Honorable Mayor and City Council. Michael O'Brien, Chief of Police. Ordinance Restricting the Resale and Possession of Butane Products

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1 s CITY~~~~co City Council Agenda Report Meeting Date: June 21, 2016 TO: FROM: RE: Honorable Mayor and City Council Michael O'Brien, Chief of Police Ordinance Restricting the Resale and Possession of Butane Products REPORT IN BRIEF: At its meeting of April 19, 2016, the City Council directed police staff to develop an ordinance restricting the resale and possession of refined butane products, in coordination with the District Attorney's Office and other Butte County Law Enforcement agencies. The ordinance, if passed, will restrict both the resale and possession of refined butane products, with an exception for legally viable purposes. The intent of the ordinance is to restrict the illegal production of what is known as Butane Honey Oil (BHO), essentially a potent marijuana based extract consisting of concentrated Tetrahydrocannabinol {THC), in which refined butane is used as the primary processing agent. Recommendation: The Chief of Police recommends that the Council introduce the following ordinance by reading of title only: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 9.23, RELATED TO BUTANE RESALE REGULATIONS, TO TITLE 9, PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS, OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE FISCAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact will be City staff costs involved in complying with and enforcing the proposed ordinance of the Chico Municipal Code. The District Attorney has agreed to prosecute these violations. BACKGROUND: Northern California, and Butte County specifically, has experienced a marked increase in the seizure of clandestine Butane "Honey Oil" (BHO) laboratories, with several explosions associated with these laboratories. BHO laboratories extract Tetrahydrocannabinol {THC) from marijuana plant material, using a refined butane extraction process, producing a concentrated form of marijuana ("Honey Oil"). When refined butane is utilized and evaporated during the THC extraction process, a highly volatile vapor is produced that is not detectable through human senses, and is heavier than air. It will often pool in low lying areas where common ignition sources are present. In 2015, the City of Chico had (3) explosions involving BHO laboratories, all in occupied apartment complexes.

2 RE: Refined Butane Ordinance Meeting Date: June 21, 2016 Page 2 of2 A total of (56) such clandestine BH 0 laboratories were seized in Butte County in (31) were seized in 2014, with (16) seized in (27) of those (56) BHO laboratories in 2015 were seized in Chico alone. Butte County has the unfortunate distinction of ranking second amongst all counties in the State of California for clandestine BHO laboratory seizures. Los Angeles County led the state with (62) such clandestine BHO laboratory seizures. DISCUSSION: Police Staff has asked the City Attorney to review the draft ordinance, for submission to Council. Approved by: ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit "A"- Draft Ordinance Exhibit "B" BINTF Annual Report Mark Orme, City Manager

3 Exhibit "A" ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICO, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 9.23, RELATED TO BUTANE RESALE REGULATIONS, TO TITLE 9, PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS, OF THE CHICO MUNICIPAL CODE 6 WHEREAS, the northern region of the State of California has experienced a recent increase 7 in explosions caused from the manufacturing of honey oil (also known as hash oil) in clandestine 8 labs using extremely volatile butane as a solvent to strip the oils from marijuana. These incidents 9 have caused considerable property damage, personal injury and even incidents of death to those 10 participating in the manufacturing process, as well as innocent bystanders; WHEREAS, the use of butane breaks down and dissolves the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 11 from marijuana plants, creating a concentrated form of marijuana. This process creates inherent 12 dangers as the butane quickly evaporates during the process leaving behind an extremely volatile 13 vapor that will ignite given an ignition source. Butane is also odorless, colorless and its vapors are 14 heavier than air and will therefore pool in low lying areas seeking out ignition sources. Studies 15 suggest 99.5% of the butane used to extract the THC will volatilize into the immediate area and 16 remain in a form that is odorless and latent to the human eye and can only be detected through a combustible gas instrument; 17 WHEREAS, honey oil labs using butane as the solvent to extract the THC from marijuana 18 present serious hazards to both property and persons, including first responders and innocent 19 bystanders, and that such conditions present grave risk of loss where any form of ignition sources 20 are capable of igniting the gas resulting in an explosion and/or flash fire. Some examples of these 21 ignition sources are wall switches, thermostatic switches, refrigerator/freezer motors, wall outlets, 22 cigarettes, torches, electric pumps, and even static electricity; and 23 WHEREAS, the resale ofbutane occurs at levels that are only relevant to the manufacturing of honey oils. Such sales and possession ofbutane should be regulated to prevent the use of butane 24 in the manufacture of honey oil where such activity presents grave dangers and adverse health risks 25 to the occupants of the City of Chico (the "City") and the first responders therein. 26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Chico:

