Guest Editorial By John O’Hare, Director of Sales and Business Development with Cobwebs Technologies
Since March of 2022, fentanyl overdoses have become one of the leading causes of death for adults aged 18 to 45, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).
Moreover, the CDC reports that 107,375 people in the United States died of drug overdoses and poisonings in the 12-month period ending in January 2022.
A staggering 67 percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Far too many families have lost loved ones to opioid overdoses. We must work together across all sectors of society, including government, law enforcement, private businesses, healthcare, and education, to stem the flow of illicit fentanyl into our communities.
(Fatal overdoses linked to the synthetic opioid fentanyl have been steadily climbing in the United States. Norah O’Donnell reports on how teens are buying the drug on social media. Then Desilynn Smith, the clinical supervisor with Gateway to Change rehabilitation center, joins CBS News’ Vladimir Duthiers to discuss the loss of her husband to a fentanyl overdose and her work to prevent drug-related deaths in her community. Courtesy of CBS News and YouTube. Posted on Dec 15, 2022.)
Tracking the Supply Side of Fentanyl
Before 2019, fentanyl was not a controlled substance, and people could buy the chemical on websites like eBay or generic marketplaces such as China.com or Trade.com.
A person with a company could purchase chemicals and sell them online to someone with a network of people. The network members would then sell fentanyl at the street level throughout the country.
(Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is being added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, which makes drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous. Drugs may contain deadly levels of fentanyl, and you wouldn’t be able to see, taste, or smell it. However, fentanyl test strips are a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to test drugs for fentanyl and help prevent overdose. Learn more about the dangers of fentanyl and ways to protect yourself at cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl. Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and YouTube.)
The federal government now regulates illicitly produced fentanyl analogs and related substances as Schedule I drugs, which means they are subject to strict regulations and criminal penalties.
But traffickers have found a loophole.
They can easily alter the chemical structure of fentanyl, creating fentanyl-related substances (FRS) to evade regulation and enhance the drug’s impact.
For instance, xylazine is a non-opiate sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant only authorized in the U.S. for veterinary use. However, xylazine is reported as an adulterant in an increasing number of illicit drug mixtures, and it has been detected in a growing number of overdose deaths, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), (which has been Recognized for Excellence in the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program.)
(What is xylazine? The animal tranquilizer is being mixed into more street drugs, along with fentanyl, making them more dangerous and deadly. Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago and YouTube. Posted on Feb 10, 2023.)
The DEA’s Diversion Control Division spearheads efforts to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals and listed chemicals from legitimate sources.
However, the DEA and law enforcement agencies cannot keep up with the pace of legal drugs being diverted to illegal activity.
Street-level Fentanyl Investigations
Many police departments are turning to innovative investigative solutions like open-source intelligence (OSINT) technology to help officers reduce the risk of perpetual fentanyl overdoses and identify those involved in the drug trade.
However, stemming the flow of fentanyl goes well beyond OSINT. Law enforcement needs the combination of OSINT, signal intelligence such as device analysis, human intelligence, and the ability to track the supply side of fentanyl, especially legitimate drugs being diverted for illicit drug trafficking.
For example, police officers at the street level can retrieve information from the phones of victims who have overdosed.
Then they can conduct a forensic analysis of the victim’s cell phone to find the seller potentially; however, many times, dealers use fake profiles and “handles” to mask their identity.
Using an AI-powered OSINT solution can help unmask these identities. If they can trace information to a dealer, they can identify others struggling with fentanyl addiction and needing assistance.
Or, they can identify large networks of threat actors working together to move this drug across the border.
Moreover, if investigators have multiple devices from overdosed victims, they can reverse engineer those devices and see if the victims were in similar locations or find patterns that can help trace the phone numbers of those people who are selling the opioids.
These complementary tactics can help uncover drug rings and get help to those most in need. And although this is all very useful information, for the most part, it is reactive.
To significantly disrupt the flow of fentanyl, law enforcement must be proactive.
(Learn how Cobwebs Technologies, a global leader in AI-powered open-source intelligence, delivers the most comprehensive multi-layer investigation platform. Organizations worldwide rely on Cobwebs Technologies to enhance their security operations, make risk-based decisions and protect from threats. Courtesy of Cobwebs Technologies and YouTube. Posted on May 24, 2023.)
Follow the Cryptocurrency Trail in Fentanyl Investigations
Law enforcement is looking at how criminal organizations use online marketplaces to provide anonymity, connect buyers and sellers, and allow a range of payment methods, such as cryptocurrency.
An example of the problem is a Coraopolis, Pennsylvania man, who was recently charged with running a counterfeit drug ring that sold fentanyl and methamphetamine disguised as Oxycontin, Xanax and Adderall on a darknet marketplace.
