Cdi Drugs

SOUTHWAY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Criminology Department
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 has 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 pro-
duced 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 “nar-
cotikos”. 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 depen-
dence or both on dangerous drugs following the administration or use
of that drug. WHO defines it as the periodic, continuous, repeated ad-
ministration of a drug.
 Physical Dependence – an adaptive state caused by repeated drug
use that reveals itself 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 ef-
fect in the body.
 Pusher – any person who sell, administer, deliver or give away to an-
other, 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 sub-
stances 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.
1
Objectives: At the end of this chapter, the student can:
1. Elaborate drug abuse jargons.
2. Comprehend the Concept of Drug Addiction and toxicology.
3. Discover the origin of drugs.
4. Comprehend the person under drug dependence and drug
abuser.
MODULE-1
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.
 “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
2
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, flower-
ing tops, resin, hashish, opium, and marijuana, while the synthetic drugs are
produced by clandestine laboratories which include those drugs that are con-
trolled by law because they are used in the medical practice. Physicians pre-
scribe them and are purchased in the legitimate outlets like drugstores.
Drugs also help a person’s body and mind function better during an ill-
ness. 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 doc-
tor’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.
- Any chemically active substance rendering a specific effect on the central

nervous system of man.
- A chemical substance that affects the functions of living cells and alters body
or mind processes when taken into the body or applied through the skin.
- Is a chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional or behavioral

change in a person taking it.
- Any chemical substance, other than food, which is intended for used in the
diagnosis, treatment, cure, mitigation or prevention of disease or symptoms.
- The term drug derives from the 14 th century French word drogue, which
means a dry substance.
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.
3
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 un-
der 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 empha-
sized that “directions” be closely followed and all precautions necessarily
taken to avoid complications.
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 toxic-
ity’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 informa-
tion 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 doc-
tors, 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 reac-
tions.
Possible outcomes of self-medication are:
4
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 in-
correct drug usage.
3. Possible drug toxicities, through over dosage which may lead to se-
vere 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 cellu-
lar process. Thus, drugs may later, interfere with or replace chemicals of nor-
mal 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 impor-
tant 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 ac-
tion desired by an individual who improperly uses it
5. Lethal dose – amount of drug that will cause death
HOW DRUGS ARE ADMINISTERED?
The common methods of administration are the following:
1. Oral – this is the safest most convenient and economical route when-
ever possible. There are however, drugs, which cannot be adminis-
tered 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 de-
liver the drugs directly into the body tissue and blood circulation.
5
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 al-
lergic 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 mam-
mals are sedated by morphine but some cats become extremely ex-
cited 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 recep-
tors of other organs as well. The effect in the other organ may consti-
tute a side effect, which is unwanted.
THE MEDICAL USE OF DRUGS
The best use of medicine depends upon the physician, the user or pa-
tient, and lastly, the pharmacist. This idea was subscribed to by both Metro
Manila Physicians (PNC Health Education Survey, 1983) and the Pharmaceu-
tical Manufacturer’s Association of Washington, D.C. (U.P., MEC, DDB 1979).
Their common agreements on the intelligent use of drugs are presented be-
low.
1. Take medicines on doctor’s advice. In prescribing medicine, the doc-

tor considers factors like age and weight, prevalent signs and symptoms,
severity of the disease, results of laboratory examinations, route of adminis-
tration tolerated by patient, and presence of impairment in the organ or sys-
tem. 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.
6
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 fa-
miliar to those of his neighbor.
5. Report any untoward effects of medicine to the physician. After tak-
ing medicine, tell the doctor if any symptoms develop.
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 chil-
dren.
10. Some people just purchase and use common drugs without know-
ing their functions and contradictions. Thus, instead of being relieved of some
symptoms, their conditions are aggravated. Physicians share the same opin-
ion 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 re-
sistance 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. Pro-
longed 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 intesti-
nal 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.
7
20. Vitamins are food substances necessary for normal growth and de-
velopment and proper functioning of he body. A person who eats a balanced
diet does not need supplements. If they are found necessary, vitamin prepara-
tions 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 nau-
sea, 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 wide-
spread adultery, bestiality and incest (Sotto, 1994).
Ancient Greek and Roman literature likewise are replete with stories al-
luding to drug abuse, as in the lamentable and tragic romance of Mark An-
thony 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 poi-
sonous 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 old-