4 2 Section 1. Findings and Purpose. The City Council finds and declares that the above recitals are true and correct and hereby incorporate them herein by this reference. 3 Section 2. Authority. This ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by the 4 California Constitution and State law, including but not limited to Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution and California Government Code Sections and 3690 l. 5 6 Section 3. Chapter 9.23 is hereby added to Title 9, titled PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND 7 MORALS, of the Chico Municipal Code to read as follows: 8 9 TITLE 9 PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS DIVISION III. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFENSES AND REGULATIONS Chapter 9.23 REGULATION OF BUTANE RESALE Section: Defmitions. Unlawful Sale, Purchase and Handling of Butane. Tracking of Butane Sales. Penalties, Strict Liability, and Nuisance. Cumulative Remedy Definitions. 19 For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: 20 A. "Butane" means iso-butane, n-butane, and refined butane of any power B. "Canister" means a single container designed or used for the storage of butane under pressure. C. "Code" means the City of Chico Municipal Code. 23 D. "Count" means the number of canisters of butane. 24 E. "Customer" means any person who is sold or acquires during a transaction products from any 25 retail store. 26 F. "Day" means calendar day. 27 G. "Person" means a corporation, co-partnership, or association as well as a natural person

5 H. "Reseller'' means any business, company, corporation, person, employee or associate selling products to any customer within the City of Chico. It does not include any wholesaler engaged in a wholesale transaction. 2 I. "Sell" means to furnish, give away, exchange, transfer, deliver, surrender, distribute or supply, 3 whether for monetary gain or other consideration. 4 J. "Transaction" means a purchase, sale, trade, loan, pledge, investment, gift, transfer, transmission, delivery, deposit, withdrawal, payment, exchange of currency, extension of credit, 5 purchase or sale of any monetary instrument, or an electronic, magnetic or manual transfer between accounts or any other acquisition or disposition of property by whatever means effected. 6 K. "Wholesaler" means a person whose business is the selling of goods in gross to retail stores for 7 purposes of resale Unlawful Sale, Purchase and Handling of Butane. 9 A. It is unlawful for any reseller or other person to sell, offer to sell, or otherwise provide to a customer any number of butane canisters that exceed a combined total storage of 600 ml of butane 10 during any single transaction. 11 B. It is unlawful for any customer to purchase or acquire any number of butane canisters that exceed a combined total storage capacity of 600 ml of butane during any 30-day period. 12 C. It is unlawful for any person to have in their possession, custody, or control any number of 13 butane canisters that exceed a combined total storage capacity of 600 ml of butane at any one time. The limitation in this subsection shall not apply to the following: butane canisters possessed by wholesalers or resellers solely for the purposes of resale; 15 or butane canisters possessed by persons solely for the purposes of furthering their ongoing, lawful, and City-licensed commercial operations which require butane quantities greater than 600 ml butane canisters containing a sulfur-containing odorant, such as ethyl mercaptan Tracking of Butane Sales. 20 A. For every sale of butane, the Reseller shall prepare a bill of sale that identifies the date of sale, quantity of butane purchased, and the purchaser's identification. Purchaser's identification as used 21 herein shall mean a person's first and last name as verified from a valid driver's license or other official and valid state-issued identification that contains a photograph of the purchaser and a 22 residential or mailing address. Reseller shall retain a copy of the bill of sale in readable form for a period of two years. 23 B. It shall be unlawful for any reseller to sell butane to any customer without complying with 24 Section (A) of this Code Penalties, Strict Liability, and Nuisance. 26 A. Any violation of this Chapter is a misdemeanor and subject to a $1,000 penalty and/or six months in the county jail; provided, however, the City shall have the discretion to reduce the 27 misdemeanor to an infraction. A separate offense shall exist for every single violation of this Chapter in accordance with Section of the Code. The criminal prosecution of any violation 28 of this Chapter does not preclude the City of Chico from the further initiation of any other civil or -3-

