Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Moorpark Police Department and the Moorpark Unified School District will host a community drug forum on the evening of January 23, 2013 to discuss community trends and the impacts caused by the abuse of heroin, prescription drugs, alcohol, marijuana and new designer drugs (i.e., Bath Salts, Spice).

Prescription pill and heroin abuse has increased in many communities throughout the United States, and the reason may surprise most people. Many of the young people who find their way down a path toward opium addiction began the treacherous journey in a medicine cabinet at home.

Most prescription pain medications derive their potency from opium. With pills being commonly prescribed for a variety of ailments, they are easily accessible both at home and on the street. The transition from pills to either smoking or injecting heroin is inevitable, given ample supplies and relatively cheap prices.

Learn the growing trends in substance abuse through our expert panel. Learn what signs and symptoms to look out for and get expert advice on how to overcome addiction. This drug forum offers a wealth of quality information and discussion of drug related topics, in addition to assistance for individuals struggling with addiction.

More than 60% of teens said that drugs were sold, used or kept at their schools! About 64% of teens (12-17) who have abused pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives, often without their knowledge. By the 8th grade, 52% of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 41% have smoked cigarettes, and 20% have used marijuana.
Teenagers whose parents talk to them regularly about the dangers of drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents don’t.

The communities in Ventura County are no exception to this growing problem. Officials from law enforcement and the medical field will host a forum that is free to attend and open to anyone interested in learning more about this disturbing trend in our community.

Please come join us on January 23, 2013, from 6 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. at the Performing Arts Center located at Moorpark High School. The forum will feature Assistant Sheriff Gary Pentis, Sgt. Victor Fazio and Los Robles Emergency Room Doctor Matthew Beatty.

Nature of Incident: Moorpark Community Drug Forum
Report Number: N/A
Location: Moorpark High School Performing Arts Center,
4500 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark
Date & Time: January 23, 2013 / 6:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Community Resource Unit
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Deputy Chris Starks, Community Resource Officer
Media Release Date: January 17, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Deputy Chris Starks, (805) 532-2700
Approved by: Captain Ron Nelson