est cultivated plant started by the Incas of Peru. Peruvian and Mexican Incas
have also the common practice to use the coca leaves during religious offer-
ing ceremonies. It was also known that marijuana was a “sacred tree” in the
belief of the Assyrians being used during 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 ritu-
als 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 activi-
ties in assassinations.
American Indians too are believed to use not only the stimulant to-
bacco but also opium in their peace pipes in order to “narcotize” an opposi-
tionist 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
8
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, In-
dia and China by the Arab came caravans (Dungo, 1988).
Opium use in China was stemmed out from India and became wide-
spread in the 19th 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 in-
duced 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 mor-
phine, 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. To-
day, 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
9
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 resi-
dents in the Philippines particularly in Manila and of the more distant Chinese
pariahs (ghettos) started smoking opium in 1780. As a vice, it was not wide-
spread 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 compro-
mise 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 ad-
dicts was probably the lowest in Asia.
In 1953, Republic Act No. 953 was enacted which provided for the reg-
istration 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 de-
clared as a matter of national policy, the prohibition of the cultivation of mari-
juana 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 Crimi-
nal 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.
10
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 disap-
peared 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 be-
yond 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 pro-
hibited 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.
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 in-
clude alcohol and the nicotine contained in tobacco cigarettes (Groiler, 1995).
Concept of Drug Dependence
Drug abuse must be distinguished from drug dependence. Drug depen-

dence, 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 fami-
lies, go to jail and lose their job to keep using drug.
11
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 phys-
ical or mental distress. The experience of withdrawal distress, called the with-
drawal 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 compul-

sive 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 al-
tered. 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 ex-
ist to the individual. The drug addict feels he can not do without the drug, con-
sequently 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 an-
other 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
12
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 country-

side, there is usually more than one reason why this problem exists. Any of
the following factors may influence people to abuse drugs.
A. Biological Factors
There are some reasons or pre-existing induced biological abnormali-

ties 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 in-
crease sexual capacity.
3. One specific genetic theory proposes that there is an inherited de-
fect in the production of endorphin, similar to morphine. A defi-
ciency 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 endor-
phin 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 creativ-
ity, 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.
13
18. Slum condition - the most critical is that the slum dweller are often de-
prived 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.
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 irrita-
tion
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 dam-
age or schizophrenia. It is more in the manner of character disorder. And the
behavior may be the result of inadequate socialization, condition of child rear-
ing and family interaction. The few available facts about families of young
abuser lend credence to this idea.
14
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 underly-

ing character of personality disorder. Thus majority of the drug users are fun-
damentally immature, emotionally childish, insecure or are suffering from
problems of adolescence.
2. Social Disorder - A sign or symptom of family problem involving par-

ent – child relationship, peer pressures, unethical values.
Drugs use does not also occur in isolation of other environmental fac-
tors but rather, is greatly influenced by these factors. Some of the sociologi-
cal 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 mes-
sages 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 per-
sons 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
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
15
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-tak-
ing, 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 contin-
ued 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 ad-
venturous daring experience, or as a means of fun. There may be some de-
gree of psychological dependence but little physical dependence due to the
mixed pattern of use.
16
3. Hard Core Addicts – those, whose activities revolve almost entirely

around the drug experience and securing supplies. They show strong psycho-
logical dependence on the drug.
4. Hippies – those who are addicted to drugs believing that drug is an

integral part of life.
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 pro-
duced 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, in-
somnia 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
17
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 indiffer-
ent, 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:
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 ear-
rings.
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 objectiv-
ity 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 sus-
pected drug abuser is not made aware of being observed.
2. HISTORY TAKING
18
A. Collateral Information (Interview with information)
The best information is from the patient himself, but collateral informa-
tion 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 pos-
session 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 ac-
tivity, 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
This phase of drug detection requires the expertise of trained psycholo-

gists. Teachers therefore are not in a position to administer psychological ex-
aminations among their students. Psychological examination findings will cor-
respond 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 talka-
tive
5. PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS
a. Intelligence Test – the test is designed to cover a wide variety of