6 administrative proceeding which may be available as a remedy for such violation in accordance with Title 1 of the Code. 2 B. This chapter is a regulatory provision necessary for the protection of the public health, welfare and safety. In any criminal prosecution for a violation of this chapter, it is not necessary to prove 3 knowledge or criminal intent. 4 C. A violation of any provision of this chapter constitutes a public nuisance Cumulative Remedy. 6 Nothing herein is intended to limit the City of Chico from pursuing any other remedy available at law or in equity against any person or entity maintaining, committing, or causing a 7 public nuisance or any other violation of the Code or State or Federal law Section 4. This ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to section (b )(3) which is the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and CEQA does not apply where it can be seen with certainty that there 11 is no possibility that the activity may have a significant effect on the environment. This ordinance 12 has no impact on the physical environment as it will not result in any changes Section 5. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact 17 that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions 18 thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional. 19 Section 6. The city clerk shall attest to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, and shall cause the same to be posted as required by law, and this Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) calendar days after its adoption. 22 THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE was adopted by the City Council of the City of Chico at its meeting held on, 2016, by the following vote II 25 II 26 II 27 II 28-4-

7 ATTEST: Deborah R. Presson, MMC City Clerk

8 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Commander: Gary D. Keeler Prepared by: Tammy Stuart March 2016

9 Table of Contents Purpose and Agency Agreement... BINTF Board... i - ii iii Introduction... 1 Personnel Summary of Activity Drug Endangered Children Program Breakdown of Arrests Drug Seizures Asset Seizures Weapon Seizures Narcotics Agent & Support Staff Training Training Programs Presented by Agents Evidence Summary Report Task Force Focus and Goals Conclusion... 31

10 PURPOSE The primary purpose of the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force shall be the enforcement of laws prohibiting the abuse of controlled substances and the activity of criminal street gangs in the County of Butte, including all incorporated cities of the County of Butte joining in this Agreement. In carrying out such purposes, Task Force personnel shall: A. Identify, investigate and apprehend those persons suspected of violating state controlled substances laws in the County of Butte, especially those persons identified as major drug traffickers. B. Assist federal, state and other local law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of laws prohibiting the activity of criminal street gangs within the County of Butte. C. Rescue children from drug environments, and identify and investigate those responsible for endangering the health and well-being of those children. D. Share information pertaining to the illegal production, distribution, transportation, and use of controlled substances with law enforcement agencies. E. Provide training to personnel employed by local law enforcement agencies in the County of Butte in the area of the investigation and enforcement of state controlled substance laws. F. Conduct public presentations to schools, service clubs, and civic groups in the County of Butte pertaining to the investigation and enforcement of controlled substance laws and/or the health risks and other consequences of substance abuse. G. Increase the level of supervision and surveillance of persons on probation or parole who are gang and/or drug related in cooperation with local probation and parole agencies. H. Initiate investigations involving street level drug dealers and gang activity with the overall objectives of identifying and apprehending major drug traffickers. I. Conduct investigations into inter-jurisdictional criminal activity occurring within the County of Butte where the Task Force is in the most appropriate position to conduct such investigation and has received consent to conduct such investigations by other affected local law enforcement agencies. J. Provide mutual aid to law enforcement agencies, when appropriate. i

