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DRUG EDUCATION AND VICE CONTROL

(NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION)

Definition of Terms

 Drug – is a chemical substance used as medicine or in the making of medicines, which affects the
body and mind and have potential for abuse.
 Chemical – is any substance taken into the body that alters the way and the mind and the body
work.
 Chemical Abuse – is an instance when the use of chemical has produced negative or harmful
consequences.
 Narcotic Drug – refers to illegally used drugs or dangerous drugs, which are either prohibited or
regulated drugs. It also refers to drugs that produces sleep or stupor and relieves pain due to its depressant
effect on the CNS. The term Narcotic comes from the Greek word “narcotikos”. It is sometimes known as
“opiates”.
 Drug Abuse – is the illegal, wrongful or improper use of any drug.
 Drug Addiction – refers to the state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by the repeated
consumption of a drug.
 Drug Dependence – refers to the state of psychic or physical dependence or both on dangerous
drugs following the administration or use of that drug. WHO defines it as the periodic, continuous, repeated
administration of a drug.
 Physical Dependence – an adaptive state caused by repeated drug use that reveals it self by
development of intense physical symptoms when the drug is stopped (withdrawal syndrome).
 Psychological Dependence – an attachment to drug use that arises from a drug ability to satisfy
some emotional or personality needs of an individual.
 Tolerance – is the increasing dosage of drugs to maintain the same effect in the body.
 Pusher – any person who sell, administer, deliver or give away to another, distribute, transport any
dangerous drug.
 Use - the act of injecting, consuming, any dangerous drugs. The means of introducing the
dangerous drug into the physiological system of the body.
 Administer – the act of introducing any dangerous drug into the body of any person with or without
his knowledge.
 Manufacture – the production, preparation, compounding or processing a dangerous drug either
directly or indirectly or by extraction from substances of natural origin or by chemical synthesis.
 Drug Experimenter – one who illegally, wrongfully, or improperly uses any narcotic substances for
reasons of curiosity, peer pressure, or other similar reasons.
 Drug Syndicate – It is a network of illegal drug operations operated and manned carefully by
groups of criminals who knowingly traffic through nefarious trade for personal or group profit.

Drug Abuse Jargons

 “Opiate” - Narcotic
 “On-the-Nod/ “Nodding” - the state produced by opiates like being suspended on the edge of sleep.
 “Mainline’/ “to shoot” - injecting a drug into the vein
 “A Hit” - the street slang for injection of drugs
 “Work” - an apparatus for injecting a drug
 “A Fix” - one injection of opiate
 “Juni” - heroin
 “Junkie” - an opiate addict
 “Skin popping” - to inject a drug under the skin
 “A Bag” - a pocket of drug
 “Cold Turkey” - the withdrawal effect that occurs after a repeated opiate use
 “Track” - scars on the skin left from the repeated injection of opiate
 “Overdose” - death occurs because the part of the brain that controls breathing becomes paralyzed.

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 “Speed” - amphetamines
 “Speed Freaks” - amphetamine addicts
 “Uppers” - street slang for amphetamines
 “Rush” - the beginning of a high
 “High” - under the influence of drugs
 “Coke” - street slang for cocaine
 “Flashback” - user can be thrown back into the drug experience months after the original use of drug.
 “Acid” - slang term for LSD
 “Acid Head” - LSD user
 “Drop” - taking drug orally
 “Joint” - an MJ Cigar
 “Roach” - butt end of a joint
 “Stoned” - the intoxicating effect of a drug
 “Trip” - the name for the reaction that is caused by drugs
 “Head” - drug user
 “Downer” - street slang for depressant

WHAT ARE DRUGS?

A drug, as defined, is a chemical substance used as a medicine or in making medicines, which affects the
body and mind and have potential for abuse. Without an advice or prescription from a physician, drugs can be harmful.
Hundreds of pure chemicals have been developed plants and put into pills, capsules or liquid medicines.
There are also two forms of drugs, natural and synthetic/artificial. The natural drugs include natural plant leaves,
flowering tops, resin, hashish, opium, and marijuana, while the synthetic drugs are produced by clandestine
laboratories which include those drugs that are controlled by law because they are used in the medical practice.
Physicians prescribe them and are purchased in the legitimate outlets like drugstores.
Drugs also help a person’s body and mind function better during an illness. But drugs have to be taken
correctly in order to do these things. The wrong drug or the wrong amount of the right one can make an illness, worse,
destroy blood cells, damage the body and many cause death. For this reason, most drugs can be legally purchased
only with doctor’s written order called prescription. Only a medical doctor can prescribe medicinal drugs. These drugs
could be dangerous and must be used with care, according to the doctor’s prescription. He gives direction on how
much medicine to take and how often.
The practice of taking drugs without proper medicinal supervision is called the non-medical use of drugs or
drug abuse.

A. THE PRESCRIPTIVE DRUGS

These are drugs requiring written authorization from a doctor to allow a purchase. They are prescribed
according to the individual’s age, weight and height and should not be taken by anyone else. It is a personal
requirement and self-medication that should be strictly avoided. The pharmacist should never allow the consumer to
request them knowingly without first consulting a doctor.

Once again strict emphasis of following directions needs to be stated. In addition to dosage, the physician
indicates both when and for how long the medicine should be taken. Theses directions are intended to safeguard the
patient from needlessly treating himself after his illness has been brought under control or from prematurely stopping a
drug because he thinks he is well. Since the chemistry of the body is subtle and variable, only a physician should have
the responsibility of prescribing and directing the use of drugs in the treatment of illnesses.

B. THE OVER - THE COUNTER - DRUGS (OTC)

These are non-prescription medicines, which may be purchased from any pharmacy or drugstore without
written authorization from a doctor. They are use to treat minor and short term illnesses and any persistent condition
should be immediately referred to a physician. It should be strongly emphasized that “directions” be closely followed
and all precautions necessarily taken to avoid complications.

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OTC drugs are used for the prevention and symptomatic relief of minor ailments. The precautions that must
be observed when dispensing OTCs are the following:

1. the correct drug with the correct drug content is given to the correct patient in the correct dosage form;
2. the pharmacist must counsel the patient to make sure that he/she takes the drugs correctly; and
3. the pharmacist must be aware of and know about the possible toxicity’s possessed by the OTC drugs to
avoid food/drug incompatibilities and overdoses.

OTCs must be used discriminately:

1. To avoid the dispensing of OTC to known identified habitual drug users.

2. To avoid complications, this is done by inquiring from the buyer of the drugs as to the identity of the
patient, the patient’s age and other information such as pregnancy, hypertension, etc.
3. Counseling the patient so as to avoid the “self-medication” syndrome by inquiring about the buyer’s source
of information about the drug.

C. The “Self-Medication Syndrome”

The “self-medication” syndrome is found in users and would be users of drugs whose sources of information
are people or literature other than doctors, pharmacists and health workers. These could be members of the family,
relatives, and/or neighbors, all of whom may have previously used the drug for their specific disease or disorder. Self-
medication may work against the good of the user because it can lead to intoxication and other adverse reactions.

Possible outcomes of self-medication are:

1. Adverse reaction towards the drug, such as allergies that may be mild or severe.
2. Possible non-response of the patient to the drug effectively due to incorrect drug usage.
3. Possible drug toxicities, through over dosage which may lead to severe reactions such as nausea,
vomiting, rashes, etc.
4. Possible habit-forming characteristics due to periodic use of the drugs even when such are no longer
needed.

HOW DRUGS WORK?

Most drugs act within a cell, rather than on the surface of a cell or in the extracellular fluids of the body.
Similar to normal body chemicals, a drug enters a cell and participates in a few steps of the normal sequence of a
cellular process. Thus, drugs may later, interfere with or replace chemicals of normal cellular life, hopefully for the
betterment of the person. The actual action of a particular drug depends on its chemical make-up.

When two drugs are taken together or within a few hours of each other they may interact with unexpected
results. This is one reason a physician should always know the names of all drugs one is using. A dose of a drug is the
amount taken at one time. The doses taken become an extremely important part of drug abuse. The amount of drug in
a dose can be described as:

1. Minimal dose – amount needed to treat or heal, that is, the smallest amount of a drug that will produce a
therapeutic effect.
2. Maximal dose – largest amount of a drug that will produce a desired therapeutic effect, without any
accompanying symptoms of toxicity.
3. Toxic dose – amount of d rug that produces untoward effects or symptoms of poisoning
4. Abusive dose – amount needed to produce the side effects and action desired by an individual who
improperly uses it
5. Lethal dose – amount of drug that will cause death

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HOW DRUGS ARE ADMINISTERED?

The common methods of administration are the following:

1. Oral – this is the safest most convenient and economical route whenever possible. There
are however, drugs, which cannot be administered this way because they are readily destroyed by the
digestive juices or because they irritate the mucous lining of the gastro-intestinal tract and induce vomiting.
2. Injection – this form of drug administration offers a faster response than the oral method.
It makes use of a needle or other device to deliver the drugs directly into the body tissue and blood
circulation.
3. Inhalation – this route makes use of gaseous and volatile drugs, which are inhaled and
absorbed rapidly through the mucous of the respiratory tract.
4. Topical – this refers to the application of drugs directly to a body site such as the skin
and the mucous membrane.
5. Iontophoresis – the introduction of drugs into the deeper layers of the skin by the use of
special type of electric current for local effect.

THE CONCEPT OF TOXICOLOGY

A drug may cause effects because of any of the following:

1. Overdose – when too much of a drug in taken, there may be an over extension of its effects.
2. Allergy – some drugs cause the release of histamine giving rise to allergic symptoms such as dermatitis,
swelling, fall in blood pressure, suffocation and death.
3. Idiosyncrasy – for unexplained reasons, morphine, which sedates all men, stimulates and renders some
women some maniacal. Perhaps the phrase “catty woman” has pharmacological basis since most mammals
are sedated by morphine but some cats become extremely excited by it.
4. General Protoplasmic Poison Property – drugs are chemicals and some of them have the property of
being general protoplasmic poisons.
5. Side Effects – some drugs are not receptors for one organ but receptors of other organs as well. The
effect in the other organ may constitute a side effect, which is unwanted.

THE MEDICAL USE OF DRUGS

The best use of medicine depends upon the physician, the user or patient, and lastly, the pharmacist. This
idea was subscribed to by both Metro Manila Physicians (PNC Health Education Survey, 1983) and the
Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Association of Washington, D.C. (U.P., MEC, DDB 1979). Their common agreements
on the intelligent use of drugs are presented below.

1. Take medicines on doctor’s advice. In prescribing medicine, the doctor considers factors like age and
weight, prevalent signs and symptoms, severity of the disease, results of laboratory examinations, route of
administration tolerated by patient, and presence of impairment in the organ or system. The physician has always a
reason for his orders.
2. When taking prescribed medicines, remember carefully the dosage, manner of administration, frequency
and time when to take it. Patient must not trust his memory when taking medicine. The label of the medicine should be
read three times – once when medicine id remove from cabinet, again before medicine is taken and a third time after it
is taken. Medicine should not be taken in the dark even if patient knows its location.
3. If patient goes to more than one doctor, each one of them must know about all the drugs being taken.
4. Avoid self-medication. Patient should not try to guess what is wrong with him or to select his own
medicines even if his symptoms seem to be familiar to those of his neighbor.
5. Report any untoward effects of medicine to the physician. After taking medicine, tell the doctor if any
symptoms develop.

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6. Patient should not take additional drugs without asking his physician.
7. See whether the medicine has expired or not.
8. Be sure that the label stays on a prescription container until all is used.
9. Store medicine in a safe, cool and dry place and out of reach of children.

10. Some people just purchase and use common drugs without knowing their functions and contradictions.
Thus, instead of being relieved of some symptoms, their conditions are aggravated. Physicians share the same opinion
that the following drugs are better used under medical supervision to avoid harmful consequences and habit formation.
11. Analgesics relieve pain. However, they may produce the opposite effects on somebody who suffers form
peptic ulcer or gastric irritation.
12. Antibiotics combat or control infectious organisms. Ingesting the same antibiotics for a long time can
result in allergic reactions and cause resistance to the drug.
13. Antipyretics can lower body temperature or fever due to infection.
14. Antihistamines control or combat allergic reactions. People who on antihistamine therapy must not
operate or drive vehicles since these drugs can cause drowsiness.
15. Contraceptives prevent the meeting of the egg cell and sperm cell or prevent the ovary from releasing
egg cells. Pregnant women must not take birth control pills to avoid congenital abnormalities. This advice also applies
to women suffering from heart disease, varicose veins, breast limps, goiter and anemia. The effectiveness of oral
contraceptives may be reduced when taken with antibiotic.
16. Decongestants relieve congestion of the nasal passages. Prolonged used of these decongestants might
include nasal congestion upon withdrawal.
17. Expectorants ease the expulsion of mucus and phlegm from the lungs and the throat. They are not drugs
of choice for the newborn that does not know to cough the phlegm out.
18. Laxatives stimulate defecation and encourage bowel movement. They should not be given to pregnant
women and those suffering from intestinal obstruction. Taking purgatives (stronger than laxatives) unnecessarily might
result in rupture of the intestines or appendix if there is an obstruction. Constant use might make the intestines
sluggish.
19. Sedatives and tranquilizers calm and quiet the nerves and relieve anxiety without causing depression
and clouding of the mind. Precautions must be taken in the use of tranquilizers since they can cause impairment of
judgement and dexterity.
20. Vitamins are food substances necessary for normal growth and development and proper functioning of
he body. A person who eats a balanced diet does not need supplements. If they are found necessary, vitamin
preparations should be taken with meals. Vitamins should be treated as drugs since the body does not manufacture
them. Excessive dosage of vitamins A and D can be dangerous and harmful to health. Excess of vitamin D can lead to
nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss, calcification and heart and kidney troubles. Too much vitamin A might result in
symptoms of a disease of the liver.

HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE

The Holy Bible is a very reliable source in tracing the early use and abuse of narcotics. The Book of Judges
of the Old Testament revealed that the mighty Samson was put to sleep by Delilah by means of a drug-laced wine
before cutting his hair, the source of his strength, and subsequently gouged his eyes before the feasting Philistines
already “high spirited” with narcotics mixed with intoxicants. There are also many allusions of drug abuse in the old
cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which might have led to the widespread adultery, bestiality and incest (Sotto, 1994).

Ancient Greek and Roman literature likewise are replete with stories alluding to drug abuse, as in the
lamentable and tragic romance of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. Cleopatra, in desperation over her disprized love
drank a narcotic-laden wine before allowing her self to be bitten to death by a poisonous asp from the River Nile. Even
in the practice of oracles and black magic during the Roman ancient times were believed to be accomplished by
“narcotics”(Sotto, 1994).

Historians credited that marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) is the world’s oldest cultivated plant started by the Incas
of Peru. Peruvian and Mexican Incas have also the common practice to use the coca leaves during religious offering
ceremonies. It was also known that marijuana was a “sacred tree” in the belief of the Assyrians being used during

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religious rituals – some 9,000 years B.C. The use of marijuana is also deeply ingrained in the cultures of many
countries such as India, Jamaica, Morocco, Nepal, Mexico and Peru (Sotto, 1994). The first reference of introduction
was in Northern Iran as an intoxicant. And from there it spread throughout India by the Hindus used for religious rituals
in the belief that it is a source of happiness and “laughter provoker”. The word “hashis” (resin) of the Marijuana plant
was derived from the name Hasan or Hashasin, the Muslim cult leader who fed his disciples a preparation made from
the resin of the female hemp plant as a reward for their successful activities in assassinations.

American Indians too are believed to use not only the stimulant tobacco but also opium in their peace pipes
in order to “narcotize” an oppositionist to their common objectives (Sotto, 1994).

Knowledge on the opium poppy plant (Papaver Somniferum) goes back about 7000 years B.C cultivated and
prepared by the Summerians. Even the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, prescribed the
juice of the white poppy plant as early as 5,000 B.C in the belief that it can cure many illnesses both in the internal and
external use. The plant was first harvested in Mesopotamia and its use spread through out the neighboring
Mediterranean areas, then to Asia. From there, it was introduced to Persia, India and China by the Arab came
caravans (Dungo, 1988).

Opium use in China was stemmed out from India and became widespread in the 19 th Century. From Middle
East, the plant was cultivated in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Five centuries later, An Opium trade between China
and Portuguese merchants became a lucrative business. The British took over the trade from the Portuguese and
established the Opium Trade Monopoly through the British East Indies Company.

In an Attempt to stop the extremely high rate of opium addiction in China, Emperor Yung Chen prohibited the
smoking of opium and attempted to close ports for its importation. This triggered the “opium war” of 1840 which
induced China to accept the British sponsored opium trade and forced to sign a treaty permitting the importation of
opium intro China after her defeat.

It was in 1806 that a German pharmacist in the name of Friedrich W. Serturner discovered Morphine, the first
derivative of opium. He called this new drug as “Morphium” and later changed to Morphine after the Greek god of
dream, Morpheus. This was the first attempt to cure opium addiction. But morphine addictive properties came to
prominence during the American Civil War vast numbers of American soldiers became addicted to the drug – so much
so that morphine addiction became known as “soldiers disease”.

The second attempt of treating opium and morphine addiction started in 1896 when Heroin
(Diacetylmorphine), synthesized from the drug morphine, was discovered by a British chemist in the name of Alder
Wright. It was called the “miracle drug” because it is believed that it can cure both opium and morphine addiction. It
was named after the word “hero” due to its impressive power. So physicians began to use heroin but it became a
substitution of one addiction to another. It turns out later that heroin is the most addictive of all drugs.

Meanwhile, codeine, the third derivative of opium was discovered in France while in the process of
discovering other drugs that could cure opium, morphine and heroin addiction but it also ended in the same tragic
result. Today, it is widely used as an ingredient in most cough syrup.

There are of course other historical events that would reveal drug abuse in the history of man, the greatest
influence of the modern medical practice today. In fact, physicians all over the world still consider narcotics as the most
effective pain reliever (Sotto, 1994).

HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Very little known about drugs in the Philippines during the pre- Spanish era. The intoxicants and stimulants
used by the early Filipinos were fermented alcoholic beverages and the masticatory preparations known as “nga-nga”
in vernacular. Narcotics, including marijuana, were not in the list of vices in the country at that time. The opium poppy
plant and the coca bush were absent in the Philippine vegetation prior to 1521.