mental functions with special emphasis on adjustment comprehen-
sion and reasoning.
b. Personality Test – this type of test is used to evaluate the charac-
ter and personality traits of an individual such as his emotional ad-
justment, interpersonal relation, motivation and attitude.
19
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 profes-
sionals composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social
workers conduct an examination to determine whether or not a pa-
tient 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 ac-
cusing 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) hav-
ing 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 var-

ious 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.
20

1. Comprehend the global drugs situation.
2. Enumerate the dangerous drugs according to its effects.
3. Comprehend the R.A 9165 and its important section.
MODULE- 2
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 un-
likely 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 (mari-
juana, 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 pos-
sible 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.
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.
21
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 tech-
nology coupled with unlimited financial resources at their command and dis-
posal. 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 interna-
tional 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
- Pakistan
- India
22
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 mar-
ket.
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 distri-
bution 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 peo-
ple behind the organization. This further resulted to the disbandment of the
Cartel led to its downfall.
23
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”.
Drug Syndicates in the Philippines
The Binondo-based Chinese syndicate has been identified as the nu-

cleus 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 es-
tablished 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
24
5. Hallucinogens
6. Solvents/Inhalants
The Depressants (Downers)
These are group of drugs, which suppress vital body functions espe-
cially those of the brain or central nervous system with the resulting impair-
ment 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, tran-
quilizers, 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 sup-
press cough.
1. Narcotics - are drugs, which relieve pain and produce profound

sleep or stupor. Medically, they are potent painkillers, cough de-
pressants and as an active component of anti-diarrheal prepara-
tions. 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 popu-
larly 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 anal-
gesia, 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. With-
drawal symptoms are less severe than other drugs.
3. Paregoric – a tincture of opium in combination with camphor. Com-
monly 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 avail-
able in capsules, pills or tablets, and taken orally or injected.
6. Seconal – commonly used among hospitality girls. Sudden with-
drawal from these drugs is even more dangerous than opiate with-
25
drawal. The dependent develops generalized convulsions and delir-
ium, which are frequently associated with heart and respiratory fail-
ure.
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 prod-
ucts. 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 dis-
infectant, as an external remedy for reducing high fever among chil-
dren, and as preservative and solvent for pharmaceutical prepara-
tions like elixirs, spirits and tincture.
The Stimulants (Uppers)
They produce effects opposite to that of depressants. Instead of bring-

ing about relaxation and sleep, they produce increased mental alertness,
wakefulness, reduce hunger, and provide a feeling of well being. Their medi-
cal users include narcolepsy – a condition characterized by an overwhelming
desire to sleep. Abrupt withdrawal of the drug from the heavy abuser can re-
sult in a deep and suicidal depression.
1. Amphetamines – used medically for weight reducing in obesity, re-

lief 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 metham-
phetamine. 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 power-
ful 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, think-

ing and perceptions of time, sound, space and sensation. The user experi-
ences 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.
26
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 power-
ful 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 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 halluci-
nations, 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, there-
fore, no withdrawal symptoms, although in some cases psychologi-
cal dependence has been noted.
4. Mescaline – It is the alkaloid hallucinogen extracted from the pey-
ote cactus and can also be synthesized in the laboratory. It pro-
duces 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 deriv-
ative of mescaline claimed to produce more violent and longer ef-
fects than mescaline dose. Its effects are similar to the nerve gas
used in chemical warfare. It is less potent than LSD although its ef-
fects 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 depres-
sions, 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 “heav-
enly blues”, “flying dancers’, and “pearly gates”. The active ingredi-
27
ent 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, think-
ing, self-awareness and emotion. Changes in time and space perception,
delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations) may be mild or overwhelming, dis-
pensing on dose and quality of the drug. This includes LSD, mescaline and
marijuana.
4. Narcotics – drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep. The opi-
ates, 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 dis-
turbance that results to severe dehydration.
b. Skin Infections and Skin Rashes - Oftentimes the drug abuser

neglects his personal hygiene, uses unsterilized needles and sy-
ringes 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.
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. Physi-
cally ill persons, like a tuberculosis individual who has suffered so
much from his illness may resort to drug taking as a temporary mea-
sure for relief. A drug abuser, because of his use of unsterilized para-
phernalia, tends to develop lowered resistance and becomes suscepti-
ble to various infections, among them are viral hepatitis, and HIV infec-
tions/AIDS.
28
An individual suffering from arthritis or terminal cancer who ex-

