DRUG EDUCATION AND VICE

CONTROL

Compiled by:
Kelvin P. Saludo
I. An Overview
No community in our country is said to be free on the problems on illicit drug use.
Despite years of drug suppression efforts by all levels of government and by numerous-
drug organizations, the cycle of drug use continues. In answer to the globally challenging
problem of illicit trafficking and proliferation of dangerous drugs and to strengthen the
anti-drug abuse program of the government, Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 was passed, which in July 4, 2002,
effectively repealed and replaced the existing drug law, R.A 6425 otherwise known as the
Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972.
With the end in view of pursuing a more intensive and sustained campaign against the
trafficking of dangerous drugs, R.A 9165 reconstituted and revitalized the Dangerous Drug
Board (DDB) which already existed under R.A 6425, and vested it with increased powers
and duties to pursue its mandate as the policy making and strategy planning body in the
drafting and formulations of policies and programs on drug abuse prevention and control.
Continuation…..
Entrenched in this drug law, however, are provisions aiming at achieving a
balance in the national; drug control program so that the people with legitimate
needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of required
medications which may include the use of dangerous drugs.
Unfortunately, no community in the Philippines can escape problems surrounding
illicit drugs.
VICE DEFINED
Vice maybe defined as any immoral conduct or habit, the indulgence of which
leads to depravity, wickedness or corruption.
DRUG EDUCATION, DEFINED
Drug Education is a learning process that influences an individual emotionally,
intellectually, psychologically, and socially and may result in the modification of
attitudes that influence behavior. It involves the formal mechanism of presenting
information, and includes a series of experiences and influences that help shape
the learning environment, the atmosphere of the school, the life-style present at
home, the attitude of parents, the pressures within peer group, the popular
culture, the personal experience with or without drugs, and the availability of
alternative mechanisms employed to carry out certain kinds of behavior.
HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE
The use of chemical substance that alter physiological functioning dates back to the Old Stone
Age. Egyptian relics from 3500 B.C. depict the use of opium in religious rituals. By 1600 B.C. an
Egyptian reference work listed opium as analgesic, or painkiller. The Incas of South America were
known to have used cocaine at least 5000 years ago. Cannabis, the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa)
from which marijuana and hashis are derived, also has a 5000-year history.
During World Wars I and II, the use of injectable morphine to ease pain of the battle casualties
was so extensive that morphine addiction among veterans came to be known as the “soldier’s
disease”. By that time, the medical professional and the public recognized how addictive morphine
was, its use had reached epidemic proportions. Then 1898, the Bayer Drug Company in Germany
introduced a new opiate, supposedly a non-addictive substitute for morphine and codeine. It came
out under the trade name heroine, yet it proved to be even more addictive than morphine.
When cocaine, which was isolated from the coca leaf in 1869, appeared on the international drug
scene, it too was used for medicinal purposes. Its popularity spread and soon it was used in other
products, a variety of gin tonics, and the most famous of all, Coca-Cola, which was made until 1903.
THE GLOBAL DRUG SITUATION
DRUG TRAFFICKING
It is noteworthy that drug abuse has become not only a national issue or a
problem of just a few countries but it is clear and present global danger. Today,
well-organized drug syndicates are behind this menace. They employ the most
advanced and most sophisticated technology coupled with unlimited financial
resources at their command and disposal. Police agencies around the world,
pooling their resources are more often than not, the losers in a game of hide and
seek with the international drug syndicates.
DRUG TRAFFIC ROUTE
On the side of the globe is the second major traffic route, which is composed of
the popular “Golden Triangle” which is composed of three countries namely: (1)
Burma/Myanmar, (2) Laos and (3) Thailand; and “Golden Crescent” which is
composed of : (1) Iran, (2) Afghanistan, (3) Pakistan, and (4) India.
Southeast Asia
The “Golden Triangle” approximately produce 60% of opium in the world, and
90% opium in the eastern part of Asia. It is officially acknowledge source of Asian
“Heroin”.
A heroin is produced in the “Golden Triangle” and passes nearby countries in
relatively small quantities through air transport while in transit to the United States
and European countries.
Southwest Asia
The “Golden Crescent” is the major supplier of opium poppy,
marijuana and heroin products in the western part of Asia. It produced
at least 85% to 90% of all illicit heroin channel in the drug underworld
market.
 THE WORLD’s DRUG SCENE
Middle East
The Becka Valley of Lebanon is considered to be the biggest producer of cannabis
in the Middle East. Lebanon has also become the transit country for cocaine from
South America to European illicit drug markets.
Spain
Spain is the major transshipment point for international drug traffickers in
Europe, and became the “Paradise of drug users” in Europe.
South America
Columbia, Peru, Uruguay, and Panama are the principal sources of all cocaine
supply in thee world due to the robust production of the “coca plants”.
Mexico
Mexico is known in the world to be the number one producer of “marijuana”.
 THE WORLD’s DRUG SCENE
Philippines
The Philippines is second to Mexico as the to the production of Marijuana. It also
became the major transshipment point for the worldwide distribution of illegal drugs
particularly “shabu” and “Cocaine” from Taiwan and South America. It is noted that
Philippines today is known as the drug paradise of drug abusers in Asia.
India
India is known as the center of the world’s drug map, leading to the rapid drug
addiction among its people.
