Story posted Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Officers Report Drug Bust, Witness Alleged Deal; Send Out Warning
Park Ridge police were involved in two drug apprehensions last week and warned parents about signs of Ecstasy use.
On Monday June 8, police assisted the Chicago Police Department's High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and agents from Immigration and Customs. The officers apprehended a Park Ridge man who was allegedly in possession of about 300 tablets of Ecstasy, 30 grams of marijuana, and a number of Vicodin tablets. The man's name was not released pending an ongoing investigation by the other agencies.
On June 10, Park Ridge officers apprehended Evan Dawood, 24, of the 2300 block of South Goebbert Road in Arlington Hts. Police were conducting surveillance of Dawood and reported seeing him drive to the McDonald's Restaurant, 1032 N. Northwest Highway. Police said he waited in the parking lot until another vehicle with three people pulled up nearby. Dawood allegedly walked to the other vehicle, got inside while leaving the door open, and conducted a hand-to-hand transaction with one of the occupants, according to police.
Police moved in and took him into custody. They allegedly recovered a small amount of marijuana and 15 tablets of Ecstasy.
Both men were charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
The Park Ridge Police Department wants parents and residents to be aware of information regarding the drug Ecstasy. Signs of ecstasy addiction and common paraphernalia associated with ecstasy use include Tootsie Roll Pops or any lollipops on a stick and baby pacifiers used to counteract teeth grinding caused by the drug. The pacifiers are often one of the numerous beaded necklaces worn around necks or arms.
Some users are switching to mouth guards that are less noticeable and can made to hold the tiny mouth glow sticks.
Users frequently use inhalers, facemasks, or cough drops as fumes from eucalyptus and menthol are intensified by the high, resulting in a pleasurable sensation. Light shows and lights wands are common because visual images are also enhanced by ecstasy.
Ecstasy causes muscle rigidity and spasms making touch feel especially good during the high. Some users may carry Tiger Balm or other lotions for rubbing each other down. Rave parties typically have massage rooms and misting areas to cool off users.
Parents should be alert for other creative efforts, such as Tylenol capsules that have been emptied and refilled with Ecstasy powder. Tylenol or other conventional capsules in a plastic baggie or appearing damaged in any way would be an indicator.
Parents should also be aware of "candy flipping," the simultaneous ingestion of Ecstasy and LSD. Other "flips" refer to combined use of Ecstasy and other drugs. Kitty flipping is Ecstasy and ketamine. Hippy flipping is Ecstasy and mushrooms. Should parents have any questions about any drug, or suspect that their child may be involved in drug use, they can call the Park Ridge tactical officers at 847-318-5252. These officers are knowledgeable in signs, symptoms and can direct parents to a number of helpful resources.
Speak Out!
Comments are edited first by Journal staff before running in print and appearing online.