11 AGENCY AGREEMENT The Participating Agencies recognize that the illegal production, transportation, distribution and use of controlled substances is a serious law enforcement, health and social problem both in the County of Butte and nationwide; and Such illegal activities are a cause of a substantial percentage of the burglaries and thefts by those persons who steal in order to finance their illegal drug use; and That children can become trapped in a drug environment that endangers their health and well-being; and The Participating Agencies also recognize, that because of its rural nature, Butte County has been a prime site for marijuana cultivation, clandestine drug laboratories and drug smuggling activities; and That such activity causes degradation and harm to the environment; and The Participating Agencies further acknowledge that gang activity and the illegal production, distribution, transportation and use of controlled substances in the County of Butte are not confined to the unincorporated areas of the County of Butte or any one of its incorporated cities, but are a chain of illegal activities that almost always crosses jurisdictional lines; and By reason of the foregoing, the Participating Agencies have determined it is necessary to commit additional law enforcement personnel to the detection, investigation and apprehension of those persons engaged in the illegal production, distribution, transportation and use of controlled substances; and The Participating Agencies have also determined that they can maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the persons engaged in such law enforcement activities by fully coordinating such efforts through the assignment of personnel and material to one county-wide Task Force; and By this Agreement, the Participating Agencies now desire to participate in the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force, whose purpose will be the enforcement of the controlled substance and gang related laws of the State of California in the County of Butte as well as in all of the incorporated cities of the County of Butte joining in the Agreement; and Therefore, the Participating Agencies hereby confirm their participation in the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (which currently consists of BINTF-North and BINTF-South offices) and is hereby referred to as the Task Force, which shall carry out the purposes, receive direction from the respective heads of the Participating Agencies collectively as its Board. ii

12 BUTTE INTERAGENCY NARCOTICS TASK FORCE BOARD 2015 CHAIRMAN GABRIELA TAZZARI-DINEEN CHIEF OF POLICE TOWN OF PARADISE MIKE RAMSEY DISTRICT ATTORNEY COUNTY OF BUTTE KORY HONEA SHERIFF-CORONER COUNTY OF BUTTE DEAN PRICE CHIEF OF POLICE CITY OF GRIDLEY CITY OF BIGGS MIKE DUNBAUGH INTERIM CHIEF OF POLICE CITY OF CHICO BILL LAGRONE CHIEF OF POLICE CITY OF OROVILLE STEVE BORDIN CHIEF PROBATION OFFICER COUNTY OF BUTTE JOHN PRICE CAPTAIN CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CHICO MIKE O BRIEN CHIEF OF POLICE CITY OF CHICO iii

13 INTRODUCTION The Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) was formed in October of 1985 to confront a growing drug problem in Butte County. At that time, the BINTF Board outlined the goals and objectives of the unit as follows: 1. Initiate investigations involving all levels of drug dealers with overall objectives of identifying and apprehending major traffickers. 2. Assist police agencies on specific drug problems. 3. Share information with other law enforcement agencies. 4. Provide training to law enforcement personnel. 5. Conduct public presentations. 6. Provide both a monthly summary report and an annual report to the advisory council. 7. Conduct limited criminal investigations outside of narcotics upon request. 8. Conduct annual assessment of the unit s management system. 9. Make periodic assessment of the unit policies. These nine (9) points are evaluated by the board each year. 1

14 PERSONNEL During 2015, The Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) was comprised of one (1) commander responsible for the supervision of administrative duties in the two (2) offices identified as BINTF-North and BINTF-South operating under one (1) board. In addition, Butte County Sheriff s Office (BCSO) housed their Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) in the South Office consisting of one (1) sergeant, two (2) deputy sheriffs and one (1) District Attorney Investigator to investigate marijuana cases. BINTF and SEU exchange intelligence information and supplement each other s resources as needed. The BINTF-North Office staffing consisted of one (1) sergeant, four (4) agents, and one (1) full-time secretary. The BINTF-South Office was comprised of one (1) sergeant, five (5) agents, and one (1) full-time secretary. Realignment California Office of Emergency Services (CALOES) provided funding for one (1) sergeant in the BINTF-South Office. The part-time evidence custodian BINTF has is utilized to process evidence seized by the Task Force. Commander Task Force Commander Assigned to BINTF Butte County District Attorney s Office Assigned Personnel North County BINTF Office Sergeant Agent Agent Agent Agent Secretary Parent Agency Chico Police Department Chico Police Department Paradise Police Department Butte County Probation Butte County District Attorney s Office Butte County Sheriff s Office 2