Indonesia
North Sumatra has traditionally been the main cannabis growing area in Indonesia. Bali
Indonesia is an important transit point for drugs in route to Australia and New Zealand.
 THE WORLD’s DRUG SCENE
Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand
These countries are known to be the most favorable sites of drug distribution
from the “Golden Triangle” and other parts of Asia.
China
China is the transit route for heroin from the “Golden Triangle” to Hong Kong. It
is also the country where the “ephedra plant "cultivated-source of drug
“Ephedrine” which is the Principal chemical for producing Methyl amphetamine
Hydrochloride (shabu)
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known as the world’s transshipment point of all forms of “heroin”
Japan
Japan has become the major consumer of cocaine point of all forms of “heroin”
 THE ORGANIZED CRIME GROUPS BEHIND THE
GLOBAL DRUG SCENE
The Columbian Medellin Cartel
Founded during the 1980’s by Columbian drug lords in the name of Pablo Escobar
Gaviria and drug bosses: Jose Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha and the top aid cocaine
barons Juan David Ochoa Brothers.
The Medellin Cartel is reputedly responsible for organizing world’s drug trafficking
network. The Columbian government succeeded in containing the Medellin Cartel,
which resulted in the death, surrender, and arrest of the people behind the
organization. This further resulted to the disbandment of the Cartel that led to its
downfall.
 THE ORGANIZED CRIME GROUPS
BEHIND THE GLOBAL DRUG SCENE
The Cali Cartel
The downfall of the Columbian Medellin Cartel is the rise of the Cali Cartel-the
newly emerged cocaine monopoly.
Gilberto Rodriguez Orajuela-better known as “Don Chepe” –”the Chinese 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 its huge production, it was called the best and
brightest of the modern underworld. They are professionals of the highest order,
intelligent, efficient, imaginative and nearly impenetrable.
THE ORGANIZED CRIME GROUPS BEHIND THE
GLOBAL DRUG SCENE
The Chinese Triad
The Chinese Triad, also called Chinese “Mafia” is the oldest and biggest criminal
organization in the world. It is believed to be the controller of the “Golden triangle”
with international connection on drug trafficking. The Chinese Triad is also referred
to as the “black societies”. Called themselves triads because of their highly
ritualistic use of numerology-a belief in magical significance of numbers. The 3 and
multiplies of 3 were accorded major importance by this group. The symbol triad
societies is depicted by an equilateral triangle with 3 sides representing the 3
Chinese concepts heaven, earth, and man.
II. Vice Defined
Vice refers to any immoral conduct or habit, the indulgence of which
leads to depravity, wickedness or corruption.
It is worthy to note that vices are generally thought of as habits or
behaviors that are, at best, unacceptable, and at their worst.. Immoral.
Yet there are those vices that have become so commonplace that we’ve
ceased to recognize them as such, depending on the culture you live in.
Importance of the Study of Vice
The importance of studying vice are as follows:
1. It is important because its evil effects are more disastrous, morally and
physically that of other crimes;
2. It is important because vice affects the daily lives of many people.
3. It is important because its existence causes a serious problem in law
enforcement
4. It is important because commercialized vice disrupts the social make-up of the
community.
Smoking
Take for example, smoking. Half a century ago it wasn’t at all unusual for
Americans to smoke everywhere- in and out of doors, on airplanes, at the dinner
table, etc.. Today, our culture has changed due primarily to our understanding of its
effects on our health thus, we no longer see the kind of smoking that was once very
common.
Yet it seems that the history of smoking and the presence of tobacco in the West
go back a few centuries. Apparently, men and women have enjoyed smoking as
long as there’s something to smoke.
Its been celebrated in song.
Coffee
Coffee first arrived in Europe via Italy. More specifically, it came to Venice from
the Middle East and quickly spread throughout Europe. It got a huge promotional
boost in 1600 when the Pope decreed coffee to be drink of Christians. By the end
of the 17th Century, coffee houses has spread like wild fire, including in places such
as Leipzig Germany where they were also popular venues for musical performance.
It was this very setting that inspired Johann Sebastian Bach to compose his
satirical cantata “Sweight stille, plaudert nicht” better known as the “Coffee
Cantata” which tells of a daughter’s addiction to coffee and of her father’s
frustration in trying to get her to stop drinking it. In the end, he doesn’t really
succeed in spite of his best efforts.
Gambling
Gambling is another one of those vices that is, depending on who you talk,
variously seen as recreation, an outright sin, or a distraction falling somewhere in
between the two.
Gambling, defined
Gambling is the act or activity of betting money, for example in card games or
on horse racing
Gambling is a game o scheme wherein the result of which depends wholly or
chiefly upon chance or hazard.
Chance of Hazard, defined
Chance of hazard is the uncertainty of the result of the game when outcome of
the game is incapable of calculation by human reason, foresight, capacity or design.
Drinking
Wine and spirits have been libations of choice for many reveler, and drinking to
excess, par for the cause. Countless numbers of songs and dramas have marked
such excess from the middle ages through the present day.
Alcohol, defined
Alcohol is one of the oldest intoxicants known to man. It is created when grains,
fruits , or vegetables are fermented. Ever since, there has been a continuous effect,
everywhere, to control its consumption because of its devastating effects on
human life. Many countries all over the world have tried prohibition ban with little
success.