During the Spanish era, drug control laws prohibited the use of opium by the native Filipinos and other
people except the Chinese. Chinese residents in the Philippines particularly in Manila and of the more distant Chinese

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pariahs (ghettos) started smoking opium in 1780. As a vice, it was not widespread and was particularly accepted and
tolerated by the authorities. In 1844, The Spanish colonial government laid down an opium monopoly, which entitled
the importation by the Spanish government and its sale to Chinese users. At this period, opium smoking became
widespread among Chinese as its use was forbidden to Indians, Mestizos and the Filipinos. This compromise
policy lasted up to 1896, a period of revolt and insurrection.

The Americans took over the rule of the country, and after establishing a civil government in 1901, a
systematic survey was conducted and it was found out that there were 190 joints where the Chinese smoke opium. It
was observed that the habit had not yet gained foothold among Filipinos. In 1906, partial legislation allowed Chinese
addicts to obtain a license to use opium in their homes for a fee of P5.00. The opium sale was under the government
control and the quality was limited.

In 1908, the total ban of opium was effected. The campaign continued until the Japanese occupation in 1946,
at which point all supplies of opium were cut of from the country and during that period the number of opium addicts
was probably the lowest in Asia.

In 1953, Republic Act No. 953 was enacted which provided for the registration of collection, and the
imposition of fixed and special taxes upon all persons who produce, import, manufacture, compound, deal-in,
dispense, sell, distribute, or give away opium, marijuana, opium poppies, or coca leaves or any synthetic drugs which
may declared as habit forming. The law also declared as a matter of national policy, the prohibition of the cultivation of
marijuana and opium poppy.

Some time in 1955, the marijuana plant was introduced in Pasay City by foreigners for purpose of producing
“reefers”. These were sold in taverns in Pasay City and introduced into elite schools in the same area. The PC Criminal
Investigation on January 8, 1959 conducted the first marijuana raid in Pasay City when several potted marijuana plants
were seized.

The Philippines has been relatively heroin-free until the early 60’s when small heroin laboratories opened in
Manila. In 1963, new trends appear. There was a waning of opium addiction among the Chinese but a concurrent
increase among the Filipinos, just the latter contributed 63 percent of the total arrests from drug offenses.

Recognizing the deleterious effect of drug abuse on the health and well-being of the Filipino youth and the
threat that it poses to national security, then President Ferdinand Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 6425 known
as the “Dangerous Drug Act of 1972” on March 30, 1972. This law which was amended by Presidential Decree No. 44,
dated November 9, 1972 placed under control not only narcotics by also psychotropic substances. On November 14,
1972, the Dangerous Drug Board was organized to provide leadership, direction and coordination in the effective
implementation of R.A. 6425. By early 1974, addiction to opiates and barbiturates had almost disappeared among the
native population.

During the period 1975-1980 the cultivation of marijuana increased and became geographically widespread,
thus the pattern of drug taking involved marijuana, abuse of pharmaceutical products (especially cough syrup) and the
inhalation of solvents. There was very little trafficking of heroin, cocaine and LSD and the non-availability of narcotic
drugs made the prices sour beyond the reach of Filipino drug abusers.

THE INFLUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE

Concept of Drug Abuse

The term Drug Abuse most often refers to the use of a drug with such frequency that it causes physical or
mental harm to the user or impairs social functioning. Although the term seems to imply that users abuse the drugs
they take, in fact, it is themselves or others they abuse by using drugs.

Traditionally, the term drug abuse referred to the use of any drug prohibited by law, regardless of whether it
was actually harmful or not. This meant that any use of Marijuana, for example, even if it occurred only once in a while,
would constitute abuse, while the same level of alcohol consumption would not.

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The term drug is commonly associated with substances that may be purchased legally with prescription for
medical use. Other substances that may be purchased legally without prescription and are commonly abused include
alcohol and the nicotine contained in tobacco cigarettes (Groiler, 1995).

Concept of Drug Dependence

Drug abuse must be distinguished from drug dependence. Drug dependence, which is sometimes called
drug addiction, is defined by basic three characteristics (Groiler, 1995).
The users continue to take a drug over an extended period of time. Just the long this period is dependent on the drug
and the user.

The users find it difficult to stop using the drug. They seem powerless to quit the drug use. Users take
extraordinary and often harmful measures to continue using the drug. They will drop out of school, steal, leave their
families, go to jail and lose their job to keep using drug.

The users stop taking their drug – only if their supply of the drug is cut off, or if they are forced to quit for any
reason – they will undergo painful physical or mental distress. The experience of withdrawal distress, called the
withdrawal syndrome, is a sure sign that a drug is dependency-producing and that the user is dependent on the drug.
Drug dependence may lead to drug abuse – especially the illegal drugs

Concept of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a state of mind in which a person has lost the power of self-control in respect of a drug. He
consumes the drug repeatedly leaving aside all values of life. In other words a drug addict will resort to crime even, to
satisfy his repeated craving for the drug. The effects of addiction are mainly deteriorative personality Changes. They
include insomnia, instability, lack of self-confidence especially when not under the influence of drug. The addict can not
concentrate on any work. He avoids social contacts. Slowly, mentally, physically, and morally he becomes from bad to
worse and a burden to the society.

One or more of the following attributes characterizes drug addiction:

1. Compulsion/ Uncontrollable Craving – the addict feels a compulsive craving to take drug repeatedly and
tries to procure the same by any means.
2. Tolerance – it is the tendency to increase the dose of the drug to produce the same effect as to that of the
original effect.
3. Addiction – the addict is powerless to quit drug use.
4. Physical Dependence – the addict’s physiological functioning is altered. The body becomes sick, inactive
and incapable of carrying out useful activity in the absence of the drug. The withdrawal syndromes will occur once the
drug use is stopped.
5. Psychological Dependence – Emotional and mental discomfort exist to the individual. The drug addict
feels he can not do without the drug, consequently if he does not take the drug his mental processes are affected. He
can not carryout his work efficiently.
6. Withdrawal Syndrome – The addict becomes nervous and restless when he does not get the drug. After
about 12 hours, he starts sweating. His nose and eyes becomes watery and continue doing so increasingly for another
twelve hours. It is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and sleep. Respiration, blood pressure and body
temperature also rises. This will continue up to three days. After which, the trouble starts subsiding and most of it is
gone in about a week’s time. Complete recovery takes place in three to six months.

UNDELYING CAUSES/INFLUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE

The drug addict or abuser is generally an emotionally unstable person before he acquires the habit. He can
not face painful situations without help, he has less will power and self control. He has not adjusted himself to his
emotional reaction. Due to this, drug addicts have low capacities for dealing with frustrations, anxieties and stress.

Drug abuse is a multi-faceted problem exits in our locality and countryside, there is usually more than one
reason why this problem exists. Any of the following factors may influence people to abuse drugs.

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A. Biological Factors

There are some reasons or pre-existing induced biological abnormalities of chemicals, physiological or
structural in nature that induced a person to take drugs. The following are some to consider:

1. Individual ‘s general health – there are several diseases that easily make a person become a
drug abuser. Examples are fatigue, chronic cough, insomnia, and discomfort.
2. It is believe that drug has the special power to prevent or to increase sexual capacity.
3. One specific genetic theory proposes that there is an inherited defect in the production of
endorphin, similar to morphine. A deficiency of the substance leads to bodily discomfort. With the use
of the morphine, this feeling is induced. According to theory, a person who uses morphine has the
physiological abnormality where endorphin production is less. The drugs when we use the body cells
work actively.

B. Common Causation of Drug Abuse

1. Children of broken home easily join peer groups as substitutes to their lost family solidarity.
2. To strike and over protectiveness of parents.
3. For curiosity – eagerness to know what they have not experienced.
4. To assert their independence.
5. To rebel from parental authority.
6. To prove their guts.
7. To escape problems.
8. Peer pressure and for the sake of PAKIKISAMA.
9. They believe that drug can give deeper insights.
10. The belief that medicines can magically solve problems.
11. The easy access to drug or various sort in an affluent society.
12. The enjoyment of euphoria or excitement induced by drugs.
13. The search for sharpened perception and high perception and creativity, which some people believe they
obtained from drugs.
14. The beliefs that they are just taking it like alcohol.
15. The dissatisfaction or disillusion of lost of faith in the prevailing system.
16. The tendency of persons with psychological problems to seed easily solution with chemicals.
17. The statement of proselytizers who proclaim the goodness of drugs.
18. Slum condition - the most critical is that the slum dweller are often deprived of emotional support.

C. Factors in Youthful Drug Abuse

(Psychological, mental health, family conditions)

1. Motives and Attitudes

Psychologically speaking, in terms of motives and function of drug use, some of which may not be
recognized by users themselves. The more a drug is used, the more it tends to satisfy more than one motive or need.
Recent surveys of college drug use have induces the students reasons for drug use. In one study smaller or larger
groups mentioned all of the following motives;

1. To feel more courageous.

2. To find out more about oneself.
3. To have a religious experience to come close to God.
4. To satisfy a strong craving or compulsion.
5. To increase or reduce appetite.
6. To feel less dull or sluggish, improve sex.
7. To reduce sexual desire and keep from being panicked or crazy.

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8. To improve intelligence or learning, prepare stress.

9. To feel less depress of sad, relieve tension or nervousness
10.To make good moral mood last longer, relieve anger or irritation

2. Personality and Pathology

This psychology has been described as follows:

1. Chronic, low-grade depression.

2. Smoldering, tense and restlessness.
3. A sense of not being taken seriously.
4. Narcissism or egocentricity.
5. Preoccupation with issues or identity, autonomy, and freedom of expression.
6. Repeated dwelling on drug taking and its effects.
7. Difficulty in interpersonal relations.

3. Family Background

The kinds of personality disturbances found in some young addicts and heads cannot, in the current state of
knowledge, be identified as brain damage or schizophrenia. It is more in the manner of character disorder. And the
behavior may be the result of inadequate socialization, condition of child rearing and family interaction. The few
available facts about families of young abuser lend credence to this idea.

In one broad study of New York’s high addiction areas, the families of adolescent narcotics users showed the
following characteristics:

1. Absent or weak father

2. Overprotective, overindulgent and domineering mother
3. Inconsistent standards of behavior, lack of definition of limits
4. Hostility or conflict between parents
5. Unrealistic aspiration for children

D. The Psycho-Social Factors

1. Personality Disorder - Drug abuse is a manifestation of an underlying character of personality disorder.

Thus majority of the drug users are fundamentally immature, emotionally childish, insecure or are suffering from
problems of adolescence.

2. Social Disorder - A sign or symptom of family problem involving parent – child relationship, peer
pressures, unethical values.

Drugs use does not also occur in isolation of other environmental factors but rather, is greatly influenced by
these factors. Some of the sociological factors also influenced drug use is as high toll.

a. Availability of over-the counter and prescription drugs variety of drugs available for different
ailments.
b. Influence of media-advertisement message that all aliment can be cured through the use of
chemical substances toward messages and help to create the acceptance of drugs.
c. Impact of affluent lifestyle or of high employment.
d. Effect of increased travel and exposure to different culture and social values
e. Modeling, if parents or key influence are drug users, young persons often tend to model the
behavior they are at home.
f. Social pressures exerted by peers
g. Collapse of religious values
h. Alienation and enemies feeling of powerless
i. Lower value on academic achievement

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E. Other Factors

1. Ignorance, curiosity
2. Laxity of government and other authorities
3. Mass media influence
4. Nature of society resulting in the increased violent behavior for youth.

F. The 7 Deadly Sins - Primary Causes of Drug Abuse

1. Pride – excessive feeling of self-worth or self-esteem, sense of self-importance.

2. Anger - unexpressed, deep-seated anger against himself, his family, his friends or the society in general.
3. Lust – burning sexual desire can distort the human mind to drug abuse.
4. Gluttony – “food trip” in the lingo of junkies
5. Greed – wealth, fame, recognition as exemplified by people under pressure in their work of art, such as
musicians, actors, athletes who indulge in drug abuse.
6. Envy – to get attention from someone: as a sign of protest envy is a major cause of drug abuse.
7. Laziness –“ I can’t syndrome”, incapacity to achieve – the breeding ground of drug abuse. Boredom
coupled with poor self-image.

How Addiction is acquired?

People have generally different motivation in life. The young ones are very much adventurous and some of
them have strong attraction in Drug-taking, because these “Space are era belongs to them so to speak, thus, the “IN”
thing these days are drugs. To see drug abusers around seemed to be of a common sight.

The drug habit is acquired in three ways:

1. Association
2. Experimentation
3. Inexperienced doctors

Likewise, addiction may be acquired through:

1. Habituation – closely related to euphoric effect, and the relief of pain or emotional discomfort.
2. Toleration – the necessity to increase the dose to obtain an effect equivalent to the original dose.
3. Dependence – the altered physiological state brought about by the repeated administration of the
drug, which necessitates the continued use of the drug to avoid withdrawal syndrome.

What are the Group Classifications of Drug Abusers?

1. Situational Users – those who use drugs to keep them awake or for additional energy to perform an
important work. Such individual may or may not exhibit psychological dependence.

2. Spree Users – school age users who take drugs for “kicks’, an adventurous daring experience, or as a
means of fun. There may be some degree of psychological dependence but little physical dependence due to the
mixed pattern of use.

3. Hard Core Addicts – those, whose activities revolve almost entirely around the drug experience and
securing supplies. They show strong psychological dependence on the drug.

4. Hippies – those who are addicted to drugs believing that drug is an integral part of life.

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DETECTION OF DRUG ABUSERS

Detecting a drug user is not an easy task. The signs and symptoms of drug abuse, especially in the
beginning stages can be identical to those produced by conditions having nothing whatsoever to do with drugs.

It is always necessary to exercise certain prudence before drawing conclusions. Some judgments may only
hurt the individual; if he is innocent and one may lose his love and trust. Only after observing calmly and patiently his
behavior, appearance and associations, may one pass judgment and act.

To detect a drug abuser one should observe the following:

1. neglect of personal appearance

2. diminished drive, lack of ambition
3. reduced attention span
4. poor quality of school work
5. impaired communication skills
6. less care for the feeling of others, lessening of accustomed family warmth
7. pale face, red eyes, dilation or constricted pupils, wearing sunglasses at wrong places
8. change from active to passive and withdrawn behavior
9. secretive about money, disappearance of money and other valuables from the house
10. friends refusing to identify themselves or hang up when you answer the phone
11. overreaction to mild conditions
12. smell of marijuana, sweetish odor, like a burned rope in the clothes or room, etc.
13. symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, muscular aches, insomnia and convulsions, etc.
14. presence of :

a. butt from marijuana joint

b. holders (i.e. pipe clips) for the joint
c. presence of leaves, seeds in pockets or lining
d. rolling paper, pipes, “bong” in closet or pocket
e. cough syrup bottles, capsules, syringes, etc.
f. visines or Eye-Mo bottles to treat red eyes
g. devices for hiding drugs like trash cans, soft drinks bottles
h. presence of other pills like valium, artane, other tranquilizers
i. presence of physician’s prescription pad in blank form

IDENTIFICATION OF DRUG ABUSER

The following markers can help in identifying them:

1. Change in interest – they lose interest in their studies and in their work. They fail in school, shift from one course
to another, transfer of school of lower standard until eventually drop out.

2. Frequent shifting of mood – they are euphoric, elated and sometimes even ecstatic when under the influence of
drugs. They would be indifferent, irritable and even hostile when the effect of drug is waning from the system.

3. Changes in behavior – they usually spend a lot. They are usually in the company of known drug users in the
community. They come home late; they become disrespectful and would sell personal or family valuables.

4. Changes in physical appearance – if they can be seen while still under the influence of drugs the following can be
noted:

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The following can also help in identifying drug abusers.

a. They know the lingo of the abusers, i.e. OMAD. Chongki, Bitin, etc.
b. Presence of linear scar in the arms, forearms and abdomen.
c. Lobule of left ear punctured and some of the males even wear earrings.

PROCESS OF DETECTING DRUG ABUSERS

The detection of drug abuse involves five processes namely:

a. Observation
b. History taking
c. Laboratory examination
d. Psychological examination
e. Psychiatric evaluation

1. OBSERVATION

Observations of the signs and symptoms of drug abuse may take relatively a long period of time. Good sensory
equipment and a high degree of objectivity are two requirements for a good observer. To be an effective observer, the
observer should not let his own personal judgements and reactions affect his observations. He should exercise care in
his observation such that the suspected drug abuser is not made aware of being observed.

2. HISTORY TAKING

A. Collateral Information (Interview with information)

The best information is from the patient himself, but collateral information is necessary. Ideally, a parent or
close relative or a close friend should be present to furnish useful details as to the different changes observed in
the patient that made them suspect the subject is abusing drugs. These changes may be in his appearance,
behavior, mood, or interest.

Added information
1. If subject’s “barkadas” are also known drug abusers in the community.
2. He knows the language of drug dependents.
3. Seeing in his room, books or in his belongings or in his possession empty bottles of cough
syrups, empty medicine foils, MJ sticks or rolling paper.

B. Interview with patient

Inquire regarding the drugs being abused, onset of his drug taking activity, reason for abusing drugs, how he
supports his vice, etc.

3. LABORATORY EXAMINATION

Accurate laboratory examinations cannot be performed by any ordinary chemist since detection of dangerous
drugs requires sophisticated equipment and apparatus, special chemical reagents and most of all, the specialized
technical know-how.

4. PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION

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This phase of drug detection requires the expertise of trained psychologists. Teachers therefore are not in a
position to administer psychological examinations among their students. Psychological examination findings will
correspond to the general findings of a drug prone individual:
- drowsy or lethargic appearance accompanied by scratching and without alcoholic breath, tendency to
giggle excessively at things which others don’t consider funny, and over-active and over talkative

5. PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS

a. Intelligence Test – the test is designed to cover a wide variety of mental functions with special emphasis
on adjustment comprehension and reasoning.
b. Personality Test – this type of test is used to evaluate the character and personality traits of an
individual such as his emotional adjustment, interpersonal relation, motivation and attitude.
c. Aptitude Test – this test is to measure the readiness with which the individual increases his knowledge
and improves skills when given the necessary opportunity and training.
d. Interest Test – this is designed to reveal the field of interest that a client will be interested in.
e. Psychiatric Evaluation – it is a process whereby a team of professionals composed of psychiatrists,
psychologists, psychiatric social workers conduct an examination to determine whether or not a patient
is suffering from psychiatric disorder.

Practical Ways of Recognizing the Drug Addict

A drug abuser will do everything possible to conceal his habit. To be able to recognize the outward signs and
symptoms, it is equally important to realize that the drug problems are so complex. Even expert advice not to judge
abruptly an individual taking narcotics drug as it could lead to falsely accusing an innocent person.