15 Assigned Personnel South County BINTF Office Sergeant Agent Agent Agent Agent Agent Evidence Technician Secretary Parent Agency Butte County Sheriff s Office Butte County District Attorney s Office Gridley-Biggs Police Department Oroville Police Department Butte County Sheriff s Office California Highway Patrol - Oroville Butte County District Attorney s Office Butte County Sheriff s Office 3

16 SUMMARY OF ACTIVITY In 2015, 33 counties in California reported the seizure of clandestine labs. Of the 33 counties reporting clan lab seizures, Butte County ranked number 1 in the state per capita for both methamphetamine and butane honey oil (BHO) laboratory seizures. Through the Western States Information Network (WSIN), Butte County ranked number 3 statewide for both methamphetamine and BHO laboratories seized, in total numbers. BINTF had 1 non-operational methamphetamine laboratory investigation METHAMPHETAMINE LABORATORIES BINTF also assisted the Butte County Sheriff s Office with the necessary documentation of BHO labs. The seizure of BHO labs in Butte County is becoming very well known. BHO labs are very flammable and dangerous. Butte County dismantled 56 BHO labs. Out of these 56 BHO labs, 4 of the BHO labs ended with an explosion and severely injuring people. In 2015, WSIN reported 79% of the clan labs seized were BHO labs. BHO labs are very dangerous especially when the butane used in manufacturing BHO is off gassing. 4

17 BUTANE HONEY OIL LABORATORIES The California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) was responsible for cleanup costs of the actual removal of clandestine laboratories, and the abandoned laboratory chemicals or apparatus, referred to as lab dump sites. The cost for cleanup varies based on the volume and size of each particular case. Many of the chemicals have to be separated for correct storage and safe transportation. In 2015, DTSC was responsible for cleanup costs in Butte County in the amount of $35, This would be a significant impact on local agencies, both in the expenditure of manpower resources, and cleanup costs, if not for the presence of the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force and the coordination with DTSC. The Task Force opened 339 cases and closed 392 cases during the year. BINTF agents wrote and executed 144 search warrants and arrested 273 individuals. BINTF agents also conducted 219 probation and parole searches, along with Drug Endangered Children (DEC) searches. Methamphetamine is the continued drug of choice in Butte County. Methamphetamine was involved in 41% of the drug arrests made by BINTF. Marijuana played a big role in the cases BINTF investigated in Marijuana was involved in 24% of the drug arrests made by BINTF which is slightly lower than These arrests were mainly for possession for sale, cultivation and manufacturing butane honey oil (BHO). 5

18 Butte County has several different criminal street gangs. Nine (9) of the subjects BINTF arrested in 2015 claimed to be a member of one of the gangs in Butte County. The majority were either associated with the Butte County Gangsters or the Norteno gang which are the most common criminal street gangs in Butte County. 6

19 DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN DEC Cases Completed Services To DEC Children Children Detained Children From Labs Children Non-Detained Endangerment Charges Requested Endangerment Charges Filed During 2015, the BINTF DEC team completed 186 Drug Endangered Children investigations (in turquoise above). A total of 430 children (in red above) were provided services by Butte County Children s Services Division (CSD). Of the total number of children, 47 children were physically detained (in green above) and 383 children were non-detained (in purple above). All of the 430 children were entered into the Child Welfare System/Case Management System (CWS/CMS) with Children s Services Division. 7