Fermentation, Defined
Fermentation is a process that uses yeast or bacteria to change the sugars in the
food into alcohol. Fermentation is used to produce many necessary items.
Alcoholism, defined
Alcoholism refers to the state or condition of a person produced by drinking
intoxicating liquors excessively and with habitual frequency.
Alcoholic, defined
Alcoholic refer to a person who, from the prolonged and excessive use of
alcoholic beverages, finally develops physical and psychological changes and
dependence on alcohol.
How does Alcohol affect the body?
Alcohol is a depressant, which it slows down the function of the central nervous
system. Alcohol actually block some of the messages trying get into the brain. This
alters a person ‘s perceptions, emotions, movement, vision and hearing.
What is Prostitution
Prostitution is an act or practice of a woman who engages or habitually indulged
in sexual intercourse for money or profit.
Who is deemed a prostitute?
A prostitute is any woman who engages herself in indiscriminate sexual
intercourse or acts with males for hire.
Types of Prostitutes
The different types of prostitutes are:
1. Call Girl-this is a part-time prostitute who have her own legitimate work or
profession, but work as prostitute to augment her income.
2. Hustler-this is a professional type of prostitute who works at a bar or tavern.
She is also a pick-up girl or a street-walker.
3. Door Knocker-this is an occasional or selective type of prostitute who is usually a
new comer in the business.
4. Factory Girl- This type of prostitute is the real professional type who works in
regular house of prostitution.
What is Whore/Knocker
It is the name often used for all types of prostitute.
Pimp
One who provides gratification for the lust of others.
White Slavery
The procurement and transportation of women across satellite for immoral
purpose.
III. Drugs: Their sources, Classifications and Effects
Drug Defined
Drug is a chemical substance that brings about physical, physiological,
behavioral and or psychological change in a person taking it.
Are all Drugs Harmful?
Any drug maybe harmful when abused. The that many drugs will produce
beneficial results has led some people to feel that drugs solve all problems. Drugs
that affect the mind can have subtle or obvious side effects which can be
immediate or may only become evident after continuous use. There are drugs that
are taken as medicines. But certain drugs are taken not as medicines but to satisfy
craving or a strong desire and taking them becomes an ingrained habit. These
habit-forming drugs have brought misery to millions of people in every part of the
globe.
SEVEN CATEGORIES OF DRUGS
The following are the categories of drugs namely:
1. Herbal Drugs
Herbal drugs are plant substance that have drug effects whose use not generally
regulated by the law. These substances require little processing after the plants are
gathered. These drugs may be grown locally.
2. Over-the-counter drugs
Over-the-counter drugs are commercially produced drugs that may be purchased
legally without prescription. These drugs are also known as “propriety drugs”
3.Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are commercially produced drugs that can be legally sold or
dispensed only by a physician or on a physician’s order. They are like the over-the-
counter drugs in that they are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, but they
differ in that the decision to use drugs is legally vested in a licensed physician not in
the user.
4. Unrecognized Drugs
Unrecognized drugs are commercial products that have a psychoactive drug
effects but are not usually considered drugs .These substances are not generally
regulated by a law except in so far as standards of sanitation and purity is required.
5. Illicit Drugs
Illicit drugs are drugs whose sale, purchase or use is generally prohibited by law.
Criminal penalties usually apply to violators of these laws .
6. Tobacco
Tobacco is not generally a drug , thus, may be classified as an unrecognized drug.
However, tobacco hold such a distinct position in terms of usage patterns,
economic importance and health consequences that it merits a category to itself.
7. Alcohol
Although alcohol may be included in the unrecognized drugs, alcohol in forms of
beer wine, and distilled liquor is one of the most widely used drugs in our society. It
is regarded by many experts as the most commonly abused drugs in our society.
Medicines vs. Drugs
All medicines are drugs, but not all drugs are medicinal drug.
Medicinal Drugs
A substance which when taken into the human body cures illness and /or relieves
signs/symptoms of disease.
Dangerous Drugs
A dangerous drugs is a substance affecting the central nervous system which
when taken into the human body brings about physical, emotional or behavioral
changes in a person taking it.
Drug abuse
Drug abuse may refer to any non-medical use of drugs that cause physical,
psychological, legal, economic, or social damage to the user or to people affected by
the user’s behavior.
Abuse usually refers to illegal drugs but may also be applicable to drugs that are
available legally, such as prescribed medications and certain over-the-counter
medications.
Classification of Drugs

Drugs maybe classified into:

A. According to origin:
a. Natural Drugs- are active ingredients , secondary metabolic products of plants and
other living systems that may be isolated by extraction.
Examples:
Raw opium
Marijuana
Coca bush
b. Synthetic Drugs-are artificially produced substances synthesized in the laboratory for
the illicit market , which are almost wholly manufactured from chemical compounds in illicit
laboratories.