It should also be remembered that a person might have a legitimate reason for possessing a tablets, syringe
and needle (may be a diabetic) having capsules (they may prescribe by doctor). Having the sniffles and running eyes
may due to head cold or an allergy. Unusual or add behavior may not be connected in any way with drug use.
Based on the lecture of U.S experts doctor of medicine, Forensic chemist at the London International Police academy
usually detect drugs abusers without too much trouble by means of the following:

1. Presence of drug on the person – which he may try to conceal.

2. Presence of equipment for smoking, drinking or injection of drugs.

3. Presence of hypodermic needle marks or tracks on arms and on various parts of the body.

4. Drug test on blood and Urinalysis

5. Drug intoxication in the absence of alcoholic smell. It is indicated by:

a. dilation or contraction of the pupils
b. unsteady gait and incoherent speech
c. loose mental processes, drowsiness and itching
d. tendency to laugh at trivial
e. Withdrawal symptoms

6. Nalline test indicates an opiate addict.

- A small dose (3 mg.) of nalline is injected into the body of the suspect. The size of the pupil of the
suspect is measured before and after the injection. An addict will show appreciable dilation of the
pupil. The drug has practically no effect on non-addicts.

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The General Profile of Drug Abusers

The data may help one in understanding drug abusers in the Philippines.
As to: The Profile

Age Mean age of 26 years (since 1996),

27 yrs (1999)
Sex Ratio of male to female remained 12: 1
Civil Status Single (55.78%)
Married (32.58%)
Separated (4.43%)
Family Size Three to four siblings in the family
Occupation Workers/Employees (42.51%)
Unemployed (21.75%)
Self-Employed (12.58%)
Students (12.16%)
Out-of-School Youth (3.68%)
Educational Attainment High school level (27.77%)
College level (27.07%)
High School Graduate (22.77%)
Economic Status Average monthly income of P5,290
Place of Residence Urban
Duration of Drug Taking More than two years
I.Q Average
Nature of Drug Taking Monodrug use
Drugs of Abuse Shabu; Marijuana

Actual Outward Physical Signs/ Symptoms of Drug Abusers:

The actual profile of an abuser of narcotic drugs may show some of the following manifestations.

1. Admission of the addict himself.

2. Consistently wear long-sleeved shirt or blouses, dark eye-classes unlikely times to hide dilated or constricted
pupils of eyes.
3. Blood spots around elbow areas of blouses shirt or pajamas.
4. Walk, talk and act as if under alcoholic influence.
5. Prolonged period of sleep or lethargy, abnormal sleepless, nervous, jumpy and talkative.
6. School works deteriorates (grades and home works)

7. Work habits, become slip-shod, too many emotional explosions, loss body weight., abnormal bowel habits,
blood-shot eyes.
8. Sloppy in dress and careless in bodily hygiene, inordinate desire for consumption of sweets. Unusual odor in
the house or room (marijuana, hash, or incense)
9. Develop defiant or contemptuous attitudes towards authority (Parents, Teachers, Police, Etc.) constant
demand for ever-increasing amount of money.
10. Takes money from everyone and fails to repay, steel and sells all possible items of value from home or
elsewhere when opportunity comes.
11. Receives or makes numerous phone calls to people who are unknown in the house. Associates only with
people who have the reputation for playing with using drugs.
12. Persistently lies when asked to explain in expected knock on the door.
13. Unrealistic attitudes, having difficult of concentration.

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The Personality Profile of a Filipino Drug Abuser

1. They are of average or above average intelligence

2. They are witty and manipulative
3. They have negative attitude, they demonstrate hostile feelings to the world or to anybody who does not want
to conform to what they want.
4. They are emotionally immature, selfish and demanding.
5. They want immediate gratification of needs and desires.
6. They have low frustration tolerance.
7. Their interest and aptitude are on dramatics, persuasive and musical field in that order.
2. They are depressed and excessively dependent.
3. They are rebellious and have impulsive behavior.
4. They are pleasure seeker and pathologically liars
5. They like to join anti social groups/ delinquent groups.
6. They have difficulty in solving problems.

THE GLOBAL DRUG SITUATION

Drug abuse has become not only a national issue or a problem of just a few countries but it is a clear and
present global danger.

Today, highly entrenched, well-organized drug syndicates are behind this menace. They employ the most
advanced and most sophisticated technology coupled with unlimited financial resources at their command and
disposal. Police agencies around the world, pooling their resources together are more often than not, the losers in a
game of hide-and-seek with the international drug syndicates (Sotto, 1994).

A. The 1st Important Drug Traffic Route

Middle East – discovery, plantation, cultivation, harvest

Turkey - preparation for distribution

Europe - manufacture, synthesis, refine

U.S. - Marketing

B. The 2nd Major Drug Traffic Route

A. Drugs that originates from the Golden Triangle

Burma/Myanmar

Laos Thailand

B. Drugs that originates from the Golden Crescent

- Iran
- Afghanistan

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- Pakistan
- India

C. World’s Drug Scene

1. Southeast Asia – the “Golden Triangle” approximately produced 60% of opium in the world, 90% percent
of opium in the eastern part of Asia. It is also the officially acknowledged source of Southeast Asian Heroin.
2. Southwest Asia – the “Golden Crescent” is the major supplier of opium poppy, MJ and Heroin products in
the western part of Asia. It produces at least 85% to 90% of all illicit heroin channeled in the drug underworld market.
3. Middle East – the Becka Valley of Lebanon is the biggest producer of cannabis in the Middle East.
Lebanon is also considered as the transit country for cocaine from South America to European markets.
4. Spain – major transshipment point for international drug traffickers in Europe – known as “the paradise of
drug users in Europe”.
5. South America – Columbia, Peru, Uruguay, and Panama are the sources of all cocaine supply in the
world.
6. Morocco – the number one producer of cannabis in the world. (2003 to 2006)
7. Philippines – the major transshipment point for the worldwide distribution of illegal drugs such as shabu
and cocaine from Taiwan and South America. The second world’s supplier of MJ and the drug paradise of drug
abusers in Asia.
8. India – center of the world’s drug map, leading to rapid addiction among its people.
9. Indonesia – Northern Sumatra has traditionally been the main cannabis growing area in Indonesia. Bali
Indonesia is an important transit point for drugs en route to Australia and New Zealand.
10. Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand – the most favorable sites of drug distribution from the “Golden
Triangle” and other parts of Asia.
11. China – the transit route for heroin from “Golden Triangle” to H.K.
12. Hong Kong – the world’s transshipment point of all forms of heroin.
13. Japan – the major consumer of cocaine and shabu from U. S. and Europe.

D. Organized Crime Groups behind the Global Drug Scene

Columbian Medellin Cartel

Founded during the 1980’s by Colombian drug lords in the name of Pablo Escobar Gaviria and drug bosses
Jose Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha and the top aid cocaine barons Juan David and the Ochoa Brothers.

The Medellin Cartel is reputedly responsible for organizing world’s drug trafficking network. The
Columbian government succeeded in containing the Medellin Cartel, which resulted in the death, surrender, and arrest
of the people behind the organization. This further resulted to the disbandment of the Cartel led to its downfall.

Cali Cartel

The downfall of the Columbian Medellin Cartel is the rise of the Cali Cartel - the newly emerged cocaine
monopoly. Gilberto Rodriquez Orajuela –Don Chepe - “the chess player” heads the syndicated organization. Under
him, the Cali cartel was considered the most powerful criminal organization in the world.
The cartel produces over 90% of cocaine in the world. Due to this, it was called the best and the brightest of
the modern underworld. “ They are professionals of the highest order, intelligent, efficient, imaginative, and nearly
impenetrable” – US - Drug Enforcement Agency.

The Chinese Triad

The Chinese Triad is also called the Chinese Mafia – the oldest and biggest criminal organization in the
world. It is believed to be the controller of the “Golden Triangle”.

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Drug Syndicates in the Philippines

The Binondo-based Chinese syndicate has been identified as the nucleus of the Triad Society, the Bamboo
gang based in Taiwan and the 14K based in Hong Kong. The Bamboo Gang is the influence of the Green Gang of the
Chinese Triad while the 14K is the newest among the triads families established only in 1947.

The most common “modus operandi” by the syndicates – posing as fishermen along Philippine seas,
particularly, the northern provinces of Luzon such as La Union, Ilocos, and Pangasinan where they drop their loads of
shabu to shoreline based members. The syndicates are famously involved in marijuana cultivation and other drug
smuggling including drug manufacture.

THE DANGEROUS DRUGS

A. According to Effects

1. Depressants – those that depress the CNS

2. Stimulants – those that stimulate the CNS
3. Hallucinogens – those that distort perception, mind; alter moods

B. According to Medical Pharmacology

1. Depressants
2. Narcotics
3. Tranquilizers
4. Stimulants
5. Hallucinogens
6. Solvents/Inhalants

The Depressants (Downers)

These are group of drugs, which suppress vital body functions especially those of the brain or central
nervous system with the resulting impairment of judgment, hearing, speech and muscular coordination. They dull the
minds, slow down body reactions to such an extent that accidental deaths and/or suicides usually happen. They
include the narcotics, barbiturates, tranquilizers, alcohol and other volatile solvents. These drugs, when taken in,
generally decrease both the mental and the physical activities of the body. They cause depression, relieve pain and
induce sedation or sleep and suppress cough.

1. Narcotics - are drugs, which relieve pain and produce profound sleep or stupor. Medically, they are
potent painkillers, cough depressants and as an active component of anti-diarrheal preparations. Opium
and it derivatives like morphine, codeine and heroin, as well as the synthetic opiates, meperidine and
methadone, are classified as narcotics.
2. Opium – derived from a poppy plant – Papaver somniferum popularly known as “gum”, “gamot”,
“kalamay” or “panocha”.
3. Morphine - most commonly used and best used opiate. Effective as a painkiller six times potent than
opium, with a high dependence – producing potential. Morphine exerts action characterized by
analgesia, drowsiness, mood changes, and mental clouding.
4. Heroin – is three to five times more powerful than morphine from which it is derived and the most
addicting opium derivative. With continued use, addiction occurs within 14 days. It may be sniffed on
swallowed but is usually injected in the veins.
2. Codeine – a derivative of morphine, commonly available in cough preparations. These cough medicines
have been widely abused by the young whenever hard narcotics are difficult to obtain. Withdrawal
symptoms are less severe than other drugs.

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3. Paregoric – a tincture of opium in combination with camphor. Commonly used as a household remedy
for diarrhea and abdominal pain.

4. Demerol and Methadone – common synthetic drugs with morphine – like effects. Demerol is widely
used as a painkiller in childbirth while methadone is the drug of choice in the withdrawal treatment of
heroin dependents since it relieves the physical craving for heroin.
5. Barbiturates – are drugs used for inducing sleep in persons plagued with anxiety, mental stress, and
insomnia. They are also of value in the treatment of epilepsy and hypertension. They are available in
capsules, pills or tablets, and taken orally or injected.
6. Seconal – commonly used among hospitality girls. Sudden withdrawal from these drugs is even more
dangerous than opiate withdrawal. The dependent develops generalized convulsions and delirium,
which are frequently associated with heart and respiratory failure.
7. Tranquilizers – are drugs that calm and relax and diminish anxiety. They are used in the treatment of
nervous states and some mental disorders without producing sleep.
8. Volatile Solvents – gaseous substances popularly known to abusers as “gas”, “teardrops”. Examples are
plastic glues, hair spray, finger nail polish, lighter fluid, rugby, paint, thinner, acetone, turpentine
gasoline, kerosene, varnishes and other aerosol products. They are inhaled by the use plastic bags,
handkerchief or rags soaked in these chemicals.
9. Alcohol – the king of all drugs with potential for abuse. Most widely used, socially accepted and most
extensively legalized drug throughout the world. In the field of medicine, it is “valuable” as disinfectant,
as an external remedy for reducing high fever among children, and as preservative and solvent for
pharmaceutical preparations like elixirs, spirits and tincture.

The Stimulants (Uppers)

They produce effects opposite to that of depressants. Instead of bringing about relaxation and sleep, they
produce increased mental alertness, wakefulness, reduce hunger, and provide a feeling of well being. Their medical
users include narcolepsy – a condition characterized by an overwhelming desire to sleep. Abrupt withdrawal of the
drug from the heavy abuser can result in a deep and suicidal depression.

1. Amphetamines – used medically for weight reducing in obesity, relief of mild

depression and treatment
2. Cocaine – taken orally, injected or sniffed as to achieve euphoria or an intense feeling
of “highness”.
3. Caffeine – it is present in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks, and some wake-up pills.
2. Shabu/ “poor man’s cocaine” – chemically known as methamphetamine. It is a central nervous system
stimulant and sometimes called “upper” or “speed”. It is white, colorless crystal or crystalline powder
with a bitter numbing taste. It can be taken orally, inhaled (snorted), sniffed (chasing the dragon) or
injected.
3. Nicotine – an active component in tobacco, which acts as a powerful stimulant of the central nervous
system. A drop of pure nicotine can easily kill a person.

The Hallucinogens (Psychedelic)

Consists of a variety of mind-altering drugs, which distort reality, thinking and perceptions of time, sound,
space and sensation. The user experiences hallucination (false perception), which at times can be strange. His “trips”
may be exhilarating or terrifying good or bad. They may dislocate his consciousness and change his mood, thinking
and concept of self.

1. Marijuana – It is the most commonly abused hallucinogen in the Philippines because it can be grown
extensively in the country. Many users choose to smoke marijuana for relaxation in the same way
people drink beer or cocktail at the end of the day. The effects of marijuana include a feeling of
grandeur. It can also produce the opposite effect, a dreamy sensation of time seeming to stretch out.
2. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) – This drug is the most powerful of the psychedelics obtained from
ergot, a fungus that attacks rye kernels. LSD is 1, 000 times more powerful than marijuana as supply,
large enough for a trip can be taken from the glue on the flab of an envelope, from the paste of a

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postage stamp, or from the hidden areas inside one’s clothes. LSD causes perceptual changes so that
the user sees colors, shapes, or objects more intensely than normal and may have hallucinations of
things that are not real. To him real objects seem to change, buildings seem to be crackling open, and
walls pulsating. He experiences frequent bizarre hallucinations, loss spatial perceptions, personality
diffusion and changes in values. Usually, users perceive distortion of time, colors, sounds and depth.
They experience “scent” music and sounds in “colors”.
3. Peyote – Peyote is derived from the surface part of a small gray brown cactus. Peyote emits a
nauseating odor and its user suffers from nausea. This drug causes no physical dependence and,
therefore, no withdrawal symptoms, although in some cases psychological dependence has been noted.
4. Mescaline – It is the alkaloid hallucinogen extracted from the peyote cactus and can also be synthesized
in the laboratory. It produces less nausea than peyote and shows effects resembling those of LSD
although milder in nature. One to two hours after the drug is taken in a liquid or powder form, delusions
begin to occur. Optical hallucinations follow one upon another in rapid succession. These are
accompanied by imperfect coordination and perception with a sensation of impeded motion, and a
marked sense that time is still standing. Mescaline does not cause physical dependence.
5. STP – It is a take-off on the motor oil additive. It is a chemical derivative of mescaline claimed to
produce more violent and longer effects than mescaline dose. Its effects are similar to the nerve gas
used in chemical warfare. It is less potent than LSD although its effects are similar to those of
psychedelics.
6. Psilocybin – This hallucinogenic alkaloid from small Mexican mushrooms are used by Mexican Indians
today. These mushrooms induced nausea, muscular relaxation, mood changes with visions of bright
colors and shapes, and other hallucinations. These effects may last for four to five hours and later may
be followed by depressions, laziness, and complete loss of time and space perceptions.
7. Morning Glory Seeds – The black and brown seeds of the wild tropical morning glory that are used to
produce hallucinations. The seeds are ground into flour, soaked in cold water, then strained though a
cloth and drunk. They are sold under the names of “heavenly blues”, “flying dancers’, and “pearly
gates”. The active ingredient in the seed is similar to LSD although less potent. The reactions are
likened to those resulting from LSD. Prolonged psychosis is also one of its effects.

COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS

Drugs that are commonly abused depending on their pharmacological effects may be classified into:

1. Sedatives – drugs which reduce anxiety and excitement such as barbiturates, non-barbiturates,
tranquilizers and alcohol.
2. Stimulants – drugs which increase alertness and activity such as amphetamines, cocaine and caffeine.
3. Hallucinogens/Psychedelics – drugs which affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness and emotion.
Changes in time and space perception, delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations) may be mild or overwhelming,
dispensing on dose and quality of the drug. This includes LSD, mescaline and marijuana.
4. Narcotics – drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep. The opiates, which are narcotics, include opium
and drugs derived from opium, such as morphine, codeine and heroin.

THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. PHYSICAL EFFECTS

a. Malnutrition – The life of an addict revolves around drug use. He misses even his regular meals. He
losses appetite and eventually develops malnutrition. Likewise, the drug dependent who has tried on his
own to withdraw may suffer from severe gastrointestinal disturbance that results to severe dehydration.

b. Skin Infections and Skin Rashes - Oftentimes the drug abuser neglects his personal hygiene, uses
unsterilized needles and syringes that result in skin infections or even ulceration at the sites of the
needle puncture. Skin rashes may even occur as a side effect or sensitivity reaction to certain drugs of
abuse.

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Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, viral hepatitis, sequelae of
drug abuse. Marijuana smoking can produce physical conditions like chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Physically ill persons, like a tuberculosis individual who has suffered so much from his illness may resort to
drug taking as a temporary measure for relief. A drug abuser, because of his use of unsterilized
paraphernalia, tends to develop lowered resistance and becomes susceptible to various infections, among
them are viral hepatitis, and HIV infections/AIDS.

An individual suffering from arthritis or terminal cancer who experiences acute, unbearable pains
and insomnia is likely to become a drug dependent to opiates or sedatives.

2. PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

a. Deterioration of personality with impaired emotional maturation.

b. Impairment of adequate mental function.
c. Loss of drive and ambition.
d. Development of psychosis and depression.
e. Loss of interest to study.
f. Laziness, lethargy, boredom and restlessness.
g. Irritability, rebellious attitude.
h. Withdrawn forgetfulness.

3. SOCIAL EFFECTS

a. Deterioration of interpersonal relationship and development of conflict with authority.

b. Leads to crime.
c. Social maladjustment; loss of desire to work, study and participate in activities or to face
challenges.

