing drug crisis. Here's how:

Accessibility and Dissemination Issues:

• Digital Divide: As you pointed out, reliance on digital resources from agencies like the CDC and SAMHSA creates a significant barrier for those without reliable internet access or computer literacy. This disproportionately affects low-income, rural, and elderly populations.
• Passive vs. Active Information Seeking: Individuals struggling with substance abuse are often not actively seeking information about the dangers of drugs. Printed materials, distributed in community centers, schools, and healthcare settings, can reach those who wouldn't otherwise encounter this information.
• Reaching Vulnerable Populations: Printed materials are effective in reaching vulnerable populations, including those with limited literacy or cognitive impairments. They can be distributed in easily accessible locations, such as shelters, clinics, and community centers.
• Lack of Tangible Resources: Printed materials offer a tangible resource that can be kept, shared, and referenced. This is particularly important for those who may be hesitant to seek help or who need ongoing reminders of the risks of drug use.

Impact on Prevention and Education:

• Reduced Community Outreach: The absence of readily available printed materials limits the ability of community organizations and healthcare providers to conduct effective outreach and prevention programs.
• Decreased Public Awareness: Widespread distribution of printed materials plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about the dangers of drug use, particularly among young people.
• Limited Educational Tools: Schools and educators rely on printed materials to supplement their drug education programs. The lack of these resources makes it more difficult to provide comprehensive and effective education.
• Harm Reduction Limitations: Printed materials that describe harm reduction techniques, and where to obtain help, are very important. Without them, people that are using drugs are less likely to obtain life saving information.

Specific Challenges in Rural and Urban Areas:

• Rural Communities: Rural areas often have limited access to healthcare and social services, making it even more challenging to disseminate information about drug use. The digital divide is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where internet access may be unreliable or unavailable. Rural communities can also have a higher degree of social stigma around drug use, making it harder to get people to seek help.
• Urban Communities: While urban areas may have greater access to digital resources, they also face significant challenges, such as poverty, homelessness, and high rates of substance abuse. Printed materials can be particularly effective in reaching marginalized populations in urban areas, such as those living in shelters or on the streets. Urban areas often have higher levels of drug related crime, and printed materials can provide information on where to seek help for those that want it.

The Bottom Line:

The reduction in federally funded printed anti-drug materials has created a significant gap in prevention and education efforts. This gap disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and exacerbates the ongoing drug crisis. A renewed focus on providing accessible, tangible resources is essential to address this critical public health issue.

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I’m trying my best but I’m just one guy.

I can’t even apply for grants because of that – I’m just one guy.

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Alfred Brock has authored a variety of books available on Amazon, and some of them do deal with the topic of drugs, and related subjects. Here are some of the titles that were found: ?

• "Walking Through Tuesday Morning: Opioid Nightmares": This is a collection of poems that addresses the opioid epidemic and the associated struggles with addiction. ?
• "Prevention Is the Best Medicine: Drug Primer for Parents and Elected Officials": This book is aimed at providing information about drug prevention.

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Escaping Abuse - Spouse, Alcohol, Drug, Violence

This book is about ways to help yourself and how to help others. If you are being abused this book will provide you with a few options for you to look into. These are only a few but very powerful. There are tens of thousands of others. These are a few to get started with so that you can regain your life and pursue those things which you hold dear to your heart. If know someone who is being abused this book will point you to some groups and people that can help you help others. All you would need to do is share them with someone you are concerned about. Whether you are being abused, know someone who is suffering or just want to help this book will provide you with starting points. As you begin your journey or renew your journey to freedom and joy in life you will meet many heroes – the most important hero you will meet is yourself.

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Drug and Alcohol Use in Adolescents and Young Adults

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In the United States today there is a drug overdose epidemic. It is wounding and killing many people, especially young people. They can freely access a wide variety of powerful drugs. These drugs can have profound life changing consequences. Use of these drugs can lead to addiction where the person using them needs to replenish their supply regularly or they will become sick. This resupply activity can become extremely expensive. If the money is not available for someone to purchase the drugs they may turn to criminal activities to get them. Some people exploit (sell) themselves to get a supply of the drugs they are seeking. These drugs can also be adulterated, or have things added to them, that make them even more dangerous. The addition of fentanyl, for example, to drugs like heroin and cocaine, can lead to lifelong disability or death.

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Parent’s Guide to Recognizing Drug Influences?

"Your Parent's Guide To Recognizing and Responding to Drug Dealer Influences" is an essential handbook designed to empower parents with knowledge and strategies to protect their children from the dangers of drug dealer influences. In an age where peer pressure and exposure to drugs are prevalent, this book equips parents with the tools they need to recognize the signs of drug dealer involvement and take effective action. "Your Parent's Guide To Recognizing and Responding to Drug Dealer Influences" is an invaluable resource for parents who want to protect their children from the insidious influence of drug dealers. With practical advice, real-world examples, and a focus on building trust and open communication, this guide equips parents with the knowledge and skills needed to keep their teenagers safe and guide them toward making healthy choices.

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YouTube Resources by Alfred Brock

What is Fentanyl?

https://youtu.be/Mtj8l3r_I_I

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What is Methamphetamine? Crystal Meth?

https://youtu.be/VXcH0G5SrIo

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What is Fentanyl?

(From Federal Drug Abuse Publications)

https://youtu.be/ETHF0Szhwu0

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Fentanyl 1

(Song – you won’t hear this on the radio)

https://studio.youtube.com/video/Uj0jxC3CD4Q/edit

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Fentanyl Dead Stare

https://studio.youtube.com/video/IaVzRrvX4B0/edit

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I know you are busy – thank you for your time.