Examples: Methamphetamine
Barbiturates
B. According to Legal Classification:
a. RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)
Under RA 9165, otherwise known as The Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002:
RA 9165 gives a single definition to dangerous drugs, removing the distinction
between prohibited and regulated drugs.
b. PD 1619 ( Volatile Substances)
c. RA 6425 (Classified as: Regulated and Prohibited)
Under Republic Act 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972:
“Dangerous Drugs” refers to either:
(1) “Prohibited drug”, which includes opium and its active components and
derivatives, such as heroin and morphine; alpha and beta eucaine ; hallucinogenic
drugs , such as mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other substances
producing similar effects; Indian hemp and its derivatives; all preparations made
from any of the foregoing; and other drugs and chemical preparations whether
natural or synthetic, with the physiological effects of narcotic or a hallucinogenic
drug; or (As amended by B.P 179 dated March 2, 1982)
(2) “Regulated drug”, which includes self-inducing sedatives, such as secobarbital,
Phenobarbital, pentobarbital, such as secobarbital, barbital, amobarbital and any
other drug which contains a salt or derivative of a salt of barbituric acid; any salt,
isomer or salt of isomer, of amphetamine, such as Benzedrine or Dexedrine, or any
drug which produces a physiological action similar to amphetamine ; and hypnotic
drugs, such as metaqualone, nitrazepam or any other compound producing similar
physiological effects; (As amended by PD NO. 1683 March 14,1980)

C. According to International Classification:

a. Narcotics substance (derived from the “Greek word” narkotikos” meaning
“sleep”
 any drug that produces sleep or stupor and also relieves pain (medical);
 Depress the nervous system to produce a marked reduction in sensitivity to pain,
create drowsiness and reduce physical activity.
 A drug which therapeutic doses diminishes awareness of sensory impulses,
especially pain, by the brain, in large doses, it causes stupor, coma or convulsions.
b. Psychotropic substances
• any substance, natural or synthetic or any natural material that have a high
potential for dependence and abuse.
• These drugs are highly addictive but, despite the risk, they remain in medical use
because no satisfactory non-addictive alternative medication is available.
• Pertaining to any drug or agent having a particular affinity for or effect on the
psyche.
Examples:
Heroin
Marijuana
Amphetamines
Morphine
Some Barbiturates
c. Designer drugs
Designer drugs are substance chemically related to but slightly
different from controlled substance.
Designer drugs are designed by clandestine chemists with the aim
to manufacture compounds that produce “the high” or euphoria of
parent drugs and avoid the penalties that would be levied against those
illegally trafficking the controlled substance.
D. According to Pharmacological Classification (effects)
a. stimulants
b. Hallucinogens
c. Depressants
d. Inhalants
a. STIMULANTS (uppers) – are drugs which increase alertness of physical
disposition. They also reduce hunger and provide a feeling of well-being. They
produce the opposite to that of depressants. Instead of bringing about
relaxation and sleep, they produced increased mental alertness, wakefulness,
reduce hunger, and provide a feeling of well-being. Cocaine and Amphetamines
are the most common stimulants.
Example of Amphetamine: Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (shabu)
Street Name: poor man’s cocaine ,S , shabu, shabs, ubas, siopao, sha, ice
What it is: white odorless crystal/crystalline powder with bitter numbing taste
How taken: ingestion, inhalation (chasing the dragon), sniffing , injection, smoked
Effects: General: anxiety, irritability, irrational behavior
Long term: psychosis similar to schizophrenia, difficulty in concentrating, loss of interest in sex
Physical: chest pain, irregular heart beat, hypertension, convulsion, death
Dangers: injection from contaminated needles may lead lead to risk of infections, phlebitis,
septicemia,AIDS, etc.
SHABU
b. HALLUCINOGENS (Psychedelics)- are drugs which affect sensation, thinking, self-
awareness and emotion.
Changes in time in space perception, delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations
may be mild or overwhelming, depending on dose and quality of drugs. The results
are very variable, a “good trip” or a “bad trip” may occur in the same person on
different occasions. Ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, Marijuana and Mescaline are the most
popular hallucinogens.
Example: Ecstasy (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA for brevity
Street Name: XTC, Adam, essence, E, herbals
How Taken: swallowing or inhalation
Effects: exaggerated emotions, makes HR and BP hike up, dries the mouth, stiffens
arms, legs, jaw; dilates pupils of the eyes, causes faintness, chills sweating and
nausea
Dangers: It can really kill!
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
Street Name: Lucy in the sky with diamonds, wedding bells, acid, white sugar,
lightning, cubes, brain eaters.
What it is: A semi-synthetic alkaloid substance extracted from a fungus with grows
on rye, wheat, and other grains, odorless, tasteless, colorless
Effects:
Psychological: vivid hallucinations, confusion, blurring and distinction between
conscious and unconscious thought, etc.
Physical: dilated pupils, flushed face, increased BP, etc.
Dangers: may cause abnormal amount of breakage of chromosomes of WBCs that
carry genes, which may result to miscarriages and birth defects.
Marijuana
Street Name: Mary Jane, Flower,
Pampapogi, brownines, damo , pot
tea, joint, dope
What it is: smoked in pipes or
Cigarettes; can be taken in food;
made into candy; sniffed in powder form;
mixed with honey or butter
Effects:
Immediate: faster heartbeat, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth
Long term chest pain, temporary loss of fertility , cancer, marijuana burn-out.
Dangers: slows down user’s mental and psychomotor activities; long-term use may
lead psychological dependence; may lead to cancer
c. DEPRESSANTS-are drugs which depress or lower the functions of the Central
Nervous System.
