California Man Sentenced for Selling “Gas Station Heroin” to Massachusetts Residents Online

By Patrick Wilson

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. ,Feb. 16, 2024:  A California man was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay over $1.83 million in forfeiture for selling a dangerous, illegal drug disguised as a mood enhancer online. Ryan M. Stabile, 37, of Pasadena, sold tianeptine, known as “gas station heroin,” to Massachusetts residents through his company “Supplements for Work” for several years, generating over $2.2 million in illegal profits.

Tianeptine: Unapproved, Addictive, and Dangerous

Tianeptine is not approved for use in the United States and carries significant health risks, including addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and even death. While it’s used for depression treatment in some countries, the FDA warns against its consumption due to its opioid-like effects.

Stabile’s Deception and Illegal Operation

Stabile marketed tianeptine as a mood and cognitive enhancer, falsely claiming it was for research purposes while targeting individuals for personal use. He smuggled the drug from China in bulk, repackaged it in various sizes, and sold it online at prices ranging from $55 to $175. Despite facing federal charges, Stabile continued selling under a different company name even after his indictment.

Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Drug Sales

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy condemned Stabile’s actions, highlighting the dangers of misbranded and illegal drugs smuggled from overseas. He emphasized the commitment to hold such individuals accountable.

** This piece was created with the help of ai.

Alexei Navalny, Vocal Putin Critic, Dies in Russian Prison at 47

By Patrick Wilson

MOSCOW, February 16, 2024: Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader and fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, has died in prison at the age of 47. The Russian prison service said he “felt ill after a walk” and lost consciousness, prompting resuscitation efforts that proved unsuccessful.

Cause of Death Unknown, Suspicions Mount: While the official cause of death remains unknown, the news has sparked immediate suspicion of foul play. Navalny, a thorn in Putin’s side for years, narrowly survived a nerve agent poisoning in 2018 and faced harsh treatment in prison, including solitary confinement and transfer to a remote Arctic penal colony.

Western Nations Demand Answers: World leaders are condemning the news and demanding a transparent investigation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Navalny’s death “a terrible tragedy” and highlighted “the weakness and rot at the heart of the system that Putin has built.” The White House echoes concerns, emphasizing “real and obvious questions” surrounding the death.

Opposition Movement Faces Uncertain Future: With Navalny gone, the future of Russia’s anti-Kremlin opposition appears uncertain. He was considered a beacon of hope for many, representing the dream of a democratic future. His death leaves a significant void in the movement, which has already faced fierce repression from the Russian government.

** This piece was created with the help of ai.