20 DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN PROGRAM Agents assigned to the North and South office of the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) also work Drug Endangered Children (DEC) cases as they relate to drug enforcement. In 2015, one hundred eighty-six (186) DEC investigations were conducted by BINTF agents. Within those cases, 430 children were responded to. Forty-seven (47) children were taken into protective custody and placed into foster care. Of those suspects arrested twenty-four (24) faced charges of Child Endangerment in Court. Thirteen (13) suspects have been convicted of Child Endangerment charges. Two (2) suspects charges were dismissed. Nine suspects are still pending disposition. The number of children from labs rose this year. BINTF responded to twenty-four (24) children who were exposed to labs. All of the 24 children were exposed to the manufacturing of butane honey oil (BHO). Luckily, in 2015 (unlike 2014), no children were severely burned when a BHO lab exploded, but at least seven (7) were in close proximity when the BHO lab exposed. The majority of the children responded to are provided services from Butte County Children s Services Division (CSD). Those services can include counseling services, substance abuse treatment, parent education, anger management counseling, and case management services. The goal of CSD is to provide treatment to the families in an attempt to safely reunify families and/or safely maintain the family unit. Each DEC case is unique. Young children are often able to accurately draw drug paraphernalia or verbally articulate the drug activity occurring in the home. Many times the children living in the home are exposed to, and are included in, the illegal activity. All of the children rescued came from homes where drug activity was present. In many of the homes, other hazards, such as filth, rodent and cockroach infestations, toxic chemicals and fire hazards are also present and pose significant risk to the health and safety of the children. 8

21 Year DEC Cases Investigated Children Responded To Children From Labs Complaints to DA Charges Filed by DA

22 Arrests by Classification Misdemeanor 30% Felony 70% Arrests by Location County/Out of County 21% Oroville 18% Biggs 2% Gridley 13% Paradise 7% Magalia 2% 5 Chico 37% 10

23 ARRESTS

24 Arrests by Type Drug Related 85% Non-Drug Related 15%

25 ANNUAL COMPARISON ARREST PRIMARY VIOLATIONS Drug Related Methamphetamine 112 Heroin 17 Marijuana 39 Honey Oil Manufacturing 28 Cocaine 14 MDMA (Ecstasy) 2 Controlled & Non-Controlled Prescription Drugs Non-Drug Related 12 Sub-Total 224 Probation Violations 5 Parole Violations 1 Warrant Arrests 28 Traffic Violations 2 Other 13 Sub-Total 49 TOTAL

26 ARREST CLASSIFICATIONS & LOCATIONS Arrests Felony 192 Misdemeanor 81 Total 273 Arrests by Location Chico 102 Paradise 20 Magalia 05 Oroville 49 Biggs 05 Gridley 35 County/Out of County 57 Total

27 DRUG SEIZURES DRUG WEIGHT STREET VALUE Cocaine Powder (grams) 49.2 $4, Marijuana (Processed) (grams) 1,778, $35,560, Marijuana Plants $1,026, Hashish (grams) $4, Honey Oil (grams) 2, $88, Methamphetamine Liquid (cc) $ Methamphetamine Liquid (grams) 1, $294, Methamphetamine Crystal (grams) 5, $806, Heroin (grams) $21, Heroin (cc) $ LSD (tabs) 7.00 $70.00 MDMA (Ecstasy) (tabs) $ MDMA (Ecstasy) (grams) $4, Psilocybin/Mushrooms (grams) $ Schedule II Prescription Drugs (i.e., Methadone, Morphine Sulphate) Schedule III Prescription Drugs (i.e., Hydrocodone, Soma) Other Schedule IV Prescription Drugs (i.e., Valium, Xanax, Darvon) Miscellaneous Non-Controlled Prescription Drugs 1, $30, $ , $10, $2, TOTAL STREET VALUE $37,857, Estimating the street value of drugs can be difficult due to the varying purities and quantities available on the street. When a drug is seized, a purity level is assigned to it based on all available information. Once the purity is established, a value can be applied to the drug. To obtain a street value of any drug, the Western States Information Network Publication (WSIN), 15

28 Illegal Drug Price List is used. This publication establishes prices of drugs based on street level purity. This information is then factored with information from local drug users/dealers obtained during interviews. 16

29 DRUG SEIZURE TRENDS DRUG TYPE: Cocaine Base (grams) Cocaine Powder (grams) 3, Heroin (grams) Methamphetamine (grams) 1, , , , , Cocaine Base (grams) Heroin (grams) Cocaine Powder (grams) Methamphetamine (grams) 17

