Published in the Police Chief Magazine - November 2025 Issue

Written by: Jermaine "The Tall Cop" Galloway 

Across the nation, law enforcement officers are encountering a troubling pattern: drivers who show unmistakable signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, slowed reaction time, poor coordination, yet test negative for alcohol, cannabis, and controlled substances. Increasingly, the culprits behind these puzzling cases are not illegal narcotics, but legal or unregulated substances sold at gas stations and smoke shops.

By Jermaine Galloway "Tall Cop"

As Halloween approaches, concerns often rise about the risk of fentanyl or other drugs being hidden in children’s candy. At Tall Cop Says Stop™, we want to provide clarity: while the idea of drug-laced candy is a popular urban myth, there are extremely few documented cases of this actually happening. The overwhelming majority of Halloween treats are safe, and most children receive candy from trusted sources like neighbors, schools, and community events.

Written by:

Jermaine Galloway

September 2025

Written by:

Jermaine Galloway

August 2025

The product known as Feel Free is trending, but it is not new. Actually, many of you have seen it! Take a look at what I have seen in your states…

There have been some recent news stories and questions about this product and its contents. Let me provide some insight into what I have seen over the years. 

I first found this product 6-8 years ago while in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at a shop just off the beach. I am not certain how long it has actually been out there, but I know even then it wasn't a new product. Since then, I have seen it in most states across the US, from smoke shops to gas stations, even liquor stores. 

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

May 2025

A top-trending drug/opioid that most people haven’t heard of… yet it’s a top seller in many communities.

7-Hydroxymitragynine is a drug that has made its way into convenience stores, smoke shops, and street-level drug markets.

So, what is 7-Hydroxymitragynine—also known as 7-OH or simply 7-Hydroxy?

It’s an alkaloid that naturally occurs in the kratom plant and is extracted through a semi-synthetic process. 7-Hydroxy is significantly more potent than kratom.

At the street level, kratom has evolved into stronger, underregulated substances that are being sold over the counter. Due to its low public awareness and inconsistent or unconfirmed testing standards, this substance can be difficult to detect.

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

March 2025

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.