periences 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 partici-
pate in activities or to face challenges.
4. MENTAL EFFECTS
a. Adverse effect on the central nervous system. Regular use or in-

jection of large doses of a substance reduces the activity of the
brain and depresses the central nervous system. The drug de-
pendent 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 ma-
nipulate 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 sen-
sory 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 in-

stances, he abruptly loses interest and motivation in the pursuit of achieve-
ment 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
29
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.
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 re-
sources 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 con-
centration 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 (de- Uppers (stimu- Psychedelics

pressants) lants) (hallucinogens)
Changes in the Pupils constricted Dilated Marijuana – no
eyes change in pupils
but the conjuncti-
vae are red be-
cause of dilation
of the vessels of
the eyes. Other
hallucinogens –
pupils are dilated.
Locomotive Decrease Increase None
changes
Speech Under-productive, Talkative, Loqua- None

Under-talkative cious with flight of
ideas
Hallucination None None Present usually in
visual field
Delusion None Usually encoun- Sometimes en-
tered countered
30
Vital signs i.e. Low High Usually no change

temperature,
blood pressure,
pulse rate, respi-
ratory 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 drop-
pers, 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 disap-
pears when user gets a “fix”
b. Barbiturates/Tranquilizers
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
31
2. mouth and nose dry, bad breath; licks lips frequently
3. goes long periods without eating or sleeping; nervous; has diffi-
culty sitting still
4. chain smoking
5. if injecting drug, user may have hidden eye droppers and nee-
dles among possessions
b. Shabu
1. produces elevations of mood, heightened alertness and in-

creased 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 dis-
torted
4. mood and behavior are affected, the manner depending upon
emotional and environmental condition of the user
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 combi-
nation 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
32
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 re-

action, 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 distur-
bances.
3. HALLUCINOGENS
Marijuana
a. Can lead to serious mental changes (psychoses) like insanity, suici-

dal 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, in-
terferes 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 pro-
duction 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 soci-
ety. This includes the major approaches as follows:
33
A. The Law Enforcement Approach
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 lev-
els 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 sup-
ply 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
34
Table 8. What are the Unlawful Acts and Penalties?
Unlawful Acts Penalty

Importation of Dangerous drugs and/or Life Imprisonment to Death
Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals and a fine ranging from P500,
(sec. 4) 000 to P10 Million
Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Life Imprisonment to Death
Delivery, Distribution and transportation of and a fine ranging from P500,
Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors 000 to P10 Million
and Essential Chemicals (sec. 5)
Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort where Life Imprisonment to Death
dangerous drugs are used or sold in any form and a fine ranging from P500,
Being an employee or visitor of a den, dive or Imprisonment ranging from 12
resort (sec. 7) yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a
fine ranging from P100, 000 to
P500, 000.
Manufacture of dangerous Drugs and/or Life Imprisonment to Death
Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals and a fine ranging from P500,
Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled Imprisonment ranging from 12
Precursors and Essential Chemicals (sec. 9) yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a
P500, 000.
Manufacture or Delivery of Equipment, Imprisonment ranging from 12
Instrument, Apparatus and other Paraphernalia yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a
for Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled fine ranging from P100, 000 to
Precursors and Essential Chemicals (sec. 10) P500, 000.
Possession of Dangerous Drugs Life Imprisonment to Death

(sec. 11) and a fine ranging from P500,
000 to P10 Million
Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Imprisonment ranging from 6

Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for mos and 1 day to 4 yrs and a
Dangerous Drugs fine ranging from P10, 000 to
(sec. 12) P50, 000
Possession of dangerous Drugs during Parties, The maximum penalties
Social Gatherings or Meetings (sec. 13), and provided for Sec. 11.
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
35
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 Life Imprisonment to Death and

drugs or are sources thereof (sec. 16) a fine ranging from P500, 000 to
P10 Million
Failure to comply with the maintenance and Imprisonment ranging from 1 yr
keeping of the original records of transaction and 1 day to 6 yrs and a fine
on any dangerous drugs and/or controlled ranging from P10, 000 to P50,
precursors and Essential Chemicals on the 000
part of practioners, manufacturers, Plus revocation of license to
wholesalers, importers, distributors, dealers, practice profession.
or retailers (sec. 17)
Unnecessary Prescription of Dangerous Imprisonment ranging from 12
Drugs (sec. 18) yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a
P500, 000.
Plus revocation of license to
practice profession
Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous Drugs Life imprisonment to Death and
(sec.19) 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:
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
36
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 con-
nected to the dangerous drug trade (sec 5, Art II).
5. If the victim of the offense is a minor or mentally incapacitated individ-
ual, or should a dangerous drug and/or controlled precursors and es-
sential 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, Appara-
tus and other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs during Parties, So-
cial 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.
37
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,

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.
38
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 rang-
ing from P500, 000 to P10 million.
2. The trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and

transportation of dangerous drugs is also punishable by life imprison-
ment 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 dan-
gerous 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 indi-
viduals as runners, couriers, and messengers or in dan-
gerous drug transactions shall also be meted with the
maximum penalty.
 A penalty of 12 yrs to 20 yrs imprisonment shall be im-
posed 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, har-
vest, compound, convert, process, pack, store, contain or conceal ille-
gal 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 ille-

gal 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, regard-
less 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
39
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 per-
sonnel 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 coordina-
tion with the local governments and NGO’s.
9. Oplan Sagip-Yagit – A civic program initiated by NGO’s and local gov-
ernment offices to help eradicate drug syndicates involving street chil-
dren 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).
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 in-
vestigation under RA 7438.
40
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).
1. Discover the Operational Plans.

2. Comprehend the Drug Abuse Prevention Education.
3. Comprehend the International cooperation approach.
MODULE - 3
National Campaign Strategies
1. Demand Reduction Strategy
a. Preventive education and information campaigns to prevent fur-

ther 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 under-

world.
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 ar-
eas 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.
41
6. Oplan Mercurio – operations against drug stores, which are violat-
ing existing regulations on the scale of regulated drugs in coordina-
tion 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 coordi-
nation 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 fo-
cused 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 opera-
tion must be documented and properly authenticated.
4. Operating units shall promptly submit written a report after the oper-
ation.
5. No apprehendee or seized item shall be released without authoriza-
tion 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 opera-

tions.
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
42
 Planning and preparations which include surveillance,

casing, reconnaissance and other preliminary activi-
ties.
 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 in-

tensive surveillance, casing, or other intelligence operations and gath-
ering, evaluation and timely dissemination. Intelligence must be evi-
dence-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 de-
scribed therein and bring it before the court. (Sec. 1, Rule 126, Revised
Rules of Court)
b. Planning and Preparation:
1. Prior to the procurement of search warrant, intensive intelligence

data gathering must be undertaken, evidence-based and sup-
ported by credible documents.
2. Conduct of surveillance, casing, and other intelligence opera-
tions.
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
43
a. Concept: Marijuana eradication involves the location and destruction
of marijuana plantations, including the identification, arrest and prose-
cution 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 pre-

ceded 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/situa-
tion 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 sur-
veillance 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 sur-

veillance, 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 sur-
veillance 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.
44
a. Controlled Delivery
b. Concept: This is the technique of allowing illicit or suspect consign-
ment of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or substances substi-
tuted 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 com-
petent authorities with a view to identifying persons involved in the
commission of drug related offenses. International cooperation in facili-
tating the controlled delivery of illicit drugs is considered the most effec-
tive means to neutralize transnational criminal syndicates.
c. Planning and Operation: Intensive intelligence gathering and evalua-

tion 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.
d. Conduct of Operations
1. Proper formation for accounting of personnel

2. Coordination with airport, seaport and other travel agency au-
thorities.
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.
Undercover operations.
Narcotic Investigation
45
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 opera-
tion. This include but not limited to use of informants, interviewing, in-
terrogation, surveillance operations and undercover operations.
b. Planning and Operation: The most effective way of investigative tech-

nique or combination of two or more or all techniques under a given sit-
uation and setting that shall be determined by considering the magni-
tude 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

