STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON DRUG TRAINING -- SORT OF

As if they were drug dealers in training, citizens learned Tuesday
how to correctly weigh and package a QP, an OZ and an 8-ball of a
certain white powdery substance.

Though since this was a hands-on exercise for a class of the 19th
Judicial District Drug Tasks Force's Narcotic Awareness and Resident
Counterdrug Training, the powder was merely baking soda.

Those in the class, beforehand, learned from Task Force agents about
various types of street drugs, including the signs that someone may
be using -- they might be disrespectful to others, depressed, angry,
secretive, they may be stealing, have lots of money or be asking for
money or may withdraw from friends and family.

Ecstasy, or MDMA, students learned, is a drug that's on the rise in
Montgomery County, and it causes high body temperature, chills and
sweating in the short term and aggressive, impulsive and paranoid
behavior in the long term.

The drug typically comes in a pill form with some type of logo
stamped on the pill.

Agents also showed students marijuana, which is the most-used illegal
drug in the U.S.

They explained how the active ingredient, THC, in today's marijuana
has increased by more than 15 percent since the 1970s, and overall
Tennessee is ranked No. 2 in the production and sale of the drug.

Students also learned of cocaine, heroin and depressants including
GHB, ketamine (a drug that's used by veterinarians typically) and
Rohypnol (a date rape drug.)

After completing their "bagging" exercise, students got the chance to
check out several pieces of drug paraphernalia, including marijuana
pipes, which agents said can be purchased legally in some gas
stations in the area.

Carla Gamboni, a law enforcement agent with the Internal Revenue
Service, spoke to the class about what she does, including the
apprehension of those who violate tax laws.

During the next class, students will learn about undercover
operations.

Jamie Dexter works for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.