Types of depressants:
a. Narcotics (derived from the Greek word “narkotikos”-meaning “sleep”)-Are
drugs which produce insensitivity, stupor, melancholy or dullness of mind,
induces sleep (hypnotics) or stupor and relieve pain (Analgesics). Opium,
Heroin, Codeine, Morphine, are the most popular of narcotics.
b. Street Name: School boy
c. What it is: A component of opium and
d. derivative of morphine; ideal analgesic; found
e. in some cough syrups.
f. How taken: orally (tablet or liquid ), by
injection
Effects: analgesic and cough suppressant with very little sedation or exhilarant
(euphoric) action; dependence can be produced in large doses.
Dangers: Occasionally taken for kicks; dependence may occur; occasionally
resorted to by opiate-dependent persons to tide them over if heroin is difficult to
obtain with inadequate result.
b. Sedatives and Hypnotics-calm the nerves, reduce tensions and induce sleep.
Common examples of sedatives are Barbiturates and Alcohol.
Street Name: lily, bala, downers , yellow
jackets, blue heavens
what it is: made from barbituric acid (“barb”)
prescribed to induce sleep or provide calming
effect.
How taken: orally (tablet/capsule);
sometimes
intravenously
Effects: small amounts make user relaxed , sociable, good-humored; heavy doses
make him sluggish, gloomy, sometimes quarrelsome; thick speech; staggering gait
Dangers: Sedation, coma, death from respiratory failure; deaths from intentional
and unintentional overdose; more than 400 mg per day may lead to barbiturate
poisoning, drug automatism, physical dependence and death.
ALCOHOL
Street Name: Beer, whisky, gin, brandy, wine
Effects: sedation; impairs mental and
physical functions; increase the risk of heart
attack and stroke.
Dangers: cirrhosis; brain damage; obesity;
may lead to cancer of the esophagus, intestines, pancreas, thyroid, and breast.
c. Tranquilizers- are drugs used in treating nervous disorders or calm psychotic
patients or mental disorders without producing sleep. Example of tranquilizer is
Diazepam (also known as “Valium”). It is the most commonly used tranquilizer,
which has a slow onset but long duration of action. Prolonged use may result to
dependence both physical and psychological.
HEROIN
Street name: Blanco, brown, sugar, kabayo, kengkoy, gamot, matsakao,
pulbos, sapsap, tinik
What it is: Alkaloid derived from morphine, white, off-white or brown
crystalline powder.
How taken: orally, through inhalation, injection or by smoking.
Effects: slurring of speech; cyanosis; dry skin and mouth; anoxia;
urticaria; pulmonary ventilation; pulmonary edema; hyperglycemia
Dangers: Dependence liability is high; dependence usually develops
more rapidly, sensitivity to respiratory depressant effects.
MORPHINE
Street Name: M, dreamer, Emma, emsel,
pulbos
What it is: principal active component in
opium; white crystalline powder, light
porous cubes, small white tablets.
How Taken: Any route, but mostly by intravenous injection.
Effects: Initial reaction is unpleasant to most people but calming
supersedes and, depending on those, may progress to coma and death
from respiratory failure
Dangers: Sensitivity to respiratory depressant effect until tolerance
develops; psychic; and Physical dependence and tolerance develop
readily.
E. VOLATILE SUBSTANCE (Inhabitants)
Inhalants-these are any liquid, solid or mixed
substance that has the property of releasing
toxic (psychoactive) vapors or fumes.
Example: solvents, aerosols glue, gasoline,
kerosene, paint, thinner, naphthalene, bases
What they are: liquid, solid or mixed substances having the property of releasing
toxic vapors or fumes or any chemical substance which when sniffed, smelled,
inhaled, or introduced into the physiological system of the body produce/induce a
condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, etc..
How it is being taken: Sniffing or inhaled directly through the container or from a bag
or by holding a rag with the substance in the mouth.
Dangers: Causes permanent damage to brain or may result in “sudden Sniffing
Death”; users become accident prone; death due to road accidents, drowning, falling
from tall building, etc. after sniffing glue ; violence; psychological dependence.
DANGEROUS DRUGS
What are considered Dangerous Drugs?
Dangerous Drug is a substance affecting the central nervous system which when
taken into the human body brings about physical, emotional or behavioral changes
in a person taking it.
It is a substance which when taken into the human body alters mood
perception, feelings and behavior.
Under Republic Act 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of
1972, dangerous drugs are classified into three (3) main categories, namely:
a. Prohibited drugs
b. Regulated drugs
c. Volatile Substances
A. Prohibited Drug, which includes opium and its active components and
derivatives, such as heroin and morphine; coca leaf and its derivatives,
principally cocaine; alpha and beta eucaine; Hallucinogenic drugs, such as
mescaline, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other substances producing
similar effects; Indian hemp and its derivatives; all preparations made from any
of the foregoing; and other drugs and chemical preparations, whether natural
or synthetic , with the physiological effects of a narcotic or a hallucinogenic
drug (As amended by B.P 179 dated March 2, 1982).
