Drug Education and Vice Control3.3

CDI 5 Nor-Alissa M.
Diso, RCRIM
LESSON 1 DRUG EDUCATION AND VICE CONTROL

(NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION)
Learning Objectives:
1. Define Theory and Crime

2. Distinguish the difference between Mala in Se and Mala
Prohibita
INTRODUCTION
Definition of Terms
 Drug – is a chemical substance used as medicine

or in the making of medicines, which affects the
body and mind and have potential for abuse.
 Chemical – is any substance taken into the body
that alters the way and the mind and the body work.
 Chemical Abuse – is an instance when the use of
chemical has produced negative or harmful
consequences.
 Narcotic Drug – refers to illegally used drugs
or dangerous drugs, which are either prohibited or
regulated drugs. It also refers to drugs that
produces sleep or stupor and relieves pain due to
its depressant effect on the CNS. The term Narcotic
comes from the Greek word “narcotikos”. It is
sometimes known as “opiates”.
 Drug Abuse – is the illegal, wrongful or
improper use of any drug.
 Drug Addiction – refers to the state of
periodic or chronic intoxication produced by the
repeated consumption of a drug.
 Drug Dependence – refers to the state of
psychic or physical dependence or both on dangerous
drugs following the administration or use of that
drug. WHO defines it as the periodic, continuous,
repeated administration of a drug.
 Physical Dependence – an adaptive state caused
by repeated drug use that reveals it self by
development of intense physical symptoms when the
drug is stopped (withdrawal syndrome).
 Psychological Dependence – an attachment to
drug use that arises from a drug ability to satisfy
some emotional or personality needs of an
individual.
Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 1
CDI 5 Nor-Alissa M. Diso, RCRIM
 Tolerance – is the increasing dosage of drugs
to maintain the same effect in the body.
 Pusher – any person who sell, administer,
deliver or give away to another, distribute,
transport any dangerous drug.
 Use - the act of injecting, consuming, any
dangerous drugs. The means of introducing the
dangerous drug into the physiological system of the
body.
 Administer – the act of introducing any
dangerous drug into the body of any person with or
without his knowledge.
 Manufacture – the production, preparation,
compounding or processing a dangerous drug either
directly or indirectly or by extraction from
substances of natural origin or by chemical
synthesis.
 Drug Experimenter – one who illegally,
wrongfully, or improperly uses any narcotic
substances for reasons of curiosity, peer pressure,
or other similar reasons.
 Drug Syndicate – It is a network of illegal
drug operations operated and manned carefully by
groups of criminals who knowingly traffic through
nefarious trade for personal or group profit.
Drug Abuse Jargons
 “Opiate” - Narcotic
 “On-the-Nod/ “Nodding” - the state produced by
opiates like being suspended on the edge of sleep.
 “Mainline’/ “to shoot” - injecting a drug into the
vein
 “A Hit” - the street slang for injection of
drugs
 “Work” - an apparatus for injecting a drug
 “A Fix” - one injection of opiate
 “Juni” - heroin
 “Junkie” - an opiate addict
 “Skin popping” - to inject a drug under the skin
 “A Bag” - a pocket of drug
 “Cold Turkey” - the withdrawal effect that occurs
after a repeated opiate use
 “Track” - scars on the skin left from the
repeated injection of opiate
 “Overdose” - death occurs because the part of the

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

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

a doctor to allow a purchase. They are prescribed
according to the individual’s age, weight and height and
should not be taken by anyone else. It is a personal
requirement and self-medication that should be strictly
avoided. The pharmacist should never allow the consumer
to request them knowingly without first consulting a
doctor.
Once again strict emphasis of following directions

needs to be stated. In addition to dosage, the physician
indicates both when and for how long the medicine should
be taken. Theses directions are intended to safeguard the
patient from needlessly treating himself after his
illness has been brought under control or from
prematurely stopping a drug because he thinks he is well.
Since the chemistry of the body is subtle and variable,
only a physician should have the responsibility of
prescribing and directing the use of drugs in the
treatment of illnesses.
B. THE OVER - THE COUNTER - DRUGS (OTC)
These are non-prescription medicines, which may be

purchased from any pharmacy or drugstore without written
authorization from a doctor. They are use to treat minor
and short term illnesses and any persistent condition
should be immediately referred to a physician. It should
be strongly emphasized that “directions” be closely
followed and all precautions necessarily taken to avoid
complications.
OTC drugs are used for the prevention and
symptomatic relief of minor ailments. The precautions
that must be observed when dispensing OTCs are the
following:
1. the correct drug with the correct drug content is

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

avoid food/drug incompatibilities and overdoses.
OTCs must be used discriminately:
1. To avoid the dispensing of OTC to known