4. MENTAL EFFECTS

a. Adverse effect on the central nervous system. Regular use or injection of large doses of a
substance reduces the activity of the brain and depresses the central nervous system. The drug
dependent then manifests changes in his mind and behavior that are undesirable by people in his
environment.
b. Deterioration of the mind.

The dependent is a “mental invalid” in the sense that drugs can manipulate him, make him lose his power,
and prod him to behave contrary to what he usually think is right. These drugs are essentially reality modifiers, which
create a masked sense of well being by either dulling or distorting sensory perceptions and providing a temporary
means of escape from personal difficulties, either real or imaginary. They can reduce or accelerate activity to create
indifference, depressive mood, or carelessness.

As a result, the abuser’s mind deteriorates gradually. In other instances, he abruptly loses interest and
motivation in the pursuit of achievement and constructive goals.

Instead of providing him relaxation and escape from discomfort, drug, alcohol and tranquilizers may blur his
attempts to come to terms with reality. His character becomes weak and inadequate in coping with his problems.

5. ECONOMIC EFFECTS

a. Inability to hold stable job.

It is impossible for a drug abuser to hold a steady job since he spends all his time and money on drugs.
If he does not have a regular job, he and his friends steal to raise money. If he has one, he would be unable to
concentrate since he would be either over-stimulated or lazy and drowsy.

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b. Dependence on family resources.

Instead of contributing to the economic stability of the family, a dependent becomes an

economic burden. Besides depending on the family for his basic necessities, he also has to rely on the family
resources to provide him money for the support of his expensive habit.

c. Accidents in industry.

In a state of agitation or dullness of the mind as a result of the drug he has taken, the dependent
becomes careless and loses concentration on his job. Consequently, an accident may occur which may
adversely affect both drug abuser and his co-workers.

SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE ON THE DANGEROUS DRUGS

COMMON EFFECTS/SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE

Effects Downers (depressants) Uppers (stimulants) Psychedelics

Changes in the eyes
Locomotive changes
(hallucinogens)
Pupils constricted Dilated Marijuana – no change in
pupils but the conjunctivae
are red because of dilation
of the vessels of the eyes.
Other hallucinogens –
pupils are dilated.
Decrease Increase None

Speech Under-productive, Under- Talkative, Loquacious with None

talkative flight of ideas
Hallucination None None Present usually in visual
field
Delusion None Usually encountered Sometimes encountered
Vital signs i.e. temperature, Low High Usually no change
blood pressure, pulse rate,
respiratory rate

1. DEPRESSANTS

a. Narcotics

1. lethargy, drowsiness
2. pupils are constricted and fail to respond to light
3. inhaling heroin in powder form leaves traces of white powder around nostrils causing redness
4. injecting heroin leaves scars, usually on the inner surface of the arms and elbows although user
may inject drug in the body where needle marks will not be seen readily
5. user often leaves syringes, bent spoons, bottle caps, eye droppers, cotton and needles in lockers
at school or hidden at home
6. user scratches self frequently
7. loss if appetite
8. sniffles, running nose, red watery eyes, coughing which disappears when user gets a “fix”

b. Barbiturates/Tranquilizers

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1. symptoms of alcohol intoxication without odor or alcohol on breath

2. staggering or stumbling
3. falling asleep unexplainably
4. drowsiness, may appear disoriented
5. lack of interest in school and family activities

c. Volatile Solvents

1. odor of substance on breath and clothes

2. excessive nasal secretions, watering of eyes
3. poor muscular control
4. increased preference for being with a group rather than being alone
5. plastic or paper bags or rags, containing dry plastic cement or other solvent, found at home or in
locker at school or at work
6. slurred speech

2. STIMULANTS

a. Amphetamines/Cocaine/Speed/Bunnies/Ups

1. pupils may be dilated

2. mouth and nose dry, bad breath; licks lips frequently
3. goes long periods without eating or sleeping; nervous; has difficulty sitting still
4. chain smoking
5. if injecting drug, user may have hidden eye droppers and needles among possessions

b. Shabu

1. produces elevations of mood, heightened alertness and increased energy

2. some individuals may become anxious, irritable or loquacious
3. causes decreased appetite and insomnia

3. HALLUCINOGENS

a. Marijuana

1. may appear animated with rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter
2. sleepy or stuporous
3. pupils are dilated
4. odor(similar to burnt rope) on clothing or breath
5. remnants of marijuana, either loose or in partially smoked “joints” in clothing or possessions

b. LSD/STP/DMT/THC

1. user usually sits or reclines quietly in a dream or trance – like state

2. user may become fearful and experience a degree of terror which makes him attempt to escape
from his group
3. senses of sight, hearing, touch, body image and time are distorted
4. mood and behavior are affected, the manner depending upon emotional and environmental
condition of the user

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INDIVIDUAL EFFECTS OF THE DANGEROUS DRUGS

1. DEPRESSANTS

a. Death due to respiratory arrest.

b. In large doses can cause respiratory depression and coma, the combination of depressants and alcohol can
multiply the effect of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks.
c. Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drug
and show withdrawal symptom shortly after they are born. Birth defects and behavioral problems may also
result.

2. STIMULANTS

a. Death due to infections, high blood pressures.

b. Extremely high doses can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and even
physical collapse.

Shabu

a. Overdosage leads to chest pains, hypertension, acute psychotic reaction, convulsions and death due to
cardiac arrest
b. Due to the appetite suppressing effects of shabu, pregnant mother may become malnourished. This
may affect the nutritional needs of the baby.
c. Babies born to shabu-using women show sever emotional disturbances.

3. HALLUCINOGENS

Marijuana

a. Can lead to serious mental changes (psychoses) like insanity, suicidal and/or homicidal tendencies
b. Poor impulse control.
c. Damage to chromosomes, hence, affecting potentially the offspring.

Effects On The Body

a. Brain – impairs skills for driving cars and operating machinery, interferes with memory, and intellect.
b. Eyes – lowers pressure inside eye ball
c. Heart – raises heart rate, potentially hazardous to heart patients
d. Lungs – impairs lung functions
e. Reproductive Organ – decreases sex hormones and sperm production in males
f. Immune System – impairs immunity of the body against infection and cancer

APPROACHES TO THE DRUG PROBLEM

The present nature and extent of drug abuse and misuse among the youth constitutes one of the gravest
health problems facing the nation and the world today. Public concern about drug abuse is focused not only on drugs
that can be abused but also on the individual who misuses them.

Today, there are many measures undertaken by both the private and the government sectors in the fight
against drug abuse as a disease of society. This includes the major approaches as follows:

A. The Law Enforcement Approach

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B. The Treatment and Rehabilitation Approach

C. The Educational Approach
D. The International Efforts Against Drug Abuse

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT APPROACH

The Philippine government considers drug abuse as a multi-faceted problem that threatens the health and
well being of the Filipinos across all levels of society. The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic
Act No. 9165 was enacted to add more teeth on the government response to the ongoing problem on drug abuse in
the country. This is the major arm of the government in its law enforcement approaches that derived from the supply
and demand reduction strategies.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165: Important Features

R.A. 9165 – COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002 (Approved on June 7, 2002 -
Effective July 4, 2002)

What is Dangerous Drug under this law?

Includes those listed in the schedules annexed to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as
amended by the 1972 Protocol, and the schedules annexed to the 1971 Single Convention on Psychotropic
Substances (Art 1, Sec. 3).

Ex. MMDA – Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstacy), Tetrahydrocannabinol (MJ); Mescaline (Peyote)

What are the Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals?

Include those listed in Tables I and II of the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotrophic Substances (Art 1, Sec 3)

Ex. Table 1 – Acetic Anhydride, N- Acetyl Anthranilic Acid, Epedrine, Ergometrine, Lysergic Acid
Table 2 – Acetone, Ethyl Ether, Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, etc.

NOTE:

Under RA 6425 (Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972), Dangerous drugs refers to the Prohibited drugs, Regulated
drugs and Volatile substances.
Prohibited Drugs – ex. Opium and its derivatives, Cocaine and its derivatives, Hallucinogen drugs like MJ,
LSD, and Mescaline
Regulated drugs – ex. Barbiturates, Amphetamines, Tranquillizers
Volatile Substances – ex. rugby, paints, thinner, glue, gasoline

Table 8. What are the Unlawful Acts and Penalties?

Unlawful Acts Penalty

Importation of Dangerous drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and
Essential Chemicals (sec. 4)
Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and
transportation of Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and
Essential Chemicals (sec. 5)
Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort where dangerous drugs are
used or sold in any form (sec. 6)
Being an employee or visitor of a den, dive or resort (sec. 7)
Life Imprisonment to Death and a fine
ranging from P500, 000 to P10 Million
Life Imprisonment to Death and a fine
ranging from P500, 000 to P10 Million
Life Imprisonment to Death and a fine
ranging from P500, 000 to P10 Million
Imprisonment ranging from 12 yrs and 1 day
to 20 yrs and a fine ranging from P100, 000

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to P500, 000.
Manufacture of dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Life Imprisonment to Death and a fine
Essential Chemicals (sec. 8) ranging from P500, 000 to P10 Million

Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled Precursors and Essential
Chemicals (sec. 9)
Manufacture or Delivery of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and
other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled
Precursors and Essential Chemicals (sec. 10)
Imprisonment ranging from 12 yrs and 1 day
to 20 yrs and a fine ranging from P100, 000
to P500, 000.
Imprisonment ranging from 12 yrs and 1 day
to 20 yrs and a fine ranging from P100, 000
to P500, 000.

Possession of Dangerous Drugs Life Imprisonment to Death and a fine

(sec. 11) ranging from P500, 000 to P10 Million

Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other Imprisonment ranging from 6 mos and 1 day
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs to 4 yrs and a fine ranging from P10, 000 to
(sec. 12) P50, 000
Possession of dangerous Drugs during Parties, Social Gatherings or The maximum penalties provided for Sec. 11.
Meetings (sec. 13), and
Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs during Parties, Social Gatherings
or Meetings (sec. 14)
Use of Dangerous Drugs (sec. 15) Minimum 6 mos rehabilitation (1st offense),
Imprisonment ranging from 6 yrs and 1 day to
12 yrs and a fine ranging from P50,000 to
P200, 000 (2nd Offense)

NOTE:

Section 15 shall not be applicable where the person tested is also found to have in his/her possession such
quantity of any dangerous drug provided in sec.11, in which case the penalty provided in sec. 11 shall apply.

Cultivation of Plants classified as dangerous drugs or are sources
thereof (sec. 16)
Failure to comply with the maintenance and keeping of the original
records of transaction on any dangerous drugs and/or controlled
precursors and Essential Chemicals on the part of practioners,
manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, distributors, dealers, or
retailers (sec. 17)
Unnecessary Prescription of Dangerous Drugs (sec. 18)
Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous Drugs (sec.19)
Life Imprisonment to Death and a fine ranging
from P500, 000 to P10 Million
Imprisonment ranging from 1 yr and 1 day to 6
yrs and a fine ranging from P10, 000 to P50,
000
Plus revocation of license to practice
profession.
Imprisonment ranging from 12 yrs and 1 day to
20 yrs and a fine ranging from P100, 000 to
P500, 000.
Plus revocation of license to practice profession
Life imprisonment to Death and a fine ranging
from P500, 000 to 10 Million pesos

NOTE:

The Possession of Dangerous drugs in the following quantities, regardless of degree of purity: 10 grams or
more of opium; morphine; heroin; cocaine; MJ resin; 10 grams or more of MMDA, LSD and similar dangerous drugs;
50 grams or more of “shabu”/ Methamphetamine Hydrochloride; 500 grams or more of Marijuana.

If the quantity involved is less than the foregoing, the penalties shall be graduated as follows:

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1. Life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P400, 000 to P500, 000 if “shabu” is 10 grams or more but less
than 50 grams;

2. Imprisonment of 20 yrs and 1 day to Life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P400, 000 to P500, 000 if
the quantities of dangerous drugs are 5 grams or more but less than 10 grams of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, mj
resin, shabu, MMDA, and 300 grams or more but less than 500 grams of marijuana

3. Imprisonment of 12 yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a fine ranging from P300, 000 to P400, 000 if the
quantities of dangerous drugs are less than 5 grams of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, mj resin, shabu, MMDA, and
less than 300 grams of marijuana.

The Unlawful Acts Punishable by Death Penalty

(Prior to the abolition of Death Penalty)

1. Importation or bringing into the Philippines of dangerous drugs using diplomatic passport or facilities or any
means involving his/her official status to facilitate unlawful entry of the same (sec 4, Art II).
2. Upon any person who organizes, manages or acts as “financiers” of any of the activities involving dangerous
drugs (sec 4, 5, 6, 8 Art II).
3. Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and transportation of Dangerous Drugs
and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals with in 100 meters from the school (sec 5, Art II).
4. Drugs pushers who use minors or mentally incapacitated individuals as runners, couriers and messengers or
in any other capacity directly connected to the dangerous drug trade (sec 5, Art II).
5. If the victim of the offense is a minor or mentally incapacitated individual, or should a dangerous drug and/or
controlled precursors and essential chemical involved in the offense be the proximate cause of death of the
victim (sec 5, Art II).
6. When dangerous drug is administered, delivered or sold to a minor who is allowed to use the same in such a
place (sec 6, Art II).
7. Upon any person who uses a minor or mentally incapacitated individual to deliver equipment, instrument,
apparatus and other paraphernalia for dangerous drugs (sec. 10, Art II).
8. Possession of dangerous Drugs during Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings (sec. 13), and Possession of
Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs during Parties, Social
Gatherings or Meetings (sec. 14)

What is the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)?

The DDB is the policy-making body and strategy-making body in the planning and formulation of policies and
programs on drug prevention and control. (under the Office of the President) (sec. 77, Art IX)

Composition: 17 members (3 as permanent, 12 as ex-officio, 2 regular members)(sec. 78, Art IX)

3 permanent members: to be appointed by the President, one to be the Chairman.

12 ex officio members:
Secretary of DOJ, DOH, DND, DOF, DOLE, DILG, DSWD, DFA, and DepEd, Chairman of CHED, NYC, and
the Dir.Gen of PDEA.

2 regular members: President of the IBP, and the Pres/Chaiman of an NGO involved in a dangerous drug
campaign to be appointed by the President.

The NBI Director the Chief of the PNP – permanent consultant of the Board.

What are the Powers and Duties of the DDB?

(sec. 81, Art IX)

1. Formulation of Drug Prevention and Control Strategy,

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2. Promulgation of Rules and Regulation to carry out the purposes of this Act,
3. Conduct policy studies and researches,
4. Develop educational programs and info drive,
5. Conduct continuing seminars and consultations,
6. Design special training,
7. Coordination with agencies for community service programs,
8. Maintain international networking.

What is the PDEA?

PDEA means Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

It is the implementing arm of the DDB and responsible for the efficient and effective law enforcement of all
the provisions on any dangerous drugs and/ or precursors and essential chemicals.

Head: Director General – appointed by the President

Assisted By: 2 Deputies Director General (one for Admin, another for Opns) – appointed by the President
(sec. 82, Art IX).

PDEA Operating Units:

It absorbed the NDLE-PCC (created under E.O. 61), NARCOM of the PNP, Narcotics Division of the NBI,
and the Customs Narcotics Interdiction Unit (sec. 86, Art IX).

What are the Powers and Functions of the PDEA?

(sec. 84, Art IX)

1. Cause the effective and efficient implementation of the national drug control strategy,
2. Enforcement of the provisions of Art II of this Act,
3. Undertake investigation, make arrest and apprehension of violators and seizure and confiscation of
dangerous drugs,
4. Establish forensic laboratories,
5. Filing of appropriate drug cases,
6. Conduct eradication programs,
7. Maintain a national drug intelligence system,
8. Close coordination with local and international drug agencies.

Other Features of R.A 9165

1. In the revised law, importation of any illegal drug, regardless of quantity and purity or any part therefrom even
for floral, decorative and culinary purposes is punishable with life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging
from P500, 000 to P10 million.

2. The trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs is also
punishable by life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500, 000 to P10 million.

3. Any person who shall sell, trade, administer, dispense, deliver, give away to another or distribute, dispatch in
transit or transport any dangerous drugs regardless of quantity and purity shall be punished with life
imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500, 000 to P10 million.
 But if the sale, administration, delivery, distribution or transportation of any of these illegal
drugs transpires with in 100 meters from any school, the maximum penalty shall be
imposed.
 Pushers who use minors or mentally incapacitated individuals as runners, couriers, and
messengers or in dangerous drug transactions shall also be meted with the maximum
penalty.

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 A penalty of 12 yrs to 20 yrs imprisonment shall be imposed on financiers, coddlers, and

managers of the illegal activity.

4. The law also penalizes anybody found in possession of any item or paraphernalia used to administer,
produce, cultivate, propagate, harvest, compound, convert, process, pack, store, contain or conceal illegal
drugs with an imprisonment of 12 yrs to 20 yrs and a fine of P100, 000 to P500, 000.

5. Owners of resorts, dives, establishments, and other places where illegal drugs are administered is deemed
liable under this new law, the same shall be confiscated and escheated in favor of the government.

6. Any person who shall be convicted of violation of this new law, regardless of the quantity of the drugs and the
penalty imposed by the court shall not be allowed to avail the privilege provisions of the Probation Law (P.D.
968).

(sec.58, Art VIII) Filing of charges against a drug dependent for confinement and rehabilitation under voluntary
submission program can be made:

1. second commitment to the center

2. upon recommendation of the DDB
3. may be charge for violation of sec. 15
4. if convicted – confinement and rehabilitation

Parents, spouse or guardian who refuses to cooperate with the Board or any concerned agency in the
treatment and rehabilitation of a drug dependent may be cited for Contempt of Court (sec. 73, Art VIII).

Anti-Drug Drives and Operational Concepts

The Operational Plans (OPLANS) against the Drug Problem are:

1. Oplan Thunderbolt I –operation to create impact to the underworld

2. Oplan Thunderbolt II –operations to neutralize suspected illegal drug laboratories
3. Oplan Thunderbolt III – Operations for the neutralization of big time drug pushers’ drug dealers and drug
lords.
4. Oplan Iceberg – Special operations team in selected drug prone areas in order to get rid of illegal drug
activities in the area.
5. Oplan Hunter – operations against suspected military and police personnel who are engage in illegal drug
activities.
6. Oplan Mercurion – Operations against drug stores, which are violating existing regulations on the scale of
regulated drugs in coordination with the DDB, DOH and BFAD.
7. Oplan Tornado – Operations in drug notorious and high profile places.
8. Oplan Greengold – nation wide MJ eradication operations in coordination with the local governments and
NGO’s.
9. Oplan Sagip-Yagit – A civic program initiated by NGO’s and local government offices to help eradicate drug
syndicates involving street children as drug conduit.
10. Oplan Banat – the newest operational plan against drug abuse focused in the barangay level in cooperation
with barangay officials.
11. Oplan Athena – operation conducted to neutralize the 14k, the Bamboo gang and other local organized
crimes groups involved in illegal drug trafficking.
12. Oplan Cyclops – operations against Chinese triad members involved in the illegal drug operations particularly
Methamphetamine Hydrocloride.

