Controlled Substance ID - Pharmaceutical and Street Drugs



Depressants
Sometimes called "downers" or "drunk in a pill," depressants produce a state of intoxication similar to that of alcohol.
	Barbiturates
	Three barbiturates are: Seconal - street name "reds" or "red devils." Nembutal - street name "nembies." Tuinal - called "rainbows" on the street.

	These barbiturates are the most sought after by abusers. Although the street names are accurate, like all street slang, terminology can vary from region to region.
	Benzodiazepines
	Compared to the barbiturates, Benzodiazepines are very mild. They include: Diazepam - Valium Librium Xanax Rohypnol
	Rohypnol, commonly known on the street as "roofies," "ropes," or "ropies" is about ten times more potent than Valium and often causes a loss of memory, which is why it has been labeled the date rape drug. It is manufactured by the pharmaceutical firm Hoffmann-LaRoche to treat insomnia. Although it is a Schedule I drug in the U.S., it is legally marketed in 60 countries around the world. Sources for smuggled Rohypnol are primarily Mexico and Colombia, South America. It is easy for those vacationing in Mexico to obtain the drug and smuggle it home for sale or use on the street. It is manufactured in one and two milligram tablets, which sell for $5.00 to $10.00 on the street.
	Although these drugs are not as strong as the barbiturates, they are still much sought after. Often these drugs are taken with alcohol in an attempt to obtain a greater effect. Mixing any drugs, these in particular, with alcohol is a dangerous proposition.

Stimulants
	Amphetamines
	Amphetamines are a very popular and powerful pharmaceutical stimulant. True amphetamines are no longer prescribed for weight control. As a result of this restriction, not as many true amphetamines are seen on the street. (Although Amphetamines are prescribed for such things as narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders.) Amphetamines can be snorted, smoked, taken orally, or injected. Effects can include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, anxiety, increased body temperature, dry mouth, and irritability. For high dosage users withdrawal may include depression, decreased energy, difficulty in sleeping, mental confusion and, a high degree of psychological addiction. Ritalin is commonly prescribed for children with attention deficit disorders. Used unlawfully it is often crushed into a powder and snorted, resulting in increased stimulation Biphetamine 20 or "Black Beauties" as they are called on the street are seldom seen anymore.	Assorted Amphetamines
	Nonamphetamine Appetite Suppressant
	When it became illegal to prescribe true amphetamines for purposes of weight control an alternative was found. Nonamphetamine appetite suppressants made their debut. Now instead of seeing great numbers of "black beauties" on the street we see "Upjohn’s" which is the street name for Didrex. Nonamphetamine stimulants are on the streets in great numbers. Didrex is among the strongest nonamphetamine appetite suppressants. It is also the most abundant and sought after. Ionamin called "yellow jackets" on the street and Fastin
	Methamphetamine "Crank"
	Methamphetamine, also called "crank," "speed," and "meth" is a very powerful stimulant. When we speak of methamphetamine in law enforcement we are generally referring to the clandestine manufactured type. "Meth" is commonly produced in makeshift laboratories using sophisticated lab equipment and dangerous chemicals. Although it does not take an academic chemist to make "Meth," it does take the knowledge to put the formula together. The violator usually has written (recipe) or verbal instructions as to how to make the methamphetamine. These instructions usually include the type of laboratory glassware needed, the types of chemicals needed, and how these chemicals and pieces of equipment go together to make methamphetamine. Methamphetamine in its pure form has a smell very similar to stale urine and is usually moist in texture and yellow-white in color. When dry, methamphetamine will turn to a crystal form. The chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine are usually either cancer causing or explosive. Be extremely careful when confronted with a possible methamphetamine manufacturing violation. Methamphetamine is usually produced right here in the United States and is commonly associated with truckers and outlaw bikers. Although outlaw bikers remain large suppliers of methamphetamine, Mexican drug traffickers and homemade labs are manufacturing and distributing increasing amounts of the drug. Methamphetamine	(click on images for larger photo) Simple lab Complex lab Protective gear

	Cocaine
	Cocaine HCL is the powder form of cocaine. Cocaine is imported from South America in kilogram increments (2.2 lb.). In small quantities, powder cocaine can usually be purchased for the same price as crack. The preferred cut by dealers for cocaine is procaine. Cocaine acts as a central nervous system stimulant lasting about 20 to 80 minutes. Popular street level powder cocaine packaging quantities include (examples): 1 gram - approximately $100 1/2 "eight" - approximately $160 1/8 oz. "eight ball" - approximately $300
	Crack cocaine is a street drug sold in small quantities, and it looks like a yellow-white rock-like substance and makes a cracking sound when smoked. Unlike methamphetamine, no complicated recipes or sophisticated lab equipment is needed to manufacture crack. A microwave safe container, baking soda, tap water, and powder cocaine are all that is needed to make crack. The manner in which crack is distributed has changed over the years. At first crack rocks were individually packaged. Later, crack was stored loosely in medicine bottles and similar containers. Crack is now carried loosely in the hands or in the mouth. Currently, crack distributors utilize "stash" locations and a variety of other concealment methods in attempts to evade law enforcement. Crack is usually sold on the street using the following terms: 1) $20.00 rock, 2) $40.00 rock, 3) slab ($100.00), and 4) cookies ($1,000.00).
	Crack Paraphernalia Cocaine Paraphernalia (click on photos above to see larger image)
	Routes of cocaine administration can vary: Intravenous - Serious users often take cocaine intravenously. Snorting - Snorting is most common but could deteriorate the septum, which is part of the nose, if, done regularly, making it necessary to inject. Smoking - Crack cocaine is smoked. Items used to facilitate the use of crack cocaine are beverage cans and car antennas converted to makeshift pipes. Effects Stimulants, as evidenced by the title, stimulate the central nervous system. The consumption of stimulants may result in a temporary sense of exhilaration, superabundant energy and loss of appetite. Stimulants may also induce irritability, anxiety, apprehension, panic, body tremors, sweating, dilated pupils, and over alertness. The fact that stimulants can cause a person to be irritable and may cause him or her to panic is of particular interest to police officers. In final analysis, officer safety is the number one concern. Note - In some cases, particularly with heavy users of the most powerful stimulants such as "meth," users can go without sleep for up to three days, then "crash" (sleep) for up to two days.
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