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

would be users of drugs whose sources of information are
people or literature other than doctors, pharmacists and
health workers. These could be members of the family,
relatives, and/or neighbors, all of whom may have
previously used the drug for their specific disease or
disorder. Self-medication may work against the good of
the user because it can lead to intoxication and other
adverse reactions.
Possible outcomes of self-medication are:
1. Adverse reaction towards the drug, such as

allergies that may be mild or severe.
2. Possible non-response of the patient to the drug
effectively due to incorrect drug usage.
3. Possible drug toxicities, through over dosage
which may lead to severe reactions such as nausea,
vomiting, rashes, etc.
4. Possible habit-forming characteristics due to
periodic use of the drugs even when such are no longer
needed.
HOW DRUGS WORK?
Most drugs act within a cell, rather than on the

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

chemical make-up.
When two drugs are taken together or within a few

hours of each other they may interact with unexpected
results. This is one reason a physician should always
know the names of all drugs one is using. A dose of a
drug is the amount taken at one time. The doses taken
become an extremely important part of drug abuse. The
amount of drug in a dose can be described as:
1. Minimal dose – amount needed to treat or heal,

that is, the smallest amount of a drug that will produce
a therapeutic effect.
2. Maximal dose – largest amount of a drug that will
produce a desired therapeutic effect, without any
accompanying symptoms of toxicity.
3. Toxic dose – amount of d rug that produces
untoward effects or symptoms of poisoning
4. Abusive dose – amount needed to produce the side
effects and action desired by an individual who
improperly uses it
5. Lethal dose – amount of drug that will cause
death
HOW DRUGS ARE ADMINISTERED?
The common methods of administration are the

following:
1. Oral – this is the safest most convenient

and economical route whenever possible. There are
however, drugs, which cannot be administered this
way because they are readily destroyed by the
digestive juices or because they irritate the mucous
lining of the gastro-intestinal tract and induce
vomiting.
2. Injection – this form of drug
administration offers a faster response than the
oral method. It makes use of a needle or other
device to deliver the drugs directly into the body
tissue and blood circulation.
3. Inhalation – this route makes use of

gaseous and volatile drugs, which are inhaled and
absorbed rapidly through the mucous of the
respiratory tract.
4. Topical – this refers to the application
of drugs directly to a body site such as the skin
and the mucous membrane.
5. Iontophoresis – the introduction of drugs
into the deeper layers of the skin by the use of
special type of electric current for local effect.
THE CONCEPT OF TOXICOLOGY
A drug may cause effects because of any of the

following:
1. Overdose – when too much of a drug in taken, there

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

the user or patient, and lastly, the pharmacist. This
idea was subscribed to by both Metro Manila Physicians
(PNC Health Education Survey, 1983) and the
Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Association of Washington,
D.C. (U.P., MEC, DDB 1979). Their common agreements on
the intelligent use of drugs are presented below.
1. Take medicines on doctor’s advice. In prescribing

medicine, the doctor considers factors like age and
weight, prevalent signs and symptoms, severity of the
disease, results of laboratory examinations, route of

administration tolerated by patient, and presence of
impairment in the organ or system. The physician has
always a reason for his orders.
2. When taking prescribed medicines, remember
carefully the dosage, manner of administration, frequency
and time when to take it. Patient must not trust his
memory when taking medicine. The label of the medicine
should be read three times – once when medicine id remove
from cabinet, again before medicine is taken and a third
time after it is taken. Medicine should not be taken in
the dark even if patient knows its location.
3. If patient goes to more than one doctor, each one
of them must know about all the drugs being taken.
4. Avoid self-medication. Patient should not try to
guess what is wrong with him or to select his own
medicines even if his symptoms seem to be familiar to
those of his neighbor.
5. Report any untoward effects of medicine to the
physician. After taking medicine, tell the doctor if any
symptoms develop.
6. Patient should not take additional drugs without
asking his physician.
7. See whether the medicine has expired or not.
8. Be sure that the label stays on a prescription
container until all is used.
9. Store medicine in a safe, cool and dry place and
out of reach of children.
10. Some people just purchase and use common drugs

without knowing their functions and contradictions. Thus,
instead of being relieved of some symptoms, their
conditions are aggravated. Physicians share the same
opinion that the following drugs are better used under
medical supervision to avoid harmful consequences and
habit formation.
11. Analgesics relieve pain. However, they may
produce the opposite effects on somebody who suffers form
peptic ulcer or gastric irritation.
12. Antibiotics combat or control infectious
organisms. Ingesting the same antibiotics for a long time
can result in allergic reactions and cause resistance to
the drug.
13. Antipyretics can lower body temperature or fever
due to infection.
14. Antihistamines control or combat allergic
reactions. People who on antihistamine therapy must not
operate or drive vehicles since these drugs can cause