In the conduct of anti-drug operations, the following must be strictly considered:

1. Respect for Human Rights (Sec. 11, Art. 2, Phil. Constitution)

2. Respect for right of the people to due process and equal protection (Sec. 1, Art. 3, Phil. Constitution)
3. Respect of Right of the people against unreasonable search and seizure. (Sec. 2, Art. 3, Phil. Constitution).

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4. Respect for right of the people to privacy of communication (Sec. 3, Art. 3, Phil. Constitution).
5. Respect for constitutional rights of the accused undergoing custodial investigation (RA 7438), (Sec. 12, Art.
3, Phil. Constitution)
6. Respect for the statutory rights of the accused undergoing custodial investigation under RA 7438.

The Principles of Drug Operations are:

1. Knowledge on circumstances on when to use necessary force (Art. 11, Chapter 3, RPC).
2. Knowledge on the statutory provisions on arrest (Rule 113, Rules on Criminal Procedures).
3. Knowledge on the administrative guidelines on arrest, search and seizure.
4. The Miranda Doctrine (384 U.S. 346)
5. Warrantless Search and Search incidental to lawful arrest (Rule 126, Rules on Criminal Procedure).

National Campaign Strategies

1. Demand Reduction Strategy

a. Preventive education and information campaigns to prevent further demand of society

particularly the youth.
b. Treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents.

2. Supply Reduction Strategy

a. Dangerous Drug Law enforcement

b. Judicial and Legislative measures

Operational Plans against the Drug Problem

1. Oplan Thunderbolt I – operations to create impact to the underworld.

2. Oplan Thunderbolt II – operations to neutralize suspected illegal drug laboratories.
3. Oplan Thunderbolt III – operations for the neutralization of big time drug pushers, drug dealers
and drug lords.
4. Oplan Iceberg – special operations team in selected drug prone areas in order to get rid of
illegal drug activities in the area.
5. Oplan Hunter – operations against suspected military and police personnel who are engaged
in illegal drug activities.
6. Oplan Mercurio – operations against drug stores, which are violating existing regulations on
the scale of regulated drugs in coordination with the DDB/DOH and BFAD.
7. Oplan Tornado – operations in drug notorious and high profile places.
8. Oplan Greengold –nationwide MJ eradication operations in coordination with the local
governments and NGO’s.
9. Oplan Sagip-Yagit – A civic program initiated by NGO’s and local government offices to help
eradicate drug syndicates involving street children as drug conduits.
10. Oplan Banat – the newest operational plan against drug abuse focused in the barangay level
in cooperation with barangay officials.

Rules on Narcotics Operations

General Rules and Procedures:

1. Only specially trained and competent drug enforcement personnel shall conduct drug
enforcement and prevention operations.
2. All drug enforcement and prevention operations shall be covered by a Pre-Operations report.
3. All steps taken before, during, and after the conduct of the operation must be documented
and properly authenticated.

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4. Operating units shall promptly submit written a report after the operation.
5. No apprehendee or seized item shall be released without authorization from the duly
designated authority.
6. All pieces of evidence confiscated will be deposited with the proper Evidence Custodian for
safekeeping and proper handling.
7. Each participating element must be given clear and do-able task.
Coverage of the Rules

1. Coverage: The rules covers the following anti-narcotics operations.

a. Buy-bust Operations
b. Search with warrant
c. MJ Eradication
d. Mobile Check point Operations
e. Airport/Seaport Interdiction
f. Controlled delivery
g. Undercover Operations
h. Narcotics Investigation

2. Stages of Operations:

Phase I – Initial stage

 Planning and preparations which include surveillance, casing, reconnaissance and

other preliminary activities.
 Conduct the operation

Phase II – Action and post-action stage

 Tactical interrogation (follow-up operation)

 Post operation
 Custodial Investigation
 Prosecution
 Trial
 Resolution

Buy-Bust Operations

a. Concept: It is a form of entrapment employed by peace officers as an effective way of apprehending a

criminal in the act of the commission of the offense. Entrapment has received judicial sanction as long as it is
carried with due regard to constitutional and legal safeguards.

b. Planning and Preparation: The operation must be preceded by an intensive surveillance, casing, or other
intelligence operations and gathering, evaluation and timely dissemination. Intelligence must be evidence-
based and shall be supported by documents such as summaries of info, maps, sketches, affidavits and
sworn statements.

Search For Drug Evidence with Warrant

a. Concept: A search warrant is an order in writing issued in the name of the People of the Philippines, signed
by a judge and directed to a peace officer, commanding him to search for personal property described
therein and bring it before the court. (Sec. 1, Rule 126, Revised Rules of Court)

b. Planning and Preparation:

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1. Prior to the procurement of search warrant, intensive intelligence data gathering must be
undertaken, evidence-based and supported by credible documents.
2. Conduct of surveillance, casing, and other intelligence operations.
3. Identification, movement, activities and location of suspects should be established.
4. Search warrant shall be applied with competent court
5. Conduct of Operation
6. Submission of reports

Marijuana Eradication

a. Concept: Marijuana eradication involves the location and destruction of marijuana plantations, including the
identification, arrest and prosecution of the planter, owner or cultivator, and the escheating of the land where
the plantations are located.

b. Planning and Preparation: The planning and operation shall be preceded by intelligence gathering to verify
the existence of marijuana plantation and the existence to be supported by documentary evidence such as
summary of information, maps, sketches, photographs and others. The intelligence gathering must be
appropriately documented by pre-operations orders and after-casing reports.

c. Conduct of Operation:

1. Briefing, rehearsals, and proper formations.

2. Exact location of the plantation must be established.
3. Identify owner of the land or the cultivators.
4. Coordination with other operating units in the area.
5. Barangay eradication team should be organized.
6. Strict compliance with SOPs under Rules of Opns.

Mobile Checkpoint Operations

a. Concept: No other forms of checkpoints other than mobile checkpoints are authorized for drug enforcement
and prevention operations. They shall be established only in conjunction with on-going operations/situation or
when there is a need to arrest a criminal.

b. Planning and Operation: Intensive intelligence gathering supported by credible documents, with proper pre-
operations orders and after surveillance or after casing reports.

c. Conduct of Operations shall be in consonance with the existing SOPs on checkpoint operations.

Airport and Seaport Interdiction

a. Concept: Airport and seaport interdiction involves the conduct of surveillance, interception and interdiction of
persons and evidence during travel by air or sea vessels.

b. Planning and Operation: Intensive intelligence gathering supported by credible documents, with proper pre-
operations orders and after surveillance or after casing reports.

c. Conduct of Operations

1. Coordination with airport and seaport authorities.

2. Operations shall be in consonance with the existing SOPs on airport and seaport
checks/operations.

Controlled Delivery

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a. Concept: This is the technique of allowing illicit or suspect consignment of narcotic drugs, psychotropic
substances or substances substituted for them to pass out of, through or into the territory of one or more
countries, with the knowledge and under the supervision of their competent authorities with a view to
identifying persons involved in the commission of drug related offenses. International cooperation in
facilitating the controlled delivery of illicit drugs is considered the most effective means to neutralize
transnational criminal syndicates.

b. Planning and Operation: Intensive intelligence gathering and evaluation to determine the applicability of
controlled delivery operations. It must be supported by credible documents, with proper pre-operations
orders and after surveillance or after casing reports. A committee or board shall be constituted to study the
project proposal for the suitable employment of a controlled delivery operation.

c. Conduct of Operations

1. Proper formation for accounting of personnel

2. Coordination with airport, seaport and other travel agency authorities.
3. Operations shall be in consonance with the existing SOPs on controlled delivery operations.

Undercover Operations

a. Concept: Undercover operation is an investigative technique in which the personnel involve assumes
different identities in order to obtain the necessary information. This technique may also be considered as a
method of surveillance.

b. Planning and Operation: Undercover operations shall be resorted to only under circumstances where
evidence can be hardly obtained in an open investigation or when an open investigation is unsuccessful.

c. Conduct of Operations

1. Proper briefing and rehearsals.

2. Identification of effective cover and undercover.
3. Buy-bust or search with warrant operations.
4. Operations shall be in consonance with the existing SOPs on Undercover operations.

Narcotic Investigation

a. Concept: Narcotic investigation is a necessary tool employed by drug enforcement agencies in building up
relevant and competent evidence, which are vital in the development of a drug case. Several investigative
techniques may be utilized for the successful attainment of the operation. This include but not limited to use
of informants, interviewing, interrogation, surveillance operations and undercover operations.

b. Planning and Operation: The most effective way of investigative technique or combination of two or more or
all techniques under a given situation and setting that shall be determined by considering the magnitude of
drug law violations.

c. The conduct of investigation shall follow the basic steps in criminal investigation and detection. The
application of the following:

1. Initial Investigation
2. Tactical Investigation (Follow-up)
3. Post Operations
4. Custodial Investigations
5. After Investigation and Inquest

d. Prosecution and filing of the case

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e. Trial of the case

THE TREATMENT AND REHABILTITATION APPROACH

A. Assisting the Drug Abuser

1. Treatment - the medical service rendered to a client for the effective management of physical and mental
conditions related to drug abuse.

Aims of treatment

a. To prevent death from overdose.

b. To treat complications following drug dependency.
c. To make them comfortable during the withdrawal period.
d. To encourage confirmed drug dependent clients to undergo rehabilitation and other specialized
services.

Detoxification - it is a medically supervised elimination of drugs from the system of any addicted person.

Methods of Detoxification includes:

1. Cold Turkey
2. Substitution – the use of methodex, catapres, haemasin, dextropropoxyphene, tranquilizer,
etc.
3. Reduction Method – using the same drug to which the patient is dependent. The process
could be gradual or rapid.
4. Acupuncture

2. Rehabilitation - the dynamic process directed towards the physical, emotional/psychological, vocational, social
and spiritual change to prepare a person for the fullest life compatible with his capabilities and potentialities, and render
him able to become a law abiding and productive member of the community without abusing drugs.

Objectives:

To restore an individual to a state where he is physically, psychologically and socially capable of

coping with the same problems as others of his age group and able to avail of the opportunity to live a happy,
useful and productive life without abusing drugs.

Modalities:

a. Multi-disciplinary Team Approach

b. Therapeutic Community Approach
c. Primal Scream Therapy
d. Spiritual Approach
e. Eclectic Approach
f. The 12 Steps of AA/NA

Methods of Rehabilitation

1. Psychotherapeutic Methods

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a. Individual Therapy – This involves a one to one relationship whose aim is to help the patient
reduce his drug abusing behavior and develop insight into his condition.

b. Group Therapy – This is a form of therapy where the individual is helped through group
process. Each member of the group receives immediate feedback from the other members
regarding his verbal and other forms of behavior. Group support and encouragement are
given to the subject on the premise that these are effective devices, which can produce
positive results toward behavioral modification.

c. Unstructured Group Therapy – The role of the therapist can be assumed by the entire group
or group members. In the therapeutic community, group therapy is commonly used, among
others, through (a) group encounter, (b) verbal haircut (tongue lashing reprimand), (c) group
games, and (d) family encounters.

The Family Therapy – This form of intervention is based on recognition that

while the family as a primary social unit, can be a source of problem leading to
drug abuse, can also be a powerful factor in improving the behavior of the drug
dependent. Family therapy may include restructuring of the family,
environmental manipulation, strengthening family communication, and
discovering other means of family communication, and discovering potentials
of family members to help facilitate the rehabilitation of the drug dependent.

2. The Spiritual and Religious Means - development of moral and spiritual values of the user.

3. The Follow-up and After – Care

The process of rehabilitation does not end upon the release or discharge of client from a center.
After his discharge, he has to undergo follow-up and after-care services for a period of not more than 18
months by the appropriate center personnel. The Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are deputized agents of the board to handle
this. A Transfer Summary of the case from the rehabilitation facility is necessary and should be
forwarded to the entity undertaking the follow-up and after-care services. The Social Worker of the
receiving entity assigned to the case shall maintain a close contact with the client, family, the accredited
physician attending to the case, and the police, for the purpose of assisting the client maintain his
progress towards adjusting to his new environment. He shall also see to it that a regular laboratory
examination of the client’s body fluids is made to ensure that the client remains drug-free.

Duration of Rehabilitation - If the patient is found to be an opiate abuser, the treatment prescribed shall be
for a period of not less than six (6) months.

Criteria of Rehabilitation

a. The patient achieves a drug-free existence.

b. He becomes adjusted to his family and peers.
c. Socially integrated to the community.
d. The client is not involved in socially deviant behaviors.

B. DIAGNOSTIC GUIDELINES

A definite diagnosis of dependence should only be made if three or more of the following have been
experienced or exhibited at some time during the previous year.

1. A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the substance.

2. An impaired capacity to control substance-taking behavior in terms of its onset, termination, or levels of
use.

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3. Substance used with the intention of relieving withdrawal symptoms and with awareness that this
strategy is effective.
4. A psychological withdrawal state.
5. Evidence of tolerance such that increased doses of the substance is required in order to achieve effects
originally produced by lower doses. (Clear examples of this are found in alcohol and opiate dependent
individuals who may tale daily doses of the substance sufficient to incapacitate or kill non-tolerant
users).
6. A narrowing of the personal repertoire of patterns of substance use (e.g. tendency to drink alcoholic
drinks in the same way on weekdays and weekends and whatever the social constraints regarding
appropriate drinking behavior).
7. Progressive neglect of alternative pressures or interests in favor of substance use.
8. Persisting with substance use despite clear evidence of overtly harmful consequences. (Adverse
consequences may be medical as with harm to the liver through excessive drinking, social as in the
case of loss of a job through drug-related impairment of performance, or psychological as in the case of
depressive mood states consequent to periods of heavy substance use).

THE EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES

Drug Abuse Prevention Education

Drug abuse prevention education is concerned with bringing about changes in the people’s knowledge,
attitudes and practices towards drug abuse. It utilizes a variety of approaches and methods whereby people go through
teaching-learning process, and which may be planned, implemented and evaluated through the barangay organized
groups and other organizations and agencies in the community.

There are six known strategies in drug abuse prevention, which are the following:

1. Drug Education – learning situations during seminar-workshops, symposiums and lecture forums, which
take up values clarification, leadership training, coping skills and decision-making. It is a movement, which utilizes
humanistic techniques in both school-based and community oriented drug abuse prevention programs.

2. Drug Information – it is an activity, which focused on the dissemination of basic facts of the causes and
effects of drug abuse with the objective of creating awareness and vigilance of the people in the community.

It includes the following information drive activities:

a. Youth-Adult Communication
- parent-youth dialogues
- family encounters

b. Info-Oriented Classroom/Community Activities

- Contest in the school/community – essay, slogans, posters,
cartoon, play writing.

c. Broadcast Media: TV/Radio or Printed

- plugs, films, slides, spot announcement, music
programming, newsletter, comics, leaflets/brochures,
magazines, other publications.

3. Alternatives – this includes a number of ideas for stimulating meaningful involvements for the youth that
can compete successfully with the demands of drugs and alcohol. Primarily the emphasis should be on service or
constructive and productive pursuits and recreational activities that are usually community-based such as:

a. Voluntary service works

b. Income producing activities
c. Sports, arts development: theater – choral/dance groups

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d. Community fair/contest
e. Other recreational activities: development of physical, emotional interpersonal, mental-intellectual,
social, spiritual, and all aspects of behavioral development.

4. Interventions – this strategy is applied to experimenters and potential drug abusers. Activities like peer or
group counseling should be encouraged in every community. It is applied to the individual/group, which needs specific
assistance and support.
The techniques or activities recommended for intervention are:

a. Peer counseling
b. Hot lines
c. Cross-age tutoring
d. New peer group creation

B. Peer and Cross-age Tutoring and Counseling

Peer and cross-age tutoring and counseling enable the person/student to assume adult and mature roles, to
become actively involved in their own learning and in other’s learning and to take on a “real world” responsibility. It can
provide a meaningful “work” in the school setting to the students who might otherwise suffer from low self-esteem and
a general lack of involvement with school or cross-age tutoring and counseling programs.

The program is focused on:

a. Life Career Planning – the preparation towards a comprehensive career education helps young people
to make the right choices.
b. Parenting and Family Communication – activities that fosters better understanding and wholesome
family relationship.

C. Effective Techniques and Learning Activities

1. Values Formation or Development – the articulation of personal values. Its process includes choosing
from alternatives and repeatedly and consistently acted upon.
2. Role Playing – a technique used to help students identify more closely with historical figures or
characters in literature, which will help them at sensing problems and testing solutions with out taking
any great risk.
3. Decision Making and Problem solving – techniques using conflict resolutions focused on group
problems, which help the students in identifying possible alternatives to solve the problem.
4. Individual Contact – the basic principles in working with an individual with the emphasis of making him
feel at ease, involving him by asking questions, supplying with the necessary information and arriving at
a decision that will end to action. It is carried out by:
a. person-to-person relationship or individual counseling
b. House/Office visits
c. Telephone calls or by letters
d. Information conversation or dialogues

5. Small Group Approach – involves contact with a number of people assembled in isolated group or in
one of a series of related groups. This technique can be carried out by:
a. Lecture – one way discussion
b. Small group discussion –mutual interchange of ideas or opinions between the small group
c. Symposium – group of talks, speeches or lectures presented by several individuals on various
phases of a single subject.
d. Panel Discussion – discussion before an audience by a selected group of persons expressing
a variety of view points under a moderator
e. The Buzz Session – the count off procedure
f. Seminars, simulation games, debate, field trips

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6. Community Approach – this involves working together about their common problems, identify these and
implement the kind of action patterns for the solution of the problems. This technique can be carried out
by:
a. Community assemblies and barangay fairs
b. Sport festivals or on test in the community
c. Church related activities

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION APPROACH

The UNDCP

The United Nation International Drug Control Program (UNDCP) was established in 1991 pursuant to
General assembly Resolution 45/179 of 21 December 1990.