B. Regulated Drug, which include self inducing sedative, such as secobartial,
Phenobarbital, pentobarbital, barbital, amobarbital and any other drug which
contains a salt or a derivative of salt of barbituric acid; any salt, isomer or salt
of an isomer, of amphetamine, such as Benzedrine or Dexedrine, or any drug
which produces a physiological action similar to amphetamine; and hypnotic
drugs, such as methaqualone, nitrazepam or any other compound producing
similar physiological effects (As amended by PD No. 1683 dated March 14,
1980).
c. Volatile Substance, liquid, solid, or mixed substances having the property of
releasing toxic vapor or fumes or any chemical substance which when sniffed,
smelled, inhaled, or introduced into the physiological system of the body,
produce/induce a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, etc.
Under RA 9165, Otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, it gives
a single definition for prohibited and regulated drugs. The old law defines the term
“dangerous drug” as pertaining to either “prohibited drug” or “regulated drug”
Under RA 9165, “Drug Dependence” means a state of psychic or physical
dependence, or both, on a dangerous drug, arising in a person following
administration or use of that drug on a periodic or continuous basis.
As based on the World Health Organization definition, Drug dependence refers
to a cluster of physiological, behavioral, and cognitive phenomena of variable
intensity, in which the use of psychoactive drugs takes on high priority thereby
involving, among others, a strong desire or a sense of compulsion to take the
substance and the difficulties in controlling substance-taking in terms of its onset,
termination or levels of use.
What is Drug Dependency?
Drug dependency or dependence is a need for a particular controlled substance
which comes from continuous and sometimes periodic use of that drug.
Characteristics of Drug Dependency
1. Physical dependence
It is the result when a drug has been use for a long period of time. It is only
identified when a characteristics withdrawal or abstinence syndrome occurs after
its use is discontinued. The body’s physical system changes until the body needs
that particular drug in order to function.
2. Mental or psychological dependence
It is a need of drug in order to feel good, to get by or feel normal.
3. Idiosyncrasy or side effect.
Idiosyncrasy refers to a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an
individual’s mannerism.
What is Physical Dependence?
Physical dependence is a result when a drug has been used for a long period of
time. It is only identified when characteristics withdrawal or abstinence syndrome
occurs after its use is discontinued.
Babies born of drug dependent mothers are often born drug dependent and
require special care, some are mentally and physically impaired as harmed during
fetus development.
If a substance abuser’s drug of choice is unavailable, in order to maintain their
high and to avoid withdrawal symptoms, they usually use other controlled
substance which is available. Sometimes they are multi-user since they take several
different drugs one or at different times. Multi use means multi-risk.
What is Psychological Dependence?
Psychological dependence refers to a state in which an individual has a
compulsion to take a drug, but one in which it may not be a physical dependence.
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction refers to a state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by
the repeated consumption of a drug –natural or synthetic.
Characteristics of Drug Addiction
The following are the characteristics of drug addiction:
1. An overpowering desire or need, compulsion to continue taking the drug and
obtain it by any means.
2. A tendency to increase dose or tolerance
3. A psychic or psychological and generally a physical dependence on drug.
4. A detrimental effect on the individual and on the society.
How is drug addiction acquired?
Drug addiction is acquired primarily in three ways:
1. Association-is the tendency of drug abuser to look for peer groups where he
feels being wanted and accepted.
2. Experimentation- is the tendency of a person to try and explore the effects of
drugs due to curiosity or other reasons.
3. Inexperienced Physicians- is the tendency of the physicians for unnecessarily
prescribe drugs.
What is Drug Habituation?
Drug habituation refers to a condition resulting from the repeated consumption
of drug.
Characteristics of Drug Habituation
The following are the characteristics of drug habituation:
1. A desire but not compulsive to continue taking the drug for the sense of
improved well being it brings.
2. Little or no tendency to increase dose
3. Some degree of psychic dependence on the effect of drug but absence of
physical dependence.
4. Detrimental effect if any, primarily on the individual.
What is Drug use/
The word “use” refers to the act of injecting, intravenously or intramuscularly,
or consuming of consuming, either chewing, smoking, sniffing, eating, swallowing,
drinking, or otherwise introducing into the physiological system of the body, any of
the dangerous drugs.
Other Definitions of Drug Abuse
The term “Drug abuse” may refer to any of the following:
1. Use of medically useful drugs which have the capacity to alter mood and
behavior without the benefit of prescription.
2. Use of medically useful mood-altering drug for a purpose different from the
one for which that drug has been prescribed.
3. Use of drugs and substances having no legitimate medical application for
purposes other than research.
What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse refers to non-medical use of drugs that cause physical,
psychological, legal, economic or social damage to the user to people affected by
the user’s behavior.
 Abuse usually refers to illegal drugs but may also be applicable to drugs that
are available legally, such as prescribed medication and certain over-the counter
medications.
What is Prescription Abuse?
Prescription abuse refers to the improper utilization of controlled substance
prescribed by the physicians to the patient under treatments with medical
problem. Any drug not used according to directions. Whether prescribed by a
physicians or over the counter medication, can be substance abuse. Using a
prescription in a manner not prescribed, for using another’s prescription is illegal.
HOW DRUGS WORK?
1. Minimal Dose-amount needed to treat or heal, that is, the smallest amount of
drug that will produce a therapeutic effect.
2. Maximal dose-largest amount of drug that will produce a desired therapeutic
effect without any accompanying symptoms of toxicity.