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 rehabil-
itation 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 pa-
tient is dependent. The process could be gradual or rapid.
46
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 com-
munity without abusing drugs.
Objectives:
To restore an individual to a state where he is physically, psy-

chologically 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
a. Individual Therapy – This involves a one to one relationship

whose aim is to help the patient reduce his drug abusing be-
havior and develop insight into his condition.
b. Group Therapy – This is a form of therapy where the indi-

vidual 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 sup-
port 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 hair-
cut (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 pri-
mary social unit, can be a source of problem lead-
47
ing 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 un-
dergo follow-up and after-care services for a period of not more
than 18 months by the appropriate center personnel. The Depart-
ment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Na-
tional Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are deputized agents of the
board to handle this. A Transfer Summary of the case from the re-
habilitation facility is necessary and should be forwarded to the en-
tity 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 attend-
ing to the case, and the police, for the purpose of assisting the
client maintain his progress towards adjusting to his new environ-
ment. 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.
48
2. An impaired capacity to control substance-taking behavior in terms

of its onset, termination, or levels of use.
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 de-
pendent individuals who may tale daily doses of the substance suffi-
cient 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 week-
days 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 perfor-
mance, 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 organiza-
tions 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 dissemi-

nation 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
49
- 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 usu-
ally community-based such as:
a. Voluntary service works

b. Income producing activities
c. Sports, arts development: theater – choral/dance groups
d. Community fair/contest
e. Other recreational activities: development of physical, emotional
interpersonal, mental-intellectual, social, spiritual, and all as-
pects of behavioral development.
4. Interventions – this strategy is applied to experimenters and poten-

tial drug abusers. Activities like peer or group counseling should be encour-
aged 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:
50
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 repeat-
edly 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 individ-
ual with the emphasis of making him feel at ease, involving him by
asking questions, supplying with the necessary information and ar-
riving 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 opin-
ions 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 se-
lected 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
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 car-
ried out by:
a. Community assemblies and barangay fairs
b. Sport festivals or on test in the community
c. Church related activities
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION APPROACH
51
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 activi-
ties 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 con-
ventions.
The UNDCP Resources for Operations
The financial resources come from the regular budget of the United Na-
tion 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 Re-
gional 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 identifica-
tion 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
52
e. other enforcement techniques
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 planta-
tions, 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 infor-
mation 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 de-
velop 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 facul-
ties.
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 satisfy-
ing activities.
5. Learn to relate effectively with others. Talk to others regarding prob-
lems.
6. Learn to cope with problems and other stresses with out the use of
drugs.
53
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
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 in-
fluence, 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 avail-
able 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 inte-
grated and useful, law abiding citizens. The school has also the role of work-
ing 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
54
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 re-
sponsible to cooperate with institutions in the community in dealing with prob-
lems 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 main-
taining peace and order, the protection of life and property, and the enforce-
ment 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 law-
less elements since they are the best equipped to detect and identify crimi-
nals. 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 sys-
tem 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 help-

ing 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 dissemi-

nation thereby giving the public the necessary need to know, and do help
shape everyday views about drug abuse, its control and prevention.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
55
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 combina-
tion with other drugs. Alcohol is a depressant not stimulant.
There are two kinds of alcohol – methyl and ethyl alcohol. Methyl al-
cohol 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 al-
cohol. 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 alco-
hol 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, usu-
ally 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 oc-
curs occasionally but drinker may not become alcoholic.
5. Alcoholic – has lost control of his use of alcohol. Alcohol assumes pri-
mary goal in his life, even to the exclusion of physical health and inter-
ests 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 en-
joy another’s company.
5. Shortcut to Adulthood – user unsure of maturity, drinks to prove him-
self.
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
56
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 bot-
tle of beer. While the liver is trying to remove the alcohol, the alcohol is having
effects on body functions.
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 in-
creased 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 situ-
ations 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 in-

testines 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 every-
day 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 al-
cohol without getting drunk. This effect is called tolerance to al-
cohol. 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.
57
The liver can become permanently damaged. As the alcohol poi-
sons 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.
d. If the liver is damaged, some important vitamins are not pro-
duced.
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 dis-
turbed. 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
58
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 com-

munity 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 be-
cause he feels sick. He sometimes works badly and hurts himself or
others.
d. Trouble at Play – Heavy drinkers has a bad effect on sportsmen. Be-
cause 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 de-
mands 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 drink-
ing and alcoholism. Treatment should be coupled with proper education both
in the schools and in the adult community to develop the nation habits of mod-
eration 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 ef-
fective implementation of these prevention policies.
59
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 its prob-
lem. The World Health Organization estimates that around the world one per-
son 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 like-
wise 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 be-
ing 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 hu-

man suffering. These necessarily, too, the productivity of the work force, the
need for medical care and other variables. Thus smoking impairs society’s to-
tal 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 in-
halation and the length of the butt.
Effects of Smoking on the Following
 Increases in heart attack risk with amount smoke