The UNDCP is mandated by the General Assembly with the exclusive responsibility leadership for all United
Nation Drug Control activities in order to ensure coherence of actions, coordination, and non-duplication of such
activities in the United Nation System.

The UNDCP assists government in fulfilling their obligation under the existing regulatory structures so that
they can become parties to these conventions.

The UNDCP Resources for Operations

The financial resources come from the regular budget of the United Nation and voluntary contributions of the
U.N members.

UNDCP in SEA

UNDCP is created in the different field offices in Laos and Burma (Myanmar), which handles national
programs while Thailand, handles Regional programs.

Master Plan Approach

This involves encouraging and assisting governments in undertaking a thorough analysis of drug problems
with in a country or region, the identification and assessment of all anti-narcotics intervention undertaken and planned.
It also involves the identification of needs for new projects and activities.

Measures Undertaken in SEA

1. Enhancement of Capital Punishment

2. ASIAN Drug Official group meetings/Conventions against Drug Abuse
3. Instant Urine Test Machine
4. Denial of Passport on all drug offenders upon released from prison
5. Use of Narcotic Drug Detector
6. ASEAN Cooperation on against Drug Trafficking

Drug Outlook in the ASEAN Countries (Major Contributors)

1. Thailand – the training center for:

a. undercover operations
b. investigations
c. informant handling
d. surveillance
e. other enforcement techniques

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2. Philippines - the adoption of the Drug Demand Reduction Strategy and Supply Reduction Strategy. The
Drug Supply strategy is carried out by the conduct of anti- narcotics operations (raids on plantations,
laboratories, etc); arrest, search and seizure; surveillance and other intelligence operations; legislative
and judicial measures. The Demand Reduction strategy is carried out by the conduct of information and
educational drives and the treatment or rehabilitation of drug addicts.

3. Malaysia - The Asian treatment and rehabilitation training center is sponsored by the International Labor
Union located in Malaysia. Malaysia then is considered as the training center for treatment and
rehabilitation of drug abusers in Asia.

4. Singapore - Singapore is responsible in the area of research as part of the Asian anti-narcotic work. The
urine test project was adopted with the aim to train chemist from ASEAN members in the techniques of
mass urine screening.

SOCIETAL ROLE IN DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

Different sectors of society play vital roles in preventing drug abuse. All should exert concerted efforts to fight
the spreading tentacles of this menace.

A. The Individual

The primary role of the individual is to improve his personality and develop traits and characteristics that
would help him build-up his self-concept, thereby making himself confident. He should develop strong spiritual and
moral values, sharpen his skills in making decisions, and strengthen his will power. He should improve his physical
qualities as well as his mental faculties.

What a person can do to prevent drug abuse?

1. Maintain good physical and mental health.

2. Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used under medical advice.
3. Understand himself. Accept and respect himself for what he is.
4. Develop potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive and satisfying activities.
5. Learn to relate effectively with others. Talk to others regarding problems.
6. Learn to cope with problems and other stresses with out the use of drugs.
7. Seek professional help regarding problems that are hard to cope with.
8. Develop strong moral and spiritual values.

B. The Family

The Role of Parents

Parents are looked upon by their children as models. The parents should:

1. Create a warm and friendly atmosphere in the home.

2. Develop effective means of communication with their children.
3. Understand and accept the children for what they are and not for what they want them to be.
4. Listen to their children, respect for their opinions, and guide them in making decisions.
5. Praise their children for whatever positive achievement they have accomplished no matter how trivial
this may seem.
6. Take time to be with their children no matter how busy they are.
7. Strengthen moral and spiritual values.

C. The School

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Next to the home, the school is the child’s next impressive world. Here, the child moves about in a bigger
social environment predominantly made up of his peers and teachers. As part of a broader social process for behavior
influence, it is said that the school is an extension of the home having the strategic position to control crime and
delinquency. It exercises authority over every child as a constituent. The teachers are considered second parents
having the responsibility to mold the child to become productive member of the community by devoting energies to
study the child behavior using all available scientific means and devices in an attempt to provide each child the kind
and amount of education they need.

The school take the responsibility of preventing the feeling of insecurity and rejection of the child which can
contribute directly to maladjustment and to criminality by setting up objectives of developing the child into a well
integrated and useful, law abiding citizens. The school has also the role of working closely with the parents and
neighborhood, and other community agencies and organizations to direct the child in the most effective and
constructive way.

D. The Church

The church is also committed to fight against drug abuse. Religion is a positive force for humanitarian task of
moral guidance of the youth. It is the social institution with the primary role to strengthen faith and goodness in the
community, an influence against crime and delinquency. The church influences people’s behavior with the emphasis
on morals and life’s highest spiritual values, the worth and dignity of the individual, and respect for person’s lives and
properties, and generate the full power to oppose crime and delinquency. Just like the family and the school, the
church is also responsible to cooperate with institutions in the community in dealing with problems of children,
delinquents and criminals as regards to the treatment and correction of criminal behaviors.

D. The Police

The police are one of the most powerful occupation groups in the modern society. The prime mover of the
criminal justice system and the number one institution in the community with the broad goals of maintaining peace and
order, the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of the laws. The police are the authority having a better
position to draw up special programs against drug abuse and crime in general because it is the very reason why the
police exist. That is to protect the society against lawless elements since they are the best equipped to detect and
identify criminals. The police are the agency most interested about crime and criminals and having the most clearly
defined legal power authority to take action against them.

E. The Government and the other Components of the CJS

The government and the other components of the criminal justice system is the organized authority that
enforces the laws of the land and the most powerful in the control of people. Respect for the government is influenced
by the respect of the people running the government. When the people see that public officers and employees are the
first ones to violate the laws, people will refuse to obey them, they set a bad example for others to follow and create an
atmosphere conducive to crime and disrespect for the law. In this regard, the government itself indirectly abets the
commission of crimes.

F. The Non-Government Organizations

The group of concerned individuals responsible for helping the government in the pursuit of community
development being partners of providing the common good and welfare of the people through public service. When the
government is inefficient and unable to provide the necessary goods and services to the people, these non-
government organizations are good helpers in providing the required services, thus preventing drug abuse.

G. The Mass Media

The media is the best institution for information dissemination thereby giving the public the necessary need
to know, and do help shape everyday views about drug abuse, its control and prevention.

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SUBSTANCE ABUSE

A. ALCOHOL

Alcohol is colorless, tasteless clear liquid, which gives a burning sensation to the mouth, esophagus and
stomach. Like many drugs, alcohol is toxic. It can poison the human body if taken in large amounts or in combination
with other drugs. Alcohol is a depressant not stimulant.

There are two kinds of alcohol – methyl and ethyl alcohol. Methyl alcohol is ver poisonous and is not put in
drinks but is use in some industries. Ethyl alcohol is used in alcoholic drinks, which are made by breweries. This occurs
when germs called yeast act on sugars in food to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. Fermented brews and spirits
contain different amounts of alcohol. The amount in beer is less than in other drinks. It varies from 2.5% to 8% in
different countries.

Types of Drinkers

1. Occasional Drinker – drinks on special occasions or uses alcohol as a home remedy, takes only a few drinks
per year.
2. Frequent Drinker – drinks at parties and social affairs. Intake of alcohol may be once a week or occasionally
reaches three or four times per week, uses beverages to release inhibitions and tensions.
3. Regular Drinker – may drink daily or consistently on weekends, usually comes from cultural background
where wine or beer is used with meals to enhance the flavor of the food.
4. Alcohol Dependent – drinks to have good time, excessive drinking occurs occasionally but drinker may not
become alcoholic.
5. Alcoholic – has lost control of his use of alcohol. Alcohol assumes primary goal in his life, even to the
exclusion of physical health and interests of family and society in general.

Motives for Drinking

1. Traditional – social and religious functions.

2. Status – symbol of success and prestige.
3. Dietary – dining incomplete without wine, integral part of today’s way of “gracious living”.
4. Social – release tensions and inhibitions so user can tolerate and enjoy another’s company.
5. Shortcut to Adulthood – user unsure of maturity, drinks to prove himself.
6. Ritual – fosters group feeling, cocktail parties, toasts made to brides, wishes for good health.
7. Path of least Resistance - doesn’t want to drink but doesn’t want to abstain so goes along with everyone
else.

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY

When a person drinks alcohol, it passes down to the stomach. Here, unlike foods we eat, it does not need to
be digested or broken down by juices in the stomach. It is absorbed easily into the blood stream and most of it stays in
the blood. While in the blood stream, the alcohol is carried around the body many times as the heart pumps blood
through the vessels. The alcohol stays in the blood and can only be passed out of the body when the liver changes it.
A healthy liver takes approximately one hour to change the alcohol in one bottle of beer. While the liver is trying to
remove the alcohol, the alcohol is having effects on body functions.

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The Brain and the Nervous System - The nerves are like telephone wires coming out of the control system in
the brain and spinal cord. They send and receive messages from all parts of the body. Alcohol slows down the work of
the brain cells and stops proper messages being sent to the rest of the body. Alcohol stops people behaving correctly
to other people. They may do whatever comes first into their minds. They may say things that do not make sense or
behave rudely to others. They may also have feelings of increased personal or social power. This is because their
thinking is slowed down and not because it has sparked up. They are less able to cope with situations where drinking
is needed.

As the level of alcohol becomes higher in the blood, brain and nerve cells die from the poisonous or toxic
effects of the alcohol. Unlike other body cells, once a brain cell is destroyed it is never replaced. As more and more of
these brain cells are destroyed from repeated drinking over a period of years, the person’s thinking becomes cloudy.
His feelings about things also change. He also will get a burning feeling and pain or numbness in his hands and feet
from the death of nerve cells. After heavy drinking, and when the pain killing effects of the alcohol are removed, the
person may suffer from a hangover. A hangover is the word used to describe the terrible pain and horrible effects,
which follow a period of heavy drinking.

Stomach and Intestines - Alcohol damages the stomach and intestines and makes them sore. This can
cause a burning sensation, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes there is bleeding.

Liver

a. The first thing the liver does is to turn part of the alcohol into fat. Some of this goes into the blood,
but a lot builds up in the liver cells. After drinking six (6) medium-sized glasses of beer everyday for
a few days, fat is formed in the liver.
b. To cope with the extra work of getting rid of the alcohol, the liver becomes larger.
c. As the liver enlarges, the person gets more used to the effects of alcohol in the body. A person can
drink larger amounts of alcohol without getting drunk. This effect is called tolerance to alcohol.
However, the alcohol is still doing its damage.
d. As the liver enlarges, it changes they way other drugs and medicines work in the body. So it can be
dangerous to take medicines with alcohol.
e. While the liver enlarges, some of the liver cells are damaged.
The liver can become permanently damaged. As the alcohol poisons the cells of the liver, they die.
If many of these cells die, the person may get what is called “ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS”.
f. Scar tissue is formed where the liver cells die. This means the liver doesn’t work so well. This is
called “CIRRHOSIS”.
g. People with scarred livers can get a swollen abdomen, swollen feet and hands and may bleeding
from inside the body.
Waste products build up in the body and give a yellow color to the skin and eyes (jaundice). This
also affects the brain so that a person may become unconscious and die.

Heart and Muscles - Alcohol affects the heart and other muscles so that they become weaker and less
effective. This makes people tired and breathless.

Blood - The activity of the liver I trying to get rid of the alcohol results in many changes to the blood – for
example – blood sugar is lowered and blood fats are increased.

Kidneys - Alcohol decreased the ability of the kidneys to get rid of some waste products.

Sexual Activities - After the excessive use of alcohol, the ability to have satisfactory sexual activity is
decreased.

Malnutrition - The illness that occurs when a person doesn’t have enough food to eat or eats the wrong kind
of food. The person who drinks alcohol may suffer from malnutrition because:
a. He spends his time, money and energy in drinking. He may not eat the proper foods.
b. Drinking alcohol decreases a person’s desire to eat.
c. Alcohol burns the stomach and bowel so that food eaten is not used well by the body.

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d. If the liver is damaged, some important vitamins are not produced.

Malnutrition in itself causes further liver damage, which makes the condition even worse. The result of all
these are that the heavy drinker gets weak because of lack of energy and body building food. His body
defenses are weakened against infections such as pneumonia, tropical ulcers and tuberculosis. The person
may get severely emotional disturbed. The nerves in his arms or legs may be damaged so that he may not
feel what he is touching. He may not walk properly and may keep falling over.

Alcohol effect on General Behavior

Drinking affects a person’s behavior. Most of the changes are due to the effect of alcohol on the brain and
nerves. The effects of alcohol depend on how much there is in the blood. A large person has to drink more than small
person to produce the same level of alcohol in the blood.

Alcohol Effects on the Community

Because drinking affects people’s behavior, it has effects on the community as a whole.

a. Trouble in the Home – Heavy drinkers takes money needed for food, clothes and
furniture. This causes debts. Husbands and wife fight and accuse each other of being unfaithful. There will
be often be sexual problems. Children are badly treated and badly fed. And drinking makes people lazy and
they may not go to work. Women may have to steal food to feed their families.
b. Trouble among Friends – The heavy drinker will often fight with his friend and
may even kill people.
c. Trouble at Work – The heavy drinker often does not go to work because he feels
sick. He sometimes works badly and hurts himself or others.
d. Trouble at Play – Heavy drinkers has a bad effect on sportsmen. Because alcohol
affects the brain, the drinker can not control his arms and legs well. A sportsman who has been drinking can
not play well as he should.
e. Trouble on Roads – The driver has lost his judgement, he is careless and takes
risks. Accidents result. A person who is drunk may walk onto the road and be killed by a motor vehicle.
f. Trouble with Crime – excessive drinking is the biggest cause of crime. People
become aggressive, fight, break into houses and steal.
g. Trouble with the Economy and the Nation - The economy is badly affected when
people do not go to work and production falls. Heavy demands are made on health services, the police force
and correctional institutions. Alcoholism is burden to the government.

Alcohol Dependence

A person who drinks a lot can become a dependent on alcohol. This means he can not live without it. If he
tries to stop drinking, he will have the shivers and shakes and feels very bad. He may also experience acute anxiety or
fear, delirium and hallucinations.

Prevention of Alcohol Problem

Solely treating people with medications can not control problem drinking and alcoholism. Treatment should
be coupled with proper education both in the schools and in the adult community to develop the nation habits of
moderation in the use of alcoholic beverages. It requires investigation and testing of social policies on the control of the
distribution of alcohol as well as the effective implementation of these prevention policies.

TOBACCO

Facts about Tobacco Smoking

The use of tobacco is one of the foremost public health problems in the world today. Tobacco had for
centuries been used all over the world as a way of increasing the enjoyment of life or as an aid in coping with some of

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its problem. The World Health Organization estimates that around the world one person dies every 13 seconds from
tobacco-related diseases. Doctor’s cite 50,000 scientific studies from various independent bodies that have proved
beyond doubt that smoking is responsible for around 90% of all cases of lung cancer, 95% of all cases of chronic
bronchitis and emphysema, and 25% of heart conditions in men under 65 years of age.

The World Health Organization Advisory Panel on Smoking and health estimates that at least two million of
30 million Filipinos under 20 years of age today will eventually be killed by smoking. Smoking threatens not only the
adults, but also children – born and unborn. The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society notes that premature
in infants of mothers who smoke is three times more common than in mothers. Spontaneous abortion is likewise more
common in smoking mothers.

Too often, the smoking habit begins in the early teens or even earlier. Becoming a smoker may have the
immediate value to some teenagers of being accepted by their peers, feeling more mature because smoking is an
adult behavior to the child providing level of psychological stimulation and pleasure and might even serve the function
of an cat of defiance to authority figures.

General Effect of Tobacco Smoking

The effects of tobacco smoking consist primarily of ill-health and of human suffering. These necessarily, too,
the productivity of the work force, the need for medical care and other variables. Thus smoking impairs society’s total
well-being and posses substantial economic loss to the nation.

Properties of Tobacco

Cigarette smoke contains over 2,000 different chemicals and gases whixh can produce coughing, broncho
spasm, increased mucus secretion.

NICOTINE – It is the most important active ingredient in controlled doses. It is an extremely toxic substance.
A typical cigarette contains 1-2 mg of nicotine. When smoked, less than 1 mg from each cigarette is filtered or not
depending on the characteristics of the filter, the depth and frequency of inhalation and the length of the butt.

Effects of Smoking on the Following

 Increases in heart attack risk with amount

Cardiovascular System smoke
 Increases heart rates 15-25 beats with
one to
 two cigarette.
 Constricts small arteries causing higher
blood
 pressure.
 Increases chance of developing
peripheral
 vascular diseases.
 Causes carbon monoxide from smoke to
rob
 oxygen carrying potential of blood.
 Causes increase of free fatty acids in
blood which
 may be related to heart attack.
Respiratory System  Increases risks of developing lung cancer
ten-fold for the average of one pack a day smoker.
 Increases lung cancer risk with amount,
with length of time smoked and early age starting.
 Major factor identified in the development

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of lung cancer
 Only one in twenty lung cancer victims is
saved from death per year
 Lung cancer deaths slightly exceed traffic
deaths per year
 A major cause of chronic bronchitis
 Increases risk of dying of chronic
bronchitis and emphysema about six fold.
 Tends to paralyze bronchial cilia and
stimulate production of mucus. Eventually destroys ciliary structure
cleansing system predisposing to respiratory infections
 Increases in abnormal cell growth in
bronchial tube walls with increase in basal cell layers and thickening
 Causes closing of the bronchi, reducing
effective breathing space.

Increased Mortality from other  Increase cancer of the larynx, the mouth, bladder and the esophagus.
Causes  Increase in ulcer deaths, death from cirrhosis.
 Increase in kidney problems.
Over all Morbidity and Mortality  Greater incident of infant pre-maturity and mortality.
 Life expectancy is expected to reduce by about 14 minutes per cigarette
smoked.
Reproductive System  Women who smoke during pregnancy increase the risk of still birth and
prenatal mortality, and the child physical and intellectual is delayed
 Women who smoke causes menopause in early age than in normal.
 Male smokers, penile arteries become constricted bringing about slower
erection time, impotence in 1 in 4 heavy smokers versus 1 in 12 non-
smokers. Smoking fathers may beget children who may suffer from brain
tumor, leukemia and other abnormalities due to decreased number of
spermatozoa.