drowsiness.
15. Contraceptives prevent the meeting of the egg
cell and sperm cell or prevent the ovary from releasing
egg cells. Pregnant women must not take birth control
pills to avoid congenital abnormalities. This advice also
applies to women suffering from heart disease, varicose
veins, breast limps, goiter and anemia. The effectiveness
of oral contraceptives may be reduced when taken with
antibiotic.
16. Decongestants relieve congestion of the nasal
passages. Prolonged used of these decongestants might
include nasal congestion upon withdrawal.
17. Expectorants ease the expulsion of mucus and
phlegm from the lungs and the throat. They are not drugs
of choice for the newborn that does not know to cough the
phlegm out.
18. Laxatives stimulate defecation and encourage
bowel movement. They should not be given to pregnant
women and those suffering from intestinal obstruction.
Taking purgatives (stronger than laxatives) unnecessarily
might result in rupture of the intestines or appendix if
there is an obstruction. Constant use might make the
intestines sluggish.
19. Sedatives and tranquilizers calm and quiet the
nerves and relieve anxiety without causing depression and
clouding of the mind. Precautions must be taken in the
use of tranquilizers since they can cause impairment of
judgement and dexterity.
20. Vitamins are food substances necessary for normal
growth and development and proper functioning of he body.
A person who eats a balanced diet does not need
supplements. If they are found necessary, vitamin
preparations should be taken with meals. Vitamins should
be treated as drugs since the body does not manufacture
them. Excessive dosage of vitamins A and D can be
dangerous and harmful to health. Excess of vitamin D can
lead to nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss, calcification
and heart and kidney troubles. Too much vitamin A might
result in symptoms of a disease of the liver.
HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE
The Holy Bible is a very reliable source in tracing

the early use and abuse of narcotics. The Book of Judges
of the Old Testament revealed that the mighty Samson was
put to sleep by Delilah by means of a drug-laced wine
before cutting his hair, the source of his strength, and
subsequently gouged his eyes before the feasting
Philistines already “high spirited” with narcotics mixed

with intoxicants. There are also many allusions of drug
abuse in the old cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which
might have led to the widespread adultery, bestiality and
incest (Sotto, 1994).
Ancient Greek and Roman literature likewise are

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

is the world’s oldest cultivated plant started by the
Incas of Peru. Peruvian and Mexican Incas have also the
common practice to use the coca leaves during religious
offering ceremonies. It was also known that marijuana was
a “sacred tree” in the belief of the Assyrians being used
during religious rituals – some 9,000 years B.C. The use
of marijuana is also deeply ingrained in the cultures of
many countries such as India, Jamaica, Morocco, Nepal,
Mexico and Peru (Sotto, 1994). The first reference of
introduction was in Northern Iran as an intoxicant. And
from there it spread throughout India by the Hindus used
for religious rituals in the belief that it is a source
of happiness and “laughter provoker”. The word “hashis”
(resin) of the Marijuana plant was derived from the name
Hasan or Hashasin, the Muslim cult leader who fed his
disciples a preparation made from the resin of the female
hemp plant as a reward for their successful activities in
assassinations.
American Indians too are believed to use not only

the stimulant tobacco but also opium in their peace pipes
in order to “narcotize” an oppositionist to their common
objectives (Sotto, 1994).
Knowledge on the opium poppy plant (Papaver

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

became widespread in the 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
induced China to accept the British sponsored opium trade
and forced to sign a treaty permitting the importation of
opium intro China after her defeat.
It was in 1806 that a German pharmacist in the name

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

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

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

would reveal drug abuse in the history of man, the
greatest influence of the modern medical practice today.
In fact, physicians all over the world still consider
narcotics as the most effective pain reliever (Sotto,
1994).
HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION IN THE PHILIPPINES
Very little known about drugs in the Philippines

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

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

after establishing a civil government in 1901, a
systematic survey was conducted and it was found out that
there were 190 joints where the Chinese smoke opium. It
was observed that the habit had not yet gained foothold
among Filipinos. In 1906, partial legislation allowed
Chinese addicts to obtain a license to use opium in their
homes for a fee of P5.00. The opium sale was under the
government control and the quality was limited.
In 1908, the total ban of opium was effected. The

campaign continued until the Japanese occupation in 1946,
at which point all supplies of opium were cut of from the
country and during that period the number of opium
addicts was probably the lowest in Asia.
In 1953, Republic Act No. 953 was enacted which

