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Springtime is upon us, so what does this mean for drug trends? If post years hold true (which there is nothing that says they won’t) this is the time of year that new items such as drug-referencing clothing, evolving stash items, and cannabis-infused beverages. Some new types of vapes etc. start to emerge as well.  

Let’s begin with drug-referencing clothing…more times than not drug references in clothing are on t-shirts or more “summer-type wear”. Of course, this does not mean there are no drug-referencing hoodies, pants, etc. What I mean is many of these references tend to be on screen-printed tees and this is the time of year that those items hit store shelves from shopping malls, to some smoke shops to online vendors. This is the time (a bit more than normal) that you want to be paying attention to what you see in store windows, on mannequins, and even on social media-sponsored suggestions.

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

January 2025

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

September 2024

We are currently witnessing a growing trend of cannabis normalization in alcohol-specific outlets and retailers, as well as its infusion into various products. While the association between cannabis and alcohol is not new, what is changing is how and where these products are being sold, along with their labeling and marketing.

Years ago, I noticed alcohol products infused with "hemp seed oil," some of which had subtle cannabis references on the label or in the product description. Those days seem to be over. Now, I’m seeing seltzers, sodas, and other non-alcoholic beverages sold in liquor stores—places you’d typically expect alcohol products, not cannabis. Many of my current and former class attendees have also shared similar observations. One mentioned, “Not sure if you’ve seen these, but they were found at our local Texas chain liquor store in Houston.”

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway, the Tall Cop

August 18, 2024

"Give it away, two for one, or let’s make a deal." Remember the old adage that people don’t give away drugs? Well, that’s no longer true. Today, smoke shops, mall kiosks, and even liquor stores are offering samples, giveaways, two-for-one deals, reduced pricing, or simply meeting any price you ask. But why are they doing this? Is it due to inflation or a desire to be good neighbors? The opposite is true—they have too much product. And by "product," I don’t just mean vapes. I’m talking about everything from Kratom (which can be abused similarly to heroin) to various types of vapes and even "legal" over-the-counter drugs that mimic the effects of controlled substances or hallucinogens.

I’ve attached a few photos I’ve taken in various states over the last few months, including one from this week, to illustrate the point. (I was offered Delta 8 "grab" bags.)

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

June 2024

Delta 8 is one of the top items marketed in drug-promoting store windows nationwide. But you may be asking “Is it still a thing?”  The quick answer is yes and no!  Let me explain. 

Written by: Jermaine Galloway

Date: May 13, 2024

Recent community scans conducted by Tall Cop have unveiled concerning insights into emerging drug trends. From store clerks enticing customers with 2-for-1 deals to notable discounts on a range of over-the-counter drugs, the prevalence of available products is staggering. In the first five months of 2024 alone, I've conducted over 30 separate community scans, visiting more than 500 stores nationwide. Several things stand out…

First, Tianeptine's popularity is at an all-time high. I have found more Tianeptine in the past year than I had located in the previous six years combined. Not only are more stores carrying it, but I am also finding more varieties of quantity and (non-traditional) brands of Tianeptine. Make sure to check out my Tianeptine bulletin and listen to my podcast. Along with Tianeptine, Kratom's popularity is on the rise with various forms of over-the-counter shrooms, and most of all VAPES!

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

March 2024

By Michael Owen | Thu, February 8th, 2024 

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — Gas station heroin is just one of the drug trends in South Carolina right now that a substance abuse education expert shared with law enforcement officers in Myrtle Beach on Thursday.

Retired police officer Jermaine Galloway, known as ‘Tall Cop,’ has been traveling the country for the last 20 years speaking about the drug trends he sees in specific areas.

He spoke to a couple hundred people in law enforcement, health care and schools from across the Pee Dee about what he’s seeing in the Palmetto State. 

Written by: The Tall Cop

As we dive into 2024 there is something already clear, the over-the-counter drug market has plenty of “legal” items they are promoting. Let’s start the conversation with vapes.  During recent scans in states in the Southwest and on the West Coast, I have noticed the number of hits in vapes being sold. Most commonly, the 7,000-10,000 range. This is not new to the market, but the prices of these products have reduced or held steady. As the amount of “hits” goes up so should the pricing, however, that is not the case. Meanwhile, the amount in the 10,000 - 15,000 range (yes, I said 15k hits) vapes available has increased. To put this in context, just before the pandemic a commonly purchased vape product or pod was around 200-300 hits.  Now, you are lucky if you find anything that low. Most are well into the thousands which gives more insight into what schools are now dealing with. 

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

August 23, 2023 / UPDATED April 3, 2025

Approximately 26 months ago, during several environmental scans, I noticed something emerging on store shelves. The drug is called Amanita Muscaria, which is being sold and marketed as a legal form of mushroom. This drug works similarly to Psilocybin mushrooms in high doses but is not flagged in drug tests or field test kits. Amanita is sold as an alternative to avoid state laws and may be unknown to the everyday professional. Amanita has also been coined as the “Delta 8 of the hallucinogen world”. What do they mean by that statement? It is a somewhat unknown substance that is being sold over the counter in gas stations, smoke shops, some shopping malls, and online.