Measures to Reduce Smoking

Government support of anti-smoking campaign demonstrates commitment to the eradication of health

problems related to smoking and public influences and attitudes to smoking. Successful programs to reduce the
prevalence of tobacco use by young people need a combination of legislative measures and health education
including:

 prohibition of sales in minor

 prohibition of smoking in schools and other places frequented by the young
 restriction on advertising and promotion of tobacco products especially those aimed at young people
 health education at both primary and secondary levels of schools
 use of fiscal policies to increase the price of tobacco products
 health warnings on cigarette packets
 Collaboration with the media to deglamorize the image of the smoker.

NARCOTIC INVESTIGATION

Since narcotic use has direct link with criminal activities, investigation of this must be specialized. The
following are some reasons why it has to be investigated in a specialized manner:

1. Illicit drug underworld is specialized and syndicated.

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2. The underworld organization is composed of and operated by selected and highly proficient members of
the elite.
3. Drug addicts are clannish and they represent a rare group of individuals.
4. Drug abusers and or addicts have their own lingo and way of life.
5. The illicit drug trade is completely underworld in conception and operation capable to espionage or
subversive operations; it is a hidden crime where there is rarely a complainant.

Considerations in Narcotic and Investigation

The Violation

a) Republic Act No. 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002) - Under this law, the following are
punishable:

1. Importation of Dangerous drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals;

2. Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and transportation of Dangerous
Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals;
3. Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and transportation of Dangerous
Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals;
4. Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort where dangerous drugs are used or sold in any form;
5. Being an employee or visitor of a den, dive or resort;
6. Manufacture of dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals;
7. Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals;
8. Manufacture or Delivery of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for Dangerous
Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals;
9. Possession of Dangerous Drugs;
10. Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs;
Possession of dangerous Drugs during Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings;
11. Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs
during Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings;
12. Use of Dangerous Drugs; Cultivation of Plants classified as dangerous drugs or are sources thereof;
13. Failure to comply with the maintenance and keeping of the original records of transaction on any
dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and Essential Chemicals on the part of practioners,
manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, distributors, dealers, or retailers;
14. Unnecessary Prescription of Dangerous Drugs;
15. Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous Drugs

The Violators – The Persons of Importance

a) The Addict or User - A “user” is one who injects, intravenously or intramuscularly, or consumes, either by
chewing, smoking, sniffing, eating, swallowing, drinking, or otherwise introducing into the physiological
system of the body, any of the dangerous drugs. An “addict” is one who habitually uses dangerous drugs.

1. Determine his history.

2. Has he just used or administered the drug? Get urine and, if possible, blood samples for analysis within
24 hours after administration.
3. Is he in possession of the drug?
4. Determine the reason for possession. Is it for sale or for own consumption?
5. If possession is for reason other than personal use, he must be accordingly charged under RA 6425.
6. Is he suffering from the signs and symptoms of drug abuse? This will guide the investigator to determine
whether the violator is an addict or not.

b) The Pusher - “Pusher” refers to any person who sells, administers, delivers, or gives away to another, on any
terms whatsoever, or distributes or dispatches in transit or transport any dangerous drug or who acts as a
broker in any such transaction.

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1. Ordinarily, he is an addict himself.

2. If not an addict, determine the reason for his possession of the drug. Is it for sale, for giving away, etc.?
3. If he is selling, determine his clientele. Get their names and other personal circumstance.
4. Determine, if possible, his source of supply, their names, addresses, etc.
5. Determine the number of times that he had been arrested and charged for the same offense.
6. If he is a recidivist, state so in the complaint or information to be filed.

c. The Narcotic Evidence

These include opium and its active components and derivatives, the coca leaf and beta eucaine, and the
hallucinogenic drugs. It includes all preparations made from any of the foregoing and other drugs and chemical
preparations; whether natural or synthetics, with the physiological effects of a narcotic or a hallucinogenic drug.

Opium and its derivatives

“Opium” refers to the coagulated juice of the opium poppy and embraces every kind, character and class of
opium, whether crude of prepared; the ashes or refuse of the same; narcotic prepared; the ashes or refuse of the
same, narcotic preparations thereof or therefrom; morphine or any alkaloid of opium; preparations in which opium
enters as an ingredient; opium poppy; opium seeds; opium poppy straw; and leaves or wrapping of opium leaves,
whether prepared for use or not.

Field test: Burn a small quantity of the suspected substance. The odor or smell is similar to burnt banana
leaves or has a sweetish odor.

Morphine – the drug varies in different forms such as:

Powder – white, odorless granulated powder with a very bitter taste. Sometimes however, illicit
traffickers add color to deceive investigators.

Block – with embossed marks like “999” “555” “AAA” “1A”, etc. with “Lion”, Elephant”, “Tiger/Dragon”
brands.

Licit morphine used for medical purposes invariably comes in powder form, tablets, capsules with the
brand name of the manufacturer.

Heroin (Dimorphine Hydrochloride/ Diacetylmorphine) is a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a very bitter
taste. Heroin is the hydrochloride of an alkaloid obtainable by the action of acetic anhydride or morphine.
The alkaloid base may be made by treating morphine with acetyl chloride, washing the product with a
dilute alkaline solution and crystallizing from alcoholic solution.

NOTE: Both heroin and morphine may be sold by pushers in bundle containing about .03 gram of powder.
The price will depend on supply and demand.

Cocaine (Methyl ecgonine). Cocaine (C12 H 21n O4) is an alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Erythorxylon
coca and the other species of Erthroxlon Linne, or by synthesis from ecgoine and its derivatives.

Preparation - It may be made by moisturizing ground coca leaves with a sodium carbonate solution,
percolating with benzene or other solvents such as petroleum benzene, shaking the liquid with diluted sulfuric acid, and
adding to the separated acid solution and excess of sodium carbonate. The participated alkaloids are removed with
ether, and after drying with sodium carbonate, the solution is filtered and the ether distilled off. The residue is dissolved
in methyl alcohol and the solution heated with sulfuric acid or with alcoholic hydrogen chloride. This treatment splits off
any acids from the ecgonine and esterifies the carbozyl group.

After dilution with water, the organic that have been liberated are removed with chloroform. The aqueous
solution is then concentrated, neutralized, and cooled with ice, whereupon methyl ecgonine sulfate crystallizes.

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Upon adding water and sodium hydroxide, methyl benzoyl ecgonine or cocaine is precipitated. The cocaine
is extracted with ether and the solution concentrated to crystallization. For the purification of cocaine, re-crystallization
from a mixture of acetone and benzene is generally preferred.

Solubility - 1 gm dissolves in about 600 ml of water, 7 ml of alcohol, 1 ml of chloroform, 3.5 ml of ether, and is
very soluble in warm alcohol.

Uses - Cocaine was the first local anaesthetic to be discovered. At present, it is considered too toxic for any
anaesthetic procedure requiring injection, but is still extensively employed for anesthesia of the nose and throat. For
this purpose, a 10 % solution of the hydro – chloride is used.

Cocaine is a central stimulant, but is never employed clinically for this purpose. Addiction and a certain
amount of tolerance result from its use. Because of its properties, the sale of cocaine is prohibited in the Philippines.
Cocaine also comes in the form of salt crystals, known as “crack” and usually sold in packets. This is the
American counterpart of the local “shabu” or methamphetamine hydrochloride.

Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa)

Marijuana is a seasonal plant grown from seed. Depending on soil and weather condition, it grows
approximately 20 feet. The leaves come in clusters of 3,5,7,9 to 13 leaflets. The leaflets are elongated with the tip
pointed and the sides serrated.

Manicured or grounded leaves and flowering tops – Although dried and grounded, they will retain their
greenish color.

Reefers or cigarettes known as “joints” and other names – These are hand-rolled in cigarette paper, irregular
and slim with both ends tucked in or twisted.

Hallucinogen Drugs

These are the drugs that are capable of creating hallucinations in the mind of the taker such as Lysergic acid
diethylamide commonly known as LSD and other drugs falling under this category are DMT, STP, peyote and morning
glory seeds.

Synthetic Drugs

Those having the same physiological action as a narcotic drug, such as methadone and demerol.

Other Dangerous Drugs

These include self-inducting sedatives, such as seconbarbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, amobarbital, salt
or a derivative of a salt of barbituric acid: and salt, isomer or salt of an isomer, of amphetamine, such as benzedrine of
dexedrine, or any drug which produces a physiological acting simlar to amphetamine; and hypnotic drugs, such as
methaqualone, nitrzepam or any other compound producing similar physiological effects.

Barbiturates – Manufactured synthetically as salts of barbituric acid. All names of these drugs are in al, such as
pentobarbital, secobarbital (seconal), amobarbital, phenobarbital, barbital, etc.

Categories according to Effects

 Long acting barbiturates – take effect with in 30 to 60 minutes and last up to 8 hours, e.i.
Phenobarbital

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 Intermediate acting barbiturates – take effect with in 15 to 30 minutes and last up to 6 hours, e.i.
amobarbital and butabarbital.
 Short acting barbiturates – take effect with in 10 to 20 minutes and last up to 6 hours, e.i.
Pentobarbital and secobarbital.
 Ultra short barbiturates – take effect with in 45 seconds and last up to 30 minutes, e.i. thiopental
sodium.

Note: Slang Terms of Barbiturates

Pentobarbital – “yellow jackets” - Secobarbital – “red devils” - Amobarbital – “ blue devils/ blue birds”
Amosbarbital – “ rainbow/ double trouble”

Note: Under FDA law, it is illegal to sell these drugs without prescription. There is no illegal possession
charge under the FDA law, but under RA 6425, there is such a violation.

Amphetamines – Stimulate the central nervous system and have the ability to combat fatigue and sleepiness.
These are also known at uppers.

Chemical Names
a. Amphetamine Sulfate
b. Dextroamphetamine Sulfate
c. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride

Amphetamines come in varied forms, colors and shapes. Examples of amphetamines are benzedrine or the
“bennies”, dexedrine or the “dexies”, and the methedrine known as the “meatballs”. Shabu is the most widely known
amphetamine in the country today. The compound ( methamphetamine hydrochloride) is also known as “poor man’s
cocaine”. The latter term, however, is misleading because although cheaper than that cocaine, shabu is nonetheless
expensive as compared to other drugs such as marijuana or solvents.

The Volatile Substances – also called the Inhalants, Solvents or Deliriants. This are chemicals which when
sniffed can produce intoxication effects such as gasoline, kerosene, thinner, paint, etc. The most popular among them
is the solvent rugby. These chemical substances are significant in narcotic investigation because of their intoxicating
symptoms that do not produce alcoholic breath.

HANDLING NARCOTIC EVIDENCE

Evidence handling

Physical evidence of various types can do must to augment the inevitable oral evidence in a prosecution
involving drugs. The investigator should be constantly on alert to obtain physical evidence during an inquiry for
presentation in court.

Drug seizures - One officer, preferably the officer who made the seizure, should be detailed to take charge of
the drug found. The following procedure should guide him:

1. Identify the seizure in some permanent way using markings or non-removable labels or wax-sealed tie on
tag.
2. The identification should give detail of the time, date and place of seizure, and the name of the owner or
suspect where an arrest had been made.
3. The officer should complete the identification of the seizure by placing his initial or signature on the
identifying label.
4. Where a suspect charged demands a sample of the seized drug for independent analysis, the desired
sample should be place in a suitable container. It should then be sealed in such a way as to prevent
tampering preferably with the signature of the suspect and the officer appearing on the seal.

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5. Where another officer later takes the seizure – as in during questioning – that drug is shown to suspect
during questioning – that officer should continue the chain of identification by placing his initials on the label.
6. Few parties as possible should hold the seized drug. A permanent written record of the movement of the
seizure, noting time, dates and signatures or receiving parties should be maintained.
7. As soon as after seizure, the drug should be sealed in a container in such a way as to prevent loss or
tampering with. The seal should be affixed in such a way that it will be impossible to open the container
without breaking the seal. The seal should bear the same identification as the seizure itself.
8. The officer in the area designated by his command should retain the seizure, the security of which will satisfy
the scrutiny of the court.
9. Where the nature of the seizure requires special storage conditions or facilities, this should be arranged and
the security of the seizure maintained.
10. At the first opportunity, the officer should himself deliver the seized drug/s to the laboratory for examination.
11. If the commitments of the officer holding the seized drug/s are such that he cannot travel to the laboratory, he
should hand the same to another officer who should make the delivery personally.
12. If personal delivery is not possible, the seized drug(s) should be carefully packed in a parcel, which is then
sealed. This should be adequately addressed and shipped by certified delivery mail.

Photographs - A permanent written record should be kept relating to photographs taken in the course of an
investigation, noting the time, date and place of the photograph, its subject the weather condition at the time it was
taken. The technician might also note details of film and camera operations. Several prints of each photograph should
be obtained, and on one copy, these details should be recorded together with the name of the officers who can “prove”
the photograph. The other print copies be retained unmarked for possible submission to court. Photographs of, for
instance, a meeting between two offenders can adduce valuable corroborative evidence.

Documents - Documents that may become evidence in a prosecution should be retained in their original
form. They should be treated in much the same manner as drug seizures with regard to identification, and it is
suggested that all under whose supervision this is done can later “prove” the original, particularly incases where
returned to a person for production later in court.

Investigative Records - Records in this particular category include:

1. Information on a suspect of drug movement
2. Results of background inquiry on a suspect
3. The log or running sheet kept on investigator and suspect movement during surveillance or arrest
4. Investigator’s notebooks and diaries
5. Investigator’s notes of conversations, events or interviews

DRUG INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS

Roles of the PDEA

Drug investigation in the Philippines is under the concern of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
being newly created and organized. The agency has one among its powers and functions the initiation of all
investigation proceedings concerning drug cases, absorbing all drug enforcement units of the other governmental
agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Customs and other
agencies and bureaus with drug investigation divisions.

As mandated by law and here quoted, the PDEA shall “create and maintain an efficient special enforcement
unit to conduct an investigation and file charges and transmit evidence to the proper court”. Proper handling of drug
evidence is necessary to obtain the maximum possible information upon which scientific examination shall be based,
and to prevent exclusion as evidence in court. Drug specimens, that truly represent the material found at the scene,
unaltered, unspoiled or otherwise unchanged in handling, will provide more and better information upon examination.
Legal requirements make it necessary to account for all physical pieces of evidence from the time it is collected until it
is presented in court. With these, the following principles should be observed in handling all types of evidence in
narcotic investigation:

1. The evidence should reach the laboratory as mush as possible in same condition as when it is found.

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2. The quantity of specimen should be adequate. Even with the best equipment available, good results cannot be
obtained from insufficient specimens.
3. Submit a known or standard specimen for comparison purpose.
4. Keep each specimen separate from others so there will be no intermingling or mixing of known and unknown
material. Wrap and seal in individual packages when necessary.
5. Mark or label each piece of evidence must be maintained. Account for evidence from the time it is collected
until it is produced in court. Any break in this chain of custody may make the material inadmissible as
evidence in court.

Generally, the recognition, search, collection, handling, preservation and documentation of evidence in
narcotic investigation rest upon the quality of people involved in the activity which they follow certain guidelines for
investigative success. Below is an illustration of a basic procedure in narcotic investigation focused in the crime scene:

Receipt/Report Complaint

First Responder
Conduct of Crime Scene
From this point: Investigation
Security and Protection

Preparation  Cordoning
 Safety of Injured
Approach persons, if any
 prevention of entry
by unauthorized
Preliminary
Survey
Evaluation of
Physical evidence
Documentation of
crime Scene
Preparation of
Narrative
Description
Crime Scene Search

Collection of
Physical Evidence
Final Survey & Release
of crime Scene

The illustration shows a general process in the crime scene investigation involving any crime which is
narcotic investigators can fundamentally base on a scientific crime scene processing.

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In the flow of the investigation, it shows that upon receipt or report of a crime, the desk officer shall record the
date and time the report/ complaint was made, identify persons who made the report, place of incident and a synopsis
of the incident then inform his superior or duty officer regarding the report.

The first responders will properly preserve the crime scene. The security and protection of the crime scene to
get maximum scientific information that will help successful prosecution of perpetrators. Then the formal investigation
maybe conducted.

Procedure at the Crime Scene

Upon Arrival at the Crime Scene

a. Record time/date of arrival at the crime scene, location of the scene, condition of the weather, condition and
type of lighting direction of wind and visibility.
b. Secure the crime scene by installing the crime scene tape or rope (police line)
c. Before touching or moving any object at the crime scene determine first the status of the victim, whether he
is still alive or already dead. If the victim is alive the investigator should exert effort to gather information from
the victim himself regarding the circumstances of the crime, while a member of the team or someone must
call an ambulance from the nearest hospital. After the victim is remove and brought to the hospital for
medical attention, measure, sketch, and photograph.
d. Designate a member of the team or summon other policemen or responsible persons to stand watch and
secure the scene, and permit only those authorized person to enter the same.
e. Identify and retain for questioning the person who firs notified the police, and other possible witnesses.

Recording

The investigator begins the process of recording pertinent facts and derails of the investigation the moment
he arrives at the crime scene. (He should record the time when he was initially notified prior to his arrival). He also
writes down the identification of person involved and what he initially saw. He also draws a basic sketch of the crime
scene and takes the initial photographs. This is to ensure that an image of the crime scene is recorded before any
occurrence that disturbs the scene. As a rule, do not touch, alter or remove anything at the crime scene until the
evidence has been processed through notes, sketches and photographs, with proper measurements.

Searching for Evidence

a) Each crime scene is different, according tot he physical nature of the scene and the crime or offense
involved. Consequently, the scene is processed in accordance with the prevailing physical characteristics of
the scene and with the need to develop essential evidentiary facts peculiar to the offense. A general survey
of the scene is always made, however, to not the location of obvious traces of action, the probable entry and
exit points used by the offender(s) and the size and shape of the area involved.

b) In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of evidence is initiated, (In the interest of
uniformity, it is recommended that the clockwise movement be used). The investigator examines each item
encountered on the floor, walls, and ceiling to locate anything that may be of evidentiary value. He should:

 give particular attention to fragile evidence that may be destroyed or contaminated if it is not collected
when discovered,
 if any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as evidence until proven otherwise,
 carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in surfaces conducive to making casts or molds,
 note stains, spots and pools of liquid within the scene and treat them as evidence,
 proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion of the processing of the scene. The search
for evidence is initially completed when, after a thorough examination of the scene, the rough sketch,
necessary photograph and investigative note have been completed and the investigator has returned to
the point from which the search began.