3. Toxic dose-amount of drug that produces untoward effects or symptoms.
4. Abusive dose- amount needed to produce the side effects and action desired
by the individual who improperly uses it.
5. Lethal dose- the amount of drug that will cause death.
IV. Administration and Metabolism of Drugs
What is Administer?
Under RA. No. 9165, Otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,
administer refers to any act of introducing any dangerous drugs into the body of any person,
with or without his/her knowledge by injection, inhalation, ingestion or other means or of
committing any act of indispensable assistance to a person in administering a dangerous
drug to himself/ herself unless administered by a duly licensed practitioner for purposes of
mediation.
HOW DRUG IS BEING ADMINISTERED/TAKEN
 Oral ingestion
 Intravenous/injection
 Inhalation (smoking, snorting, sniffing)
 Snorting
 Buccal
 Suppositories
Oral Ingestion
The drug is taken by the mouth and must pass through the stomach before being absorbed
into the bloodstream. This is one of the most common ways of taking a drug.
Inhalation
A drug in gaseous from enters the lungs and is quickly absorbed by the capillary system. It is
probably the second most commonly-used route of drug administration.
Injection
The drug can be administered into the body by the use of a syringe or hypodermic needle in
the following ways:
a) Subcutaneous- a drug is administered by injecting the drug just below the surface of the skin.
This is something called “skin popping”
b) Intramuscular- administration involves the injection of a drug into a large muscle mass that
has a good blood supply, such as the gluteus Maximus, quadriceps or triceps.
c) Intravenous- this is the most efficient means of administration which involves depositing a
drug directly into the bloodstream. This is also the most rapid method of drug administration.
Snorting
Inhalation through the nose of drugs not in gaseous form. It is done by inhaling a powder
of a liquid drug into the nasal coats of the mucous membrane.
Buccal
Drug administered by placing it in the buccal cavity just under the lips. The active
ingredients of the drug are absorbed in the blood stream through the soft tissues lining the
mouth.
Suppositories
Drug is administered through the vagina or rectum in suppository form and the drug is
also absorbed into bloodstream.
DRUG DETECTION
Drug Detection depends on:
 Absorption: (structure and composition, diffusion and transport, Psychochemical factors in
penetration)
 Disposition: (Distribution, pH partition principle, electro chemical and Donnan distribution,
bio transformation)
 Elimination
WHAT DRUGS ARE TESTED?
Most Common:
 Marijuana
 Cocaine
 Methamphetamine and its derivatives
 Benzodiazepines
 Ecstasy
Other Popular Test:
 Barbiturates
 Oxycodon
 Amphetamine
 Opiates
 PCP
SAMPLE SPECIMENS
 Blood
 Fingernails
 Hair
 Saliva
 Sweat
 Tissue
 Urine (almost 99%)
V. Identification and Examination of Dangerous Drugs
What is Drug Identification?
Drug identification is a branch of forensic chemistry that deals with scientific
examination of drugs and volatile substances.
Drug Identification is usually conducted by a forensic chemist/chemical officer
to determine the presence of dangerous drug on submitted specimens. The
forensic chemist/chemical officer also conducts drug test on body fluids of
suspected drug pushers and users to determine the presence of dangerous drug
metabolites.
What are the forms of Dangerous Drugs?
Drugs are in various forms. These includes tablets, capsules, liquid, powder, brick
or decks of marijuana, crushed leaves and uprooted plants.
Examination of the sample taken from the suspected
Dangerous Drugs
Methods of Examination
There are two (2) methods of laboratory examination of suspected dangerous drugs
namely:
1. Qualitative examination
2. Quantitative examination
Steps common to qualitative and quantitative methods
The following are the steps common to qualitative and quantitative method of analysis:
3. Selection of method to be used 6. confirmatory examination
4. Physical test 7. Calculation and interpretation of dates
5. Sampling 8. drawing of conclusion and writing report
6. Sample preparation
7. Chemical test
Two phases in the examination of the suspected Dangerous Drugs
The two (2) phases in the examination of the suspected dangerous drugs are :
1. Screening test/Preliminary test (also known as the color test)
this test is non-specific and preliminary in nature. It is employed to reduce the
family or group of drug to a small and manageable number.
Screening test include a series of color test producing characteristic colors for
each family or group of drugs. This is done by adding specific reagent to unknown
sample in a spot plate.
Screening test is quite simple to perform even by investigators in the field. As a
matter of fact, field test using these techniques are being taught in Narcotics
Investigation Courses. Test reagents and basic apparatus available.
