Blog

February 2026

by Jermaine Galloway

Vape devices have evolved into highly customizable, low-cost products delivering unprecedented nicotine doses, making addiction easier, harder to detect, and more common especially among youth.

High in Plain Sight: What Today’s Vape Devices Are Really Delivering

Vape pens remain one of the fastest-evolving drug trends in the United States and worldwide. Their popularity especially, among youth continues to rise, including within school environments. While many people assume vapes contain only nicotine, what we are increasingly seeing is far more complex: extremely high nicotine doses, thousands of inhalations per device, and prices low enough to make them attractive & accessible to young users.

by Jermaine Galloway

January 2026

This is a question parents, educators, and law enforcement professionals hear often and one many people answer subconsciously without realizing it. There is a widespread belief that if a substance is legal, it must be safe. The word “legal” creates a false sense of security, especially when it comes to substances that are easily accessible, openly marketed, and not hidden in the shadows.

The truth is simple and important: "Legal does not mean safe". In fact, there are many legal substances that can be just as dangerous, and in some cases more dangerous, than illegal drugs. That same misconception applies to products labeled as “herbal” or “natural.” These terms are often mistaken for harmless, when in reality they can carry serious risks.

Written by:

Jermaine Galloway

December 2025

Kava is a plant-based herbal substance, also known as kava root or Piper Methysticum, native to the Pacific Islands. It has been used for centuries for medicinal, social, recreational, and ceremonial purposes. Only the root, not the leaf is used. It can be ground into a loose powder or pounded to extract a milky liquid that is mixed into beverages.

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.  

Written by: Officer Jermaine Galloway

January 2025