Cardiovascular System  Increases heart rates 15-25 beats with one to
60
 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 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 respi-
ratory 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  Increase cancer of the larynx, the mouth, bladder

from other Causes and the esophagus.
 Increase in ulcer deaths, death from cirrhosis.
 Increase in kidney problems.
Over all Morbidity and  Greater incident of infant pre-maturity and mortal-
Mortality ity.
 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
61
bringing about slower erection time, impotence in
1 in 4 heavy smokers versus 1 in 12 non- smok-
ers. Smoking fathers may beget children who
may suffer from brain tumor, leukemia and other
abnormalities due to decreased number of sper-
matozoa.
MODULE - 4
Measures to Reduce Smoking
Government support of anti-smoking campaign demonstrates commit-

ment to the eradication of health problems related to smoking and public influ-
ences and attitudes to smoking. Successful programs to reduce the preva-
lence of tobacco use by young people need a combination of legislative mea-
sures 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.

2. The underworld organization is composed of and operated by se-
lected and highly proficient members of the elite.
3. Drug addicts are clannish and they represent a rare group of indi-
viduals.
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 op-
eration capable to espionage or subversive operations; it is a hid-
den crime where there is rarely a complainant.
Considerations in Narcotic and Investigation
The Violation
62
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 Precur-
sors and Essential Chemicals;
3. Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution
and transportation of Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precur-
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 Precur-
9. Possession of Dangerous Drugs;
10. Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other Para-
phernalia for Dangerous Drugs; Possession of dangerous Drugs
during Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings;
11. Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other Para-
phernalia for Dangerous Drugs during Parties, Social Gatherings or
Meetings;
12. Use of Dangerous Drugs; Cultivation of Plants classified as danger-
ous 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 re-
tailers;
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 in-

tramuscularly, or consumes, either by chewing, smoking, sniffing, eat-
ing, 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 possi-
ble, blood samples for analysis within 24 hours after administration.
3. Is he in possession of the drug?
63
4. Determine the reason for possession. Is it for sale or for own con-
sumption?
5. If possession is for reason other than personal use, he must be ac-
cordingly 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 distrib-
utes or dispatches in transit or transport any dangerous drug or who
acts as a broker in any such transaction.
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, ad-
dresses, 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:
64
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.
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.
65
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.
66
Categories according to Effects
 Long acting barbiturates – take effect with in 30 to 60 min-

utes and last up to 8 hours, e.i. Phenobarbital
 Intermediate acting barbiturates – take effect with in 15 to 30
minutes and last up to 6 hours, e.i. amobarbital and butabarbi-
tal.
 Short acting barbiturates – take effect with in 10 to 20 min-
utes 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
67
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-re-

movable 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 in-
dependent analysis, the desired sample should be place in a suitable
container. It should then be sealed in such a way as to prevent tamper-
ing preferably with the signature of the suspect and the officer appear-
ing on the seal.
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 writ-
ten record of the movement of the seizure, noting time, dates and sig-
natures 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 af-
fixed in such a way that it will be impossible to open the container with-
out 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 main-
tained.
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 an-
other officer who should make the delivery personally.
12. If personal delivery is not possible, the seized drug(s) should be care-
fully packed in a parcel, which is then sealed. This should be ade-
quately addressed and shipped by certified delivery mail.
68
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 move-
ment 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:
69
1. The evidence should reach the laboratory as mush as possible in same
condition as when it is found.
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 intermin-
gling or mixing of known and unknown material. Wrap and seal in indi-
vidual 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
Security and Protection
 Cordoning
 Safety of Injured per-
sons, if any
 prevention of entry by
unauthorized
Conduct of Crime Scene