Color Reactions:
Upon addition of specific reagents to sample of dangerous drugs, a specific color reaction is
produced such as:
Cannabis: Duquenois-Levin=violet
Fast Blue B salt=purple red
Coccaine : Cobalt Thiocyanate test or CT test=blue
Scott test or modified CT test: Reagent 1=blue
Reagent 2=pink
Reagent 3=blue
Wagner Test=brown (specific test for cocaine)
Diazepam: Zimmerman test=reddish purple or pink(some benzodiazepine derivative do not give color
with this test) Hydrochloric acid=yellow
Vitali-morin test=yellow orange
Opium: Marquis= violet
Ferric sulfate=brownish purple
Mecke=blue to green
Nitirc acid=orange to yellow
Morphine: Marquis=violet to reddish purple
Codeine: Mecke=blue to green
Nitric acid=orange to yellow
Heroin: Mecke=blue to green
Nitric acid=yellow to green
Dillie-Koppanyi test=reddish purple (for barbiturates)
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride:
Simon test =Blue
Marquis test = Orange to brown
Ecstasy: Simon test = blue
Methaqualone and Phencyclidine: CT test = blue
Lysergic or LSD; Ehrlich= violet
Mescaline: Marquis test = orange
Liebermann =black
Note:
It must be noted that positive results of these test are not conclusive, as there
are substances that may give same positive color reaction/s upon addition of the
specific reagents. Hence, confirmatory test must be performed by the forensic
chemist/chemical officer on case to established the presence and identification of
dangerous drug. It must be also noted that only those specimens that yielded
presumptive positive results are subject to confirmatory test in order to confirm if
the positive result of the screening test is really positive.
2. Confirmatory Test
Confirmatory test is the method employed to confirm the results of the
screening/preliminary test. This test involves the application of an analytical
procedure to identify the presence of a specific drug or metabolites. This is
independent of the screening test and which uses techniques and chemical
principles different from that of the initial test in order to ensure reliability and
accuracy.
There are several methods used in the confirmatory test. Some of these methods
are:
a.) Chromatography- is the process of separating mixture and comparing the
migration of each component with standard. Some chromatographic techniques
include:
Gas chromatography
Thin layer chromatography
High-pressure liquid chromatography
What is a Gas Chromatography?
-it is a separation technique
-the mobile phase is a gas
-separation is based on the difference in migration rates among sample
components.
b.) Spectroscopy-a confirmatory method whereby light is used to identify the sample
specimen.
Fourier- Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Used for the identification of pure organic substances. Identifies organic
substances particularly dangerous drugs and explosive ingredients based on their
characteristic functional groups. In layman’s term, the resulting spectrum could be
referred as the fingerprints of the substance.
c.) Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy-used for screening of dangerous drugs in urine
specimen.
Examination of the Urine Specimen
The rate of excretion from the body depends on the drug’s solubility in fat. Water
soluble drugs (such as cocaine) are excreted quickly, while fat soluble drugs (such as
marijuana) may take several weeks or months before excretion.
Drugs test must be conducted to apprehend individual/s who is/are suspected to
be user/s; and to those who are charge with the offense of “illegal use of dangerous
drugs”.
Validity Test for Urine Specimen
Validity test is conducted to determine the integrity of the samples.
Reason for conducting Validity Tests
-In cases of unobserved urine collection
- When there is suspicion that the urine specimen has been tampered
Instances when to allow Unobserved Urine Specimen Collection
- when donor is physically unable to go to the laboratory
- when donor is involved in crime scene
- when donor is involved in post-accident trauma
- when donor is critically ill
Different types of Tampered Urine Specimen
The following are the different types of tampered urine specimen:
a. Adulterated – a specimen containing either a substance that is not a normal constituents for
that type of specimen or containing an endogenous substance at a concentration that is not a
normal physiological concentration.
b. Diluted- refers to a specimen with less than normal physiological constituents.
c. Substituted- a specimen which has been derived through switching or replacement of the
original sample.
Ways to Adulterate Urine Samples
The following are the different ways to adulterate urine samples:
 Addition of salt
 Addition of juice
 Addition of detergent
 Addition of beach and other oxidizing
 Adulterants
 Addition of illicit drugs
Ways to Substitute a Urine Sample
The following are the ways to substitute a urine sample:
a. Urine from friends or other persons not using drugs may be used as substitute
specimen
b. Replace sample with other substance similar to urine in appearance
Ways to Dilute a Urine Specimen
Thee following are the ways to dilute a urine specimen:
c. Internal Dilution
(e.g Intake of plenty of water before collection of drinking of herbal tea, etc.)
b. External Dilution
(e.g Addition of water to previously collected urine)
Parameters for Validity Test
The following are the parameters for validity test:
a. Initial Validity Tests:
- Physical characteristics such as color, odor, etc.
- Volume
- Temperature
- PH
- Specific gravity
- Nitrites
- Creatinine
- Oxidizing agents
b. Confirmatory Validity Tests
- Physical characteristics such as color, odor, etc.
- Volume
- Temperature
- PH
- Specific gravity
- Nitrites
- Creatinine
- Oxidizing agents
Other Methods for Confirmatory Validity Tests
- Physical characteristics-visually determined
- Volume- same as physical characteristics
- Temperature-using thermometer
- pH-pH Meter calibrated with appropriate buffers
- Specific gravity-use a refractometer
Criteria in determining tampered urine specimen
The following are the criteria in determining whether a urine specimen is
tampered or not:
a. Adulterated
*pH:<3 or > 11
*Nitrite:>500.0 ugIL
*Presence of endogenous/exogenous substances (e.g oxidizing agents)
b. Diluted
*Sp.Gravity:<1.003
*Creatinine: <1768.0 umol/ml
c. Substituted
*Sp. Gravity: <1.003 or > 1.020
*Creatinine: <442.0 umol/L
*pH <2 or > 9
When do we consider a urine specimen as invalid?
A urine specimen is considered invalid under the following circumstances:
- adulterated, substituted or diluted
- Improperly collected, handled and stored
- Improperly documented