The basics and its effect on the community

The basics and its effect on the community

Heroin (like opium & morphine) is made from resin of poppy plants, milky sap like opium is first removed from the pod of the poppy flower. This opium is refined to make morphine, then further refined into heroin.

Heroin was first manufactured in 1898 by Bayer Pharmaceutical Company of Germany and marketed as a treatment for tuberculosis as well as a remedy for morphine addiction.

In 2004, Afghanistan held 87% of the world supply of heroin which was the most prevalent source. From 2007 to 2011, the production rate in Mexico has risen six fold, changing that percentage and placing Mexico as the second largest opium producer in the world.

Smoking- this refers to vaporizing it to inhale the resulting fumes which is commonly done using a glass pipe. An alternative method that is referred to as chasing the dragon involves aluminum foil that is heated underneath by a flame and the resulting smoke is inhaled through the tube or rolled up foil. Injection- is a popular method due to the fact that is the fastest route of drug administration and the rush induced by injection can be induced in as little as a few seconds.

Oral- there is little rush when this method is used and the effects are less potent. Snort- the user crushes the heroin into a fine powder and inhales it into the nose. This method is sometimes preferred by users who do not want to prepare and administer by injection.

Heroin users usually start out abusing prescription medications such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, and Demerol. When these prescriptions are not refilled street drugs fill the void. Heroin is cheaper to purchase than prescription pills on the street.

Single bag contains about.03g You pay about $10.00 Bundle cost between $70.00 to $100.00 The more you buy the cheaper it becomes!!

Wax paper bag With some type of stamp

Mannitolo (sweetener) Flour Chalk Sucrose Starch Powdered Milk Baby Powder Cocoa Mix

Mood swings Anxiety Agitation & Irritability Weight Loss Scabs or Bruises Delusions Decreased Attention to Hygiene Hyperactivity followed by exhaustion Slurred Speech

Heroin use leads to an increase in other crimes Prostitution is a method to obtain money to further support the cost of a daily habit Heroin users commit these types of offense more than non-users robbery/burglary/thefts/property crime Often items taken are pawned or sold for cash in order to purchase maintenance doses

County Drug Task Force Heroin Statistics 2008-2013 Year Number of Heroin Buys Amount Spent Grams of Heroin Number of Heroin Seizures Grams of Heroin Number of Arrests 2008 35 Not available 5.41 g 89 302.7 g 123 2009 34 $2,325.00 68.8 g 91 100.87 g 143 2010 33 $3,220.00 22.97 g 78 1,046.68 g 138 2011 45 $7,065.00 32.92 g 84 356.4 g 90 2012 55 $3,275.00 13.89 g 66 426.77 g 267 2013 28 $7,953.00 51.31 g 183 2,142.32 g 265 Totals 230 $23,838.00 195.3 g 591 4,375.74 g 1,026

Drug Sweeps to show an increased police presence in areas with a high volume of drug traffic. Increase interagency cooperation with local police, task forces and federal agencies to work cases together. Increase the knowledge and distribution of Narcan among emergency personnel. Narcan is the medication used to reverse the effects of heroin (overdoses).

Establish an electronic database to track drugs dispensed by physicians and veterinarians. This system would be similar to the way pseudoephedrine is tracked by producing a driver s license and registering the purchasing activity of an individual. Currently this is a practice in New Jersey and there is legislation that is in the process of being passed in Pennsylvania.

Possession of Heroin Misdemeanor Personal Use Maximum possible sentence is 1 year for a first offense/3 years for a second or subsequent conviction Probation Treatment goals Drug Testing Hammer

Delivery of Heroin Felony Maximum sentence of 15 years for 1 st offense/30 years for a second or subsequent offense Give drugs to another person No requirement that money be exchanged Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin Possess + Shown by the circumstances Some states trigger by quantity

For Profit v. Supporting Habit Scope of Operation Gun Users often trade stolen weapons for drugs Sellers feel a need to protect their stash Gang Enhancement To benefit the gang Adds to the standard range sentence Cooperation