Investigation
From this point:
Preparation
Approach
Preliminary
Survey
Evaluation of
Physical evidence
Documentation of
crime Scene
Preparation of
Narrative
Description
70
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.
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 (po-
lice 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 re-
sponsible 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 po-
lice, 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
71
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 pe-
culiar 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 any-
thing 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 com-
pleted 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.
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.
72
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 ob-

servation 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 sup-
plement 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 evi-
dence
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.
73
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 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
74
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 fur-
ther 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
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
75
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
76
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.
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 cloth-
ing. Allow the test tube to stand for 10 minutes, or until a color de-
velops.
- 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.
77
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
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.)
78
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 solu-
tion 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
79
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, tourni-
quet, 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, vomit-
ing, constipation, cramps or diarrhea.
4. Absence of Nutritional Food – Loss of appetite is a symptom of poison-
ing. Presence of candy or soft drinks indicates low insulin count.
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 sub-
stance.
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 ne-
glect of both.
8. Wet Body – Evidence of body being immersed in tub or shower, or hav-
ing 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 af-
ter, 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 pop-
ping” rather that vein injections.
80
5. Needle marks/tracks – Visual evidence of repeated intravenous injec-

tions. 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 poi-
soning.
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 as-
phyxia 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.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. Write your reflection in a Microsoft word.
2. Search in the internet the history of drugs and sent to my Gmail
account.
3. Quiz activities
4. Discussion
81

Cdi Drugs

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cdi Drugs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SOUTHWAY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

DRUG EDUCATION AND VICE CONTROL

 Drug – is a chemical substance used as medicine or in the making of

Drug Abuse Jargons

WHAT ARE DRUGS?

A drug, as defined, is a chemical substance used as a medicine or in

- Any chemically active substance rendering a specific effect on the central

- Is a chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional or behavioral

A. THE PRESCRIPTIVE DRUGS

These are drugs requiring written authorization from a doctor to allow a

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

These are non-prescription medicines, which may be purchased from

OTCs must be used discriminately:

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

C. The “Self-Medication Syndrome”

The “self-medication” syndrome is found in users and would be users

Possible outcomes of self-medication are:

1. Adverse reaction towards the drug, such as allergies that may be

HOW DRUGS WORK?

HOW DRUGS ARE ADMINISTERED?

The common methods of administration are the following:

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

THE MEDICAL USE OF DRUGS

1. Take medicines on doctor’s advice. In prescribing medicine, the doc-

4. Avoid self-medication. Patient should not try to guess what is wrong

HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE

Historians credited that marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) is the world’s old-

Knowledge on the opium poppy plant (Papaver Somniferum) goes

In an Attempt to stop the extremely high rate of opium addiction in

It was in 1806 that a German pharmacist in the name of Friedrich W.

The second attempt of treating opium and morphine addiction started

Meanwhile, codeine, the third derivative of opium was discovered in

HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Recognizing the deleterious effect of drug abuse on the health and

During the period 1975-1980 the cultivation of marijuana increased and

THE INFLUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE

Concept of Drug Abuse

The term drug is commonly associated with substances that may be

Concept of Drug Dependence

Drug abuse must be distinguished from drug dependence. Drug depen-

Concept of Drug Addiction

One or more of the following attributes characterizes drug addiction:

1. Compulsion/ Uncontrollable Craving – the addict feels a compul-

UNDELYING CAUSES/INFLUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE

The drug addict or abuser is generally an emotionally unstable person

Drug abuse is a multi-faceted problem exits in our locality and country-

There are some reasons or pre-existing induced biological abnormali-

1. Individual ‘s general health – there are several diseases that easily

B. Common Causation of Drug Abuse

1. Children of broken home easily join peer groups as substitutes to their

C. Factors in Youthful Drug Abuse

1. Motives and Attitudes

Psychologically speaking, in terms of motives and function of drug use,

1. To feel more courageous.

2. Personality and Pathology

This psychology has been described as follows:

1. Chronic, low-grade depression.

The kinds of personality disturbances found in some young addicts and

1. Absent or weak father

D. The Psycho-Social Factors

1. Personality Disorder - Drug abuse is a manifestation of an underly-