provided for the registration of collection, and the
imposition of fixed and special taxes upon all persons
who produce, import, manufacture, compound, deal-in,
dispense, sell, distribute, or give away opium,
marijuana, opium poppies, or coca leaves or any synthetic
drugs which may declared as habit forming. The law also
declared as a matter of national policy, the prohibition
of the cultivation of marijuana and opium poppy.
Some time in 1955, the marijuana plant was introduced

in Pasay City by foreigners for purpose of producing
“reefers”. These were sold in taverns in Pasay City and
introduced into elite schools in the same area. The PC
Criminal Investigation on January 8, 1959 conducted the
first marijuana raid in Pasay City when several potted
marijuana plants were seized.
The Philippines has been relatively heroin-free until

the early 60’s when small heroin laboratories opened in
Manila. In 1963, new trends appear. There was a waning of
opium addiction among the Chinese but a concurrent
increase among the Filipinos, just the latter contributed
63 percent of the total arrests from drug offenses.
Recognizing the deleterious effect of drug abuse on

the health and well-being of the Filipino youth and the
threat that it poses to national security, then President
Ferdinand Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 6425
known as the “Dangerous Drug Act of 1972” on March 30,
1972. This law which was amended by Presidential Decree
No. 44, dated November 9, 1972 placed under control not
only narcotics by also psychotropic substances. On
November 14, 1972, the Dangerous Drug Board was organized
to provide leadership, direction and coordination in the
effective implementation of R.A. 6425. By early 1974,
addiction to opiates and barbiturates had almost
disappeared among the native population.
During the period 1975-1980 the cultivation of

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

Concept of Drug Abuse
The term Drug Abuse most often refers to the use of a

drug with such frequency that it causes physical or
mental harm to the user or impairs social functioning.
Although the term seems to imply that users abuse the
drugs they take, in fact, it is themselves or others they
abuse by using drugs.
Traditionally, the term drug abuse referred to the use

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

that may be purchased legally with prescription for
medical use. Other substances that may be purchased
legally without prescription and are commonly abused
include alcohol and the nicotine contained in tobacco
cigarettes (Groiler, 1995).
Concept of Drug Dependence
Drug abuse must be distinguished from drug dependence.

Drug dependence, which is sometimes called drug
addiction, is defined by basic three characteristics
(Groiler, 1995).
The users continue to take a drug over an extended period
of time. Just the long this period is dependent on the
drug and the user.
The users find it difficult to stop using the drug.

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

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

Concept of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a state of mind in which a person

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

drug addiction:
1. Compulsion/ Uncontrollable Craving – the addict

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

unstable person before he acquires the habit. He can not
face painful situations without help, he has less will
power and self control. He has not adjusted himself to
his emotional reaction. Due to this, drug addicts have
low capacities for dealing with frustrations, anxieties
and stress.
Drug abuse is a multi-faceted problem exits in our

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

biological abnormalities of chemicals, physiological or
structural in nature that induced a person to take drugs.
The following are some to consider:
1. Individual ‘s general health – there are

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

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

(Psychological, mental health, family conditions)
1. Motives and Attitudes
Psychologically speaking, in terms of motives and

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

2. To find out more about oneself.
3. To have a religious experience to come close
to God.
4. To satisfy a strong craving or compulsion.
5. To increase or reduce appetite.
6. To feel less dull or sluggish, improve sex.
7. To reduce sexual desire and keep from being
panicked or crazy.
8. To improve intelligence or learning, prepare
stress.
9. To feel less depress of sad, relieve tension
or nervousness
10.To make good moral mood last longer, relieve
anger or irritation

2. Personality and Pathology
This psychology has been described as follows:
1. Chronic, low-grade depression.

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

young addicts and heads cannot, in the current state of
knowledge, be identified as brain damage or
schizophrenia. It is more in the manner of character
disorder. And the behavior may be the result of
inadequate socialization, condition of child rearing and
family interaction. The few available facts about
families of young abuser lend credence to this idea.
In one broad study of New York’s high addiction

areas, the families of adolescent narcotics users showed
the following characteristics:
1. Absent or weak father

2. Overprotective, overindulgent and domineering
mother
3. Inconsistent standards of behavior, lack of
definition of limits
4. Hostility or conflict between parents
5. Unrealistic aspiration for children
D. The Psycho-Social Factors
1. Personality Disorder - Drug abuse is a

manifestation of an underlying character of personality
disorder. Thus majority of the drug users are
fundamentally immature, emotionally childish, insecure or
are suffering from problems of adolescence.
2. Social Disorder - A sign or symptom of family

problem involving parent – child relationship, peer
pressures, unethical values.

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

prescription drugs variety of drugs available
for different ailments.
b. Influence of media-advertisement message that
all aliment can be cured through the use of
chemical substances toward messages and help to
create the acceptance of drugs.
c. Impact of affluent lifestyle or of high
employment.
d. Effect