JOHNSON COUNTY, Ind (WISH) — Just weeks ago, most law enforcement officers said they had never heard of NBOMe. However, now that the synthetic drug has been linked to the death of two teens, one in Hamilton County and another in Center Grove, agencies are working together to get the word out as quickly as possible.
Most parents at the Greenwood Little League fields Thursday night admitted they hadn’t heard of NBOMe. Those who did, seemed to work in law enforcement or education, like high school teacher Julie Bowling.
“It’s a hallucinogenic, synthetic drug,” said Bowling.
She made a point to address NBOMe with her students after the death of Samuel Motsay over Mother’s Day weekend.
“We talked about it just for two minutes of class last week, because of what had happened. I did talk to each of my classes about it and most of them had not heard of it,” said Bowling.
Now law enforcement agencies are working to spread information to those inside and outside of their jurisdictions.
“We know three kids took this drug and one didn’t wake up in the morning. We know this drug is going to be circulating still out here, so what we’re trying to do is educate,” said Johnson County Sheriff Doug Cox.
“Drugs don’t have any borders. Crime doesn’t have any borders. So, it’s really important to share that information,” said Asst. Greenwood Police Chief Matthew Fillenwarth.
A NBOMe fact sheet is being passed through the Greenwood and Johnson County departments, and throughout Central Indiana. Also, Sheriff Cox is hoping to a hold a public forum soon.
“If there’s anything that comes out of this, hopefully Samuel’s death gets the word to the other kids who are doing this to cease and desist, “said Sheriff Cox.
NBOMe can often be referred to as a form of LSD. Other names include 25-i and smiles. Warning signs of teen drug use are any significant change in behavior, attitude or routine. If you notice that or your child acting withdrawn, police say it may be time to start asking some questions.