30 MARIJUANA SEIZURE TRENDS Processed Marijuana (grams) , ,601 67, , ,778, Processed Marijuana (grams) 1,800,000 1,778,005 1,600,000 1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000, , , , , , ,601 67, ,

31 MARIJUANA SEIZURE TRENDS (Continued) Marijuana Plants Seized , Marijuana Plants ,

32 PRESCRIPTION DRUG SEIZURE TRENDS DRUG TYPE (in dosage units) Schedule II Prescription Drugs (i.e., Oxycontin, Methadone) Schedule III Prescription Drugs (i.e., Anabolic Steroids, Tylenol/Codeine, Vicodin, Lortab) Schedule IV Prescription Drugs (i.e., Valium, Xanax, Darvon) Miscellaneous Non-Controlled Prescription Drugs (i.e., Soma, Flexeril, Tramadol, etc.) , , , , ,

33 PRESCRIPTION DRUG SEIZURE TRENDS 4, , , , , , , , Schedule II Schedule III Schedule IV Non-Controlled 21

34 ASSET SEIZURES Cash Forfeited Cash Seized Interest Earned Property Seized* January February March April May June July August September October November December $0.00 $1, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $24, $0.00 $75, $23, $16, $1, $10, $43, $8, $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $37, $0.00 $0.00 $9, $12, $1, $14, $0.00 $19, $0.00 $0.00 $8, $116, $0.00 $0.00 $20, $18, $1, $0.00 $112, $16, $0.00 $20, $0.00 $16, $0.00 $0.00 $24, $129, $1, $17, Total $242, $416, $4, $136, *The property seized includes vehicles, but is not necessarily the forfeited amount of the asset. 22

35 WEAPON SEIZURES TYPES OF WEAPONS Handguns...38 Rifles...30 Shotguns...24 Explosives...01 Illegal Weapons...19 TOTAL

36 WEAPONS SEIZURE TRENDS TYPE OF WEAPON Handguns Rifles Shotguns Explosives Illegal Weapons Handguns Rifles Shotguns Explosives Illegal Weapons 24

37 NARCOTICS AGENT & SUPPORT STAFF TRAINING It is paramount that our law enforcement personnel receive ongoing specialized training in the field of narcotic enforcement. In the ever changing narcotic enforcement field, we must be kept informed and educated on current drug trends, case law and officer safety. BINTF continued to place a priority on enhancing the expertise of its personnel by having them attend formal drug training courses in The agencies supporting BINTF are committed to the development of its personnel through training. Agents newly assigned to the unit are to complete several training courses to provide the agent with basic and intermediate levels of expertise relating to narcotic investigations. In 2015, BINTF agents attended 14 formal training courses ranging from 4 hours to 80 hours in length for a total of 233 hours of training. These courses covered topics in almost every facet of narcotics investigation, including clandestine lab recertification and investigation, 80 hours of narcotics training, wiretap training and Asset Forfeiture training. BINTF agents received a total of 641 hours of training. Course Hours Attendees Total Hours Agency CLETS Coordinator Training Asset Forfeiture Training Asset Forfeiture Training Update BINTF Range/Entry Training Cellebrite CNOA CNOA Force Encounters Analysis Forensic Cell Phone Evidence Laboratory Recertification Meth Update Narcotics Investigation Basic (POST) RAP Sheet Training Smart Justice Wire Tap

38 Course Hours Attendees Total Hours WSIN TOTALS

39 TRAINING PROGRAMS PRESENTED BY AGENTS & SUPPORT STAFF A variety of community presentations are continually made throughout the year by Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) agents and support staff on substance abuse, drug recognition, methamphetamine and BHO laboratory recognition. BINTF agents provide these services to schools, civic groups, community organizations, the medical community, fire department personnel and law enforcement officers. DATE PRESENTER & RECIPIENT TOPIC TIME (Hours) NUMBER IN ATTENDANCE 02/2015 STARS BINTF /2015 Enloe Hospital BHO Labs /2015 Cal Trans BHO Labs /2015 Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs Drug Awareness /2015 Seniors in Retirement - Elks Lodge BHO Labs /2015 Oroville CHP BHO Labs /2015 Oroville CHP BHO Labs /2015 Butte Law Enforcement Academy Drug Trends/BHO Labs/Prop /2015 Butte County District Attorney s Office BINTF /2015 Ophir Elementary School Drug Awareness TOTAL