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c) In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the area into strips about four (4) feet wide. The policeman
may first search the strip on his left he faces the scene then the adjoining strips.
d) It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area considered to be immediate scene of the incident or
crime. For example, evidence may indicate that a weapon or tool used in the crime was discarded or hidden
by the offender somewhere within a square-mile area near the scene.
e) After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examined the objects or persons involved.

Methods of Crime Scene Search - As maybe applicable in narcotic investigation, the following methods of searches
maybe used: Strip Search Method, Double strip or grid method of search, Spiral Search Method, Zone Search Method.

Collecting Evidence - This is accomplished after the search is completed, the rough sketch finished and photographs
taken. Fragile evidence should be collected as they are found.

Removal of Evidence - The investigator places his initials, the date and the time of discovery on each item of evidence
and the time discovery on each item of evidence for proper identification. Items that could not be marked should be
placed in a suitable container and sealed.

Tagging of Evidence - Any physical evidence obtained must tagged before its submission to the evidence custodian.

Evaluation of Evidence - Each item of evidence must be evaluated in relation to all the evidence, individually and
collectively.

Preservation of Evidence - It is the investigator’s responsibility to ensure that every precaution is exercised to preserve
physical evidence in the state in which it was recovered until it is released to the evidence custodian.

Releasing the Scene - The scene is not released until all processing has been completed. The release should be
effected at the earliest practicable time, particularly when an activity has been closed or its operations curtailed.

Pointers to Consider in Sketching the Crime Scene

1. To establish admissibility, the investigator must have had personal observation o the data in
question. In other words, the sketch must be sponsored or verified.
2. Sketches are not a substitute for notes or photos; they are but a supplement to them.
3. Write down all measurements.
4. Fill in all the detail on your rough sketch at the scene. Final sketch may be prepared at the office.
5. Keep the rough sketch even when you have completed the final sketch.
6. Indicate ht North direction with an arrow.
7. Draw the final sketch to scale.
8. Indicate the palce in the sketch as well as the person who drew it. Use the KEY – capital letters of
the alphabet for listing down more or less normal parts of accessories of the place, and numbers for items of
evidence
9. Indicate the position, location and relationship of objects.
10. Methods or systems of locating points (objects) on sketch
11. Critical measurements, such as skid marks, should be checked by two (2) investigators.
12. Measurements should be harmony; or in centimeters, inches, yards, meters, mixed in one sketch.
13. Use standard symbols in the sketch.
14. Show which way doors swing,
15. Show with arrow the direction of stairways.
16. Recheck the sketch for clarity, accuracy, scale, and title key.

The Role of SOCO in Narcotic Investigation

A number of crime incident committed in the country are unsolved and/or dismissed by trial courts because
of insufficiency of evidence. In cases of narcotic investigation, it is important that pieces of drug evidence that will
provide clue on the suspects/offenders identities can be found in the crime scene. However, those vital evidence in the

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crime scene are either left in the crime scene are critical in the prosecution on the case in court with the advent of new
technologies, they could be analyzed scientifically for these purpose. The recovery of physical evidence during
investigation of crime scene is the most important task of current law enforcement. In most cases, the material items of
evidence and descriptive information collected from the scene of the crime make a big difference in the success and
failure of cases in court.

The capability of the Crime Laboratory to provide scientific interpretation and information depends on the
recognition, recovery and documentation of the evidence in the crime scene. Field investigators work as part of the
forensic team as that of laboratory technician. If evidence collected in the crime scene is not properly accomplished,
the work of the crime laboratory is impeded and even negated. The recovery of physical evidence during investigation
of crime scene is the most important task of current law enforcement. In most cases, the material items of evidence
and descriptive information collected from the scene of the crime make a big difference in the success and failure of
cases in court. Past experience shows that a well-trained team, coordinated and properly equipped, can be of great
advantage in effectively and efficiently recovering evidences. Personal knowledge and instinctive actions or institutions
are of great help in the solution of the criminal and drug related cases. However there is no substitute for the adoption
and practice of scientific investigation. The idea of enhancing SOCO in narcotic investigation is to assist drug
investigators in terms of scientific approach in investigating criminal cases, specifically heinous ones.

DRUG TESTING

Field Test - The test describes in the following pages are designed to give investigators emergency means of
making on-the-spot tentative identification of samples seized or purchased during the course of investigations. Results
obtained should not be regarded as final identification since a number of such drugs are marketed in combination with
other chemicals from which they must be separated (by laboratory methods) before true results can be attained.

Care of Apparatus and Reagents - Reagents should be protected from excessive heat and light. Acid
reagents should be stored in glass bottles. Reagent stability should be tested from time to time with drugs of known
identify. All apparatus used in making test should be thoroughly cleaned before reusing. Marquis test is used for
morphine, codeine, heroin and other opium derivatives.

When brought into contact with morphine, heroin or other opium derivatives, the reagent develops brilliant
colors ranging from blue to reddish purple. There are some other substances, which also produce colors with this
reagent. No confusion, however, should arise once the operator is familiar with the specific colors given by the opium
alkaloids. It is therefore essential that the test be observed with known samples before any unknown is tested.

Making the Test – In making drug tests, the following are considered:

1. Allow the reagent to drain to one end of the ampul

2. Break the ampul between the fingers along the scored line.
3. Introduce a small bit of sample into the open end of one-half of the sample by scraping a cube or pinch of
powder held between the fingers with a sharp edge. Tap the closed end so as to shake the sample further
into the tube and thus bring it into contact with the reagent.
4. After the test, the ampul should be rinsed with water before discarding.

*** DO NOT THROW AMPUL IN WASH BAIN OR SINK.

NOTE: The value of this test lies in the fact that a positive reaction indicates the presence of an opium
derivative. A negative result does not rule out the possiblity of the sample being a prohibited drug since
cocaine, methadone, demerol, dromoran, etc. do not give positive results with this reagent. A suspected
sample that gives a negative result should be submitted to the laboratory for examination.
General Drug Tests

Drugs Test Used Color Reaction

Opium Marquis test Purple/Violet

Heroin Nitric Acid Yellow-Green

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Morphine Nitric Acid Red Orange

Cocaine Cobalt Thiocyanate Blue
Barbiturates Dille-Kopanyi test Violet
Or the Zwikker test Blue color
Amphetamines Marquis test Red/Orange -Brown
LSD Para Amino BenZoic Acid(PABA) Purple
Marijuana Duquenois-Levine test or KN Test Red Bottom layer
Shabu Symone’s test Purple

FIELD DRUG TESTING

Field Tests for Methadone

This narcotic drug, known also as Amidone, Dolophine and di-6 dimethylamide-4, 4- diphenyl-3-heptanone
hydrochloride, can be detected in the presence of some other drugs by employing the reagent and technique as set
forth below. After solution is effected, filtration of the sample is desirable but not essential to the success of the
method, since insoluble substance such as starch, talc, etc. are not blue in color.

Reagent: Dissolve 1 gm of cobalt acetate, nitrate or chloride and 1/5 gm of potassium thiocyanate in 90 ml of
water and 10ml of glacial acetic acid.

Test: Dissolve the sample in a minimum amount of water, Filter. Add 2 or 3 drops of the reagent to the filtrate.
Shake for about 1 minute. A blue precipitate indicates the presence of methadone.

Field Test for Cocaine, Demerol and Methadone

This field test for cocaine, demerol and methadone was developed by the U.S. Customs Laboratory, in
Baltimore, Maryland in 1961 and has been successful use since then.

The field test is based on a modification of the well-known cobalt thiocyanate color test that produces a blue
color in the presence of cocaine. The customs field test is a stable single-solution version of the thiocyanate test and is
the most specific cocaine color test available at this time.

The field test is not intended to replace more specific laboratory determination and should be used only as a
preliminary test. Some non-narcotic substances, such as certain antihistamines, are known to give a color with cobalt
thiocyanate.

The test is simple to perform. The ampul should be broken at the point where the glass is scored and the
powdered sample introduced into the open end of the half of the ampul should NOT BE SHAKEN. A blue color is
indicative of cocaine, demerol or methadone give stronger blues than that demerol. For each of the three narcotics, the
strength of their blue in the ampuls is proportionate to their active content. The ampul contains a dilute acid and should
be discarded in a place where water can be used to delute the acid.

Field Tests for Marijuana

NOTE: Do not rely on chemical tests alone. Always examine the material with a microscope or hand lens.
Cannabis Sativa, or marijuana, can be quickly and positively identified by subjecting the sample to the following tests:

Microscopic - Using a magnification of approximately 30 diameters, the leaves, small twigs, seed hulls and
flowering tops exhibit a characteristics warty appearance due to the presence of non-glandular hairs which contain at
their base called spheriodal cystolith of calcium carbonate. Adding a drop of diluted hydrochloric acid to the slide and
noting the effervescence may show the presence of carbonate. Many of the cystolithic hairs appear in the shape of
bear claws. The seed or fruit, deprived of its hull, under the same magnification, presents a mottled effect and gives the
viewer the impression he is looking at a hulled coconut or nutmeg. A comparison with an authentic sample is most
desirable.

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Chemical - The Duquenois-Levine Test has been found to be the only satisfactory chemical test for the
identification of marijuana. The chloroform soluble color developed in this test is due to the presence of
tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) which is the active principal of the marijuana plant.

Reagents - Duquenois Reagent – Dissolve 5 drops of acetaldehyde and 0.4 gm. of vanillin in 20 ml of 95%
ethyl alcohol. (This reagent may be kept for some time in glass-stoppered bottles in a cool dark place. It should be
discarded after it assumes a deep yellow color).

- Add a pinch of suspected marijuana to a test tube containing about 2 ml (one teaspoon) Duquenois
reagent.
- Add an equal amount (2ml) of concentrated hydrochloric acid. Stir with a glass rod or shake the
test tube in a circular motion to mix its contents. CAUTION – Do not splash acid contents on body or
clothing. Allow the test tube to stand for 10 minutes, or until a color develops.
- Decant the liquid into a second test tube. Add 2ml of chloroform. Stopper and shake. If marijuana is
present, a violet or indigo-violet color will be transferred to the bottom (chloroform) layer.

Seeds – When a sample consists entirely of seeds, their identity alone is not sufficient to bring them within
the purview of the law, which requires them to be fertile. To establish their fertility a number of the seeds should be
placed in a suitable container with moist paper pulp or wet vermiculite, and place in a warm dark place until
germination takes place. When reporting a sample containing marijuana seeds alone, their fertility should always be
stated.
Field Test for Amphetamines

This field test for identifying amphetamines is useful in screening out caffeine, vitamins, or other substitutes
proffered as amphetamines.

Test Material – The test material consists of 2 or 3 drops of Marquis reagent (2 drops of 37% formaldehyde
in 3 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid) in a small glass ampul.

Test Procedure – Break the ampul at the scored center and place 1 or 2 drops of the reagent on the sample.
This should be done on a glass ashtray, inverted tumbler, etc. Amphetamines react with the reagent to give a red-
orange color, turning to reddish and then dark brown within 1 or 2 minutes. The reagent gives this characteristics color
reaction when applied to white, pink, yellow, peach or green amphetamine tablets.

The speed within which the color is formed appears to depend upon the hardness of the tablet. The red-
orange color forms immediately of some tablets while with others it appears in 10 to 20 second. Therefore, the critical
period of color differentiation for amphetamines is within the first 20 seconds. The peach-colored caffeine tablet gives a
color, which might cause some confusion. The difference between the color formed by this tablet by this tablet and that
formed by a peach-colored amphetamine tablet are crushed before the reagent is applied. Once the difference is seen,
there should be no trouble in distinguishing one from the other.

Amphetamine powder and tablets – Red-orange onset to reddish brown to dark brown within a couple of
minutes, Caffeine powder and tablets - no color reaction, Methamphetamine and tablets – Red-orange onset to reddish
brown to dark brown in 1 to 2 minutes, Phenyl tertiary butylamine HCI – Same color change as amphetamines,
Wyamine sulfate – Same color change as amphetamines.

Field Test for Barbiturates

For the tentative identification of the barbiturates, the Zwikker test is used. Zwikker Test – An anhydrous
methanol solution of the barbiturate upon several drops of cobalt chloride in methanol solution gives a bluish color,
which changes to dark blue upon being alkalized with a 5% isopropylamine in methanol. The Atkinson Laboratory,
33031 Fierro Street, Los Angeles, California, manufactures a compact kit that utilized the Zwikker Test.
Test Material – The Zwikker Test Kit consists of a small plastic bag containing three solutions in plastics
dropping bottles and small porcelain spot plate. Solution # 1 – Anhydours methanol, Solution # 2 – Cobalt chloride

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dissolved in methanol, Solution # 3 – 5% isopropylamine in methanol. CAUTION: The above solutions are volatile and
inflammable. They should be kept sealed.

Test Procedure – The following shall be considered:

1. Place part of sample into spot-tester, (enough to cover letter “O” on a typewriter key).
2. Put two drops of solution # 1 on sample in spot-tester. (Sample should dissolve.)
3. Add two drops of solution # 2 (This may produce a violet or a blue color.)
4. Add tow drops of solution # 3. (If color deepens to a darker violet of blue, this indicates presumption
presence of barbiturate.) The solution will become contaminated. Wash and dry spot-test plat after use.

NARCOTIC DEATH INVESTIGATION

A common occurrence in the drug culture is the death of a user. Investigation of a narcotic death is divided
into three (3) phases: the SCENE investigation, the MEDICAL investigation, and the TOXICOLOGICAL investigation.
An officer involved in such a case should determine the manner of death, that is, whether homicide, suicide or
accidental. All of the factors and elements of the scene must be accurately and completely recorded. This will assist
the medical examiner in determining the cause of death.

Physiological Effect of Narcotic Ingestion

The ingestion of narcotics or dangerous drugs poisons the body. This is poisoning effect will leads to a
paralysis of the respiratory center or cause heart failure. This, the, will deny the body a sufficient amount of oxygen.
Evident or visible signs, which remain after death, often accompany the effects of a particular drug on the human body
for the trained observe. These signs are result of symptoms experienced by the victim prior to death. Following is a
partial listing of the more dangerous drugs, the minimum lethal dose, symptoms and cause of death:

Poison Symptoms/Cause of Death

Codeine Nausea, dizziness, Constipation, Respiratory failure

Heroin &
Morphine Sweating, loss of appetite, nausea (Vomiting),
Constipation, itching, thirst, cyanosis, respiratory failure

Barbiturates lower body temperature, cyanosis, cold extremities skin rash,

constipation, respiratory arrest of pneumonia

Cocaine nausea, vomiting, chills, sweating, thirst, convulsions,

circulatory and respiratory failure

Amphetamine Chills, sweating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, cramps,

thirst, convulsions, petechial hemorrhages

The Scene of Death

During investigation of the scene, you should recognize and relate seemingly insignificant items or material,
which would justify a conclusion of narcotic involvement. The following are just some of such items:

1. Paraphernalia (or “works”) – Tools or implements used in administering narcotics. These may include the
obvious syringe and needle, tourniquet, spoon or bottle top “cookies” and tinfoil packet. Also included are
small balls of cotton, capsules and envelopes, and a book of matches.
2. Narcotic Medication – Laudanum, paregoric, codeine cough syrup, all utilized as “carryovers” until the next
fix.
3. Maalox –Milk of Magnesia – Medication used to relieve nausea, vomiting, constipation, cramps or diarrhea.
4. Absence of Nutritional Food – Loss of appetite is a symptom of poisoning. Presence of candy or soft drinks
indicates low insulin count.

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5. Body Fluids – Presence of urine, feces, mucus or vomitus on the scene may be evidence of the body
attempting to rid itself of poisoned substance.
6. Clothing or Bed Linens – which may be sweat-stained or soaking wet from the victim having hot and cold
flashes, should be collected and analyzed.
7. Lack of Ordinary Cleanliness – Dependent user is not concerned in most cases with the environment or
health, and this is shown by a neglect of both.
8. Wet Body – Evidence of body being immersed in tub or shower, or having ice cubes placed in underclothes
or in private parts. It is a common mistake uses make in thinking this helps in overdose cases. Salt water
may also be injected into the victim. Hospitals use Narcan as antidote.
9. Nylon Stoking – Stretched over a hanger used as sieve.
10. Playing Card – with the powder, may have been used to “smack” (cut) heroin. The card is usually on top of a
record album or similar.
11. Merchandise – Small items which are easily carried and disposed of after, being stolen-radios, watches,
portable TVs, radios, etc.

The Body Signs

1. Cyanosis – bluish discoloration of the face and /or fingernails due to insufficient oxygenation of the blood
caused by increase in carbon dioxide in the body.
2. Petechial Hemorrhages – Pinpoint spots of discoloration resulting from capability ruptures due to pressure
and generally observed in the eyes, eyelids, behind the ears and internally.
3. Form or Froth – Observed in mouth and nose, may be white or pinkish and caused by fluids entering the air
passages.
4. Hematoma – A localized swelling on any par to the body caused by bleeding beneath the surface of the skin.
This is caused by “skin popping” rather that vein injections.

5. Needle marks/tracks – Visual evidence of repeated intravenous injections. The tracks will follow a vein
(exception “skin popping”) and result in a dark discoloration and eventual collapse of the vein.
6. Scar – Skin imperfection caused by the victim in removing needle mark scabs, added to uncleanness of the
victim.
7. Rash/scratched Skin – External body signs of morphine or heroin poisoning.
8. Asphyxia- When it is the cause the death, it is often accompanied by external body changes. These changes,
visible to the naked eye, are not restricted to narcotic-related deaths and may be found in other asphyxia
deaths, such as hearth attack, drowning, hanging, etc. They must be noted, photographed and reported to
the pathologist during the pre-autopsy interview.

Victim’s History

Historical date on the victim would include his criminal record (local, national and international and
international); medical record (of a private doctor, hospitals, clinics, etc. and any mental treatment or attempts at
suicide); social (relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers); marital (past or present); and financial records.

When interviewing users or person possibly involved in narcotics traffic, you should use straight language
rather than attempt street talk because slang constantly changes. You must determine the extent of decedent’s
addiction, his familiarity with other drugs, whether he had a steady source of the drugs or continuously shopped
around, and other matters relative to his personal history.

Medical Phase

This is the most important stage of the narcotics death investigation. Since the pathologist will rarely be able
to examine the body at the death scene, you should note every detail, which may be of medico-legal importance and
make a complete report on this.

You should attend the autopsy yourself. Make sure that the following specimens are submitted for narcotics,
alcohol or other foreign matter. Heroin is quickly changed to morphine after entering the body, and clears the blood in
approximately ½ hour remains in the urine about 24 hours and in the bile for ¾ days.

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