'They're all high': Rats eat marijuana from police evidence room
Rat droppings have been found on officers' desks in the New Orleans police headquarters, which have been taken over by mould and cockroaches, according to the department.
Rats in New Orleans Police Headquarters Found Eating Confiscated Marijuana
According to Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, rats have managed to infiltrate the evidence room at the decaying police headquarters building in New Orleans and have been feasting on confiscated marijuana. The dilapidated and vermin-infested offices of the police department have allowed the animals to gain access to the evidence lock-up room. Superintendent Kirkpatrick addressed city council members on Wednesday, stating that the rats consuming the marijuana have become intoxicated. She also emphasized the extreme uncleanliness of the building, with rat droppings found on officers' desks. The building, which has served as the department's base since 1968, is plagued by mold and cockroach infestations.
Unusual Behavior
Ron Harrison, the global technical director for Orkin Pest Control, expressed surprise at the rats' behavior, stating that he has never heard of rats eating marijuana before. However, he suggested that the rats may experience similar effects to humans, depending on the form of the drug. The national institute on drug abuse indicates that humans often feel relaxation, euphoria, and altered senses when using marijuana. Harrison explained that based on the biology of rats, which is somewhat similar to humans, the effects they experience would likely be comparable to what humans feel.
Dire Working Conditions
Superintendent Kirkpatrick further highlighted the dire working conditions within the headquarters. Demoralized staff members have to endure broken air-conditioning and elevators, while potential recruits are deterred from attending interviews due to the state of the building. Despite these challenges, Kirkpatrick commended the office cleaning staff for their efforts to maintain cleanliness in an almost impossible situation. Since assuming her position in October, finding new premises for the 910 officers has been one of her top priorities.
Relocation Proposal
In response to the deteriorating state of the current headquarters, city councilors are considering a proposal to allocate $7.6 million (£6.5 million) for a 10-year lease on a temporary relocation to two floors in a high-rise building in downtown New Orleans. This move would provide the police department with a more suitable and functional workspace while a permanent solution is sought.
According to Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, rats have managed to infiltrate the evidence room at the decaying police headquarters building in New Orleans and have been feasting on confiscated marijuana. The dilapidated and vermin-infested offices of the police department have allowed the animals to gain access to the evidence lock-up room. Superintendent Kirkpatrick addressed city council members on Wednesday, stating that the rats consuming the marijuana have become intoxicated. She also emphasized the extreme uncleanliness of the building, with rat droppings found on officers' desks. The building, which has served as the department's base since 1968, is plagued by mold and cockroach infestations.
Unusual Behavior
Ron Harrison, the global technical director for Orkin Pest Control, expressed surprise at the rats' behavior, stating that he has never heard of rats eating marijuana before. However, he suggested that the rats may experience similar effects to humans, depending on the form of the drug. The national institute on drug abuse indicates that humans often feel relaxation, euphoria, and altered senses when using marijuana. Harrison explained that based on the biology of rats, which is somewhat similar to humans, the effects they experience would likely be comparable to what humans feel.
Dire Working Conditions
Superintendent Kirkpatrick further highlighted the dire working conditions within the headquarters. Demoralized staff members have to endure broken air-conditioning and elevators, while potential recruits are deterred from attending interviews due to the state of the building. Despite these challenges, Kirkpatrick commended the office cleaning staff for their efforts to maintain cleanliness in an almost impossible situation. Since assuming her position in October, finding new premises for the 910 officers has been one of her top priorities.
Relocation Proposal
In response to the deteriorating state of the current headquarters, city councilors are considering a proposal to allocate $7.6 million (£6.5 million) for a 10-year lease on a temporary relocation to two floors in a high-rise building in downtown New Orleans. This move would provide the police department with a more suitable and functional workspace while a permanent solution is sought.