40 EVIDENCE SUMMARY REPORT Evidence seized by the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) is processed on a daily basis and held until its usefulness has expired. The following is an Evidence Summary Report. During 2015, BINTF received evidence in 204 cases from North County and South County. The BINTF evidence custodian obtained 2 Blanket Orders for destruction. Blanket Order #26 was signed on December 19, 2014, but evidence was not destroyed until February 13, Blanket Order #27 was signed on July 02, 2015, and the evidence was destroyed on August 13, DRUG TYPE DRUGS DESTROYED QUANTITY DESTROYED Cocaine (All Types) grams Hashish/Honey Oil grams Heroin grams Heroin (Liquid) 256 cc s Marijuana (Processed) 136, grams Marijuana (Plants) 507 plants Methamphetamine (All Types) 5, grams Methamphetamine (Liquid) 59 cc s Opium (Raw) 10, grams Pills (Other) 4,978 dosage units Psilocybin Mushrooms 1.7 grams 28

41 FOCUS Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) has completed 30 years of service to the communities and citizens of Butte County. The BINTF North Office has been operational for 12 ½ years. In conjunction with local allied agencies, BINTF continues to expand its abilities to conduct effective drug enforcement in Butte County. BINTF will continue to target methamphetamine traffickers with emphasis on large scale drug trafficking organizations. BINTF will continue to investigate, seek out, and remove children exposed to drug laboratories and other unhealthy drug-related environments which place children at risk. BINTF will continue to utilize undercover buy programs, as well as host special enforcement operations to combat crime and identify responsible s of criminal activity. BINTF will continue to assist local agencies as requested, in both drug and high profile non-drug investigations. 29

42 GOALS BINTF personnel, with oversight by members of the BINTF Board, will continue to work closely with allied agencies in identifying local crime trends and conducting law enforcement actions in specified areas to combat drug trafficking, gang activity, and other criminal violations. BINTF will continue to work with city, county, state and federal agencies in order to maximize law enforcement effectiveness in a combined effort to infiltrate, dismantle and cause the prosecution of those individuals involved in criminal activity in Butte County. BINTF agents will liaison with members of the California Department of Justice and California Narcotics Officer s Association to provide training classes to their parent agency personnel. Classes to include clandestine laboratory officer safety techniques, drug endangered children (DEC) investigative techniques, drug trends and recognition, basic asset forfeiture laws, expert testimony in drug cases and informant management. BINTF will make every effort to rescue children from drug environments by arresting individuals, and working with the Butte County District Attorney s Office in the prosecution of those individuals who place children in harm s way. BINTF will work to combat the increase in the illegal possession and use of prescription opiates and there by seek to reduce the incidents of drug overdose deaths caused by drugs of that nature. 30

43 CONCLUSION The Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) has now been operational for over 30 years. BINTF is recognized by allied agencies as the county s expert in all aspects of drug investigations from major manufacturers to street level dealers. BINTF agents, because of their training, have been instrumental in providing the expertise in a variety of narcotics investigations, as well as, mutual aid to local law enforcement. The mutual aid has consisted of covert surveillances relating to other crimes, including gang related investigations, as well as, robbery. BINTF has been responsible in providing a host of training and public presentations to assist in making people aware of drug trends and BINTF s role in drug investigations. The BINTF commander, sergeants and personnel recognize the continuous support the BINTF board members and allied agencies have given in allowing the task force to better serve the citizens of Butte County. In 2015, BINTF arrested 273 people, dismantled 1 methamphetamine laboratory, seized 112 weapons, and removed 47 children from drug endangered homes. Also in 2015, BINTF experienced an extreme increase in butane honey oil (BHO) laboratory investigations. This trend is anticipated to continue into BINTF continues to prioritize the investigation of methamphetamine trafficking cases which continue to plague this county, as well as the nation. 31