The man only accepted cryptocurrency in exchange for the controlled substance. After the payment was confirmed, the man and his network would pack the drugs in vacuum-sealed packaging, packaging materials, and padded shipping envelopes to disguise the substance.
They would drop the packages in various U.S. Postal Service drop boxes in West Virginia and Pennsylvania for shipment throughout the country.
In such a case, OSINT can help investigators examine relationship flows across applications, online platforms, phone numbers, or email addresses. They can also examine flows of money, such as Bitcoin, going into a bank account or online wallet.
If the bank is in the U.S., law enforcement can subpoena the account, gaining access to a person’s personal information and financial transactions.
(Neutralizing crime, terror, and cyber-attacks with today’s vast amounts of data make it difficult for investigators to find clues promptly. See how Cobwebs solutions make web investigations agile, accurate, and simple. Courtesy of Cobwebs Technologies and YouTube.)
Holistic View of Fentanyl Investigations
There are many moving parts of the drug trafficking ecosystem, including social platforms, websites used for advertising, companies involved in the manufacturing of drugs, cryptocurrency being used for financial transactions, and more.
Too often, investigators must manually search all this disparate information, which slows down the process.
OSINT technology can help law enforcement catch up with changing trends.
For example, OSINT technology can identify chemical names or Chemical Abstract Services (CAS) Registry numbers. CAS numbers provide an unambiguous way to identify a chemical substance or molecular structure when there are many possible systematic, generic, proprietary, or trivial names.
Drug traffickers selling chemical substances to cartels online communicate through numbers rather than words.
There was a case in which a Chinese company sold fentanyl and, as a result, was sanctioned and shut down.
A few days later, the company reopened under a new name but with the same corporate structure. Investigators were able to identify the company and shut it down again.
(The Biden administration is imposing sanctions on 17 companies and individuals based in China and Mexico for their roles in the fentanyl crisis and illegal drug trade within the U.S. The Treasury Department said the targets of these new sanctions aren’t making the fentanyl themselves but play an important role by supplying the drug producers with pill press machines and tools that help mold counterfeit markings on pills. Courtesy of NewsNation and YouTube. Posted on May 30, 2023.)
OSINT, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), identifies the connections and patterns between hotspots, locations, and persons of interest. OSINT-driven tools can scour all available public sources of information and the deep and dark web, analyzing the findings to help officers supplement their investigations – reactively and proactively.
OSINT Makes a Difference in Fentanyl Investigations
To make a lasting difference in the fight against fentanyl production and trafficking, police departments need innovative investigation solutions that integrate open-source information.
OSINT can aggregate data to highlight the various web connections between victims, drug sellers, and the companies and criminal gangs responsible for manufacturing and distributing fentanyl and other opioids.
It is an effective tool in an arsenal of other tools to reduce fentanyl-related overdoses, put criminals behind bars, and make our communities safer.
About the Author
John O’Hare, serves as the Director of Sales and Business Development with Cobwebs Technologies.
John O’Hare, the Director of Sales and Business Development with Cobwebs Technologies, is a former Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, is widely respected in the law enforcement community, and has acquired an extensive OSINT (open source intelligence) technology background.
He is the former Commander of the Vice, Intelligence, and Narcotics Division for the Hartford Police Department in Connecticut.
Before that, O’Hare was the Project Developer for the City of Hartford’s Capital City Command Center (C4), a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) that reaches Hartford County and beyond.
C4 provided real-time and investigative support for local, state, and federal law enforcement partners utilizing multiple layers of forensic tools, including data resources and real-time intelligence.
O’Hare is a highly decorated former Gang Intelligence Officer who has transitioned into utilizing his experiences to provide superior technical support to Law Enforcement Officers on the streets.
To Learn More, please visit cobwebs.com.
DEA Recognized in 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program for Excellence
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
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Excellence in Homeland Security
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The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative
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The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day hosted by the DEA and its national, tribal, and community partners aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
(Hear from Gary Whisenand, an investigator at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Honolulu District Office, to discuss the initiative National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative Courtesy of KHON2 News and YouTube. Posted on Oct 28, 2022.)
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.
So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
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| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
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| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | COVID Innovations |
| Workforce Management | Government Security Programs | And Many Others to Choose From! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.
These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.
Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.
The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event in the heart of New York City.
The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.
The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.
The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.
AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.
FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.
Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.
As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis, thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors.
The 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)
And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:
ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,
Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!
In 2022, AST was pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police, as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).
The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.
Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.
ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:
Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!
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The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
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‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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Fentanyl Deaths Among Children More Than Tripled in Just Two Years
