The Chemistry of Illegal Synthetic Drugs is Topic of MCCC Lecture April 16

WEST WINDSOR – The deadly chemistry of illegal synthetic drugs, their effects on the body and the challenge they present for law enforcement will be the topic of a free lecture at Mercer County Community College.

Douglas Collier, Drug Initiative Coordinator and Law Enforcement Liaison with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, will present “Drug Trends: Deadly Chemistry” as part of MCCC’s Distinguished Lecture Series on Wednesday, April 16, at noon in room 109 of the Communications Building on the college’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. The lecture is free and open to the public.

During the lecture, Collier will explain the origins of synthetic drugs that have emerged with seemingly-innocuous names such as K2, Spice, and Bath Salts. Some products are actually branded for legitimate retail purposes, and subsequently are presenting issues within law enforcement based on the impact they have on the body and brain. Collier will delve into the challenges facing law enforcement, as well as treatment, prevention, and policy issues.

Collier began his career in federal law enforcement with the Central Intelligence Agency in 1987, moving to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1990. He was assigned to the New York Field Division and subsequently worked in DEA offices in Atlantic City, Paterson, and Newark.  He has been featured in several national television shows, including MSNBC’s “Heroin Inc.” and Discovery Channel’s “Heroin Nation.” In 2013, Collier accepted his current position as Drug Initiative Coordinator with the NJ Attorney General’s Office.

Collier holds a bachelor’s degree from National College and earned a master’s degree from Monmouth University. He is a certified instructor, adjunct professor, and has testified as an expert witness in international and domestic narcotics investigations.

For more information on MCCC’s Distinguished Lecture Series, call (609) 570-3324 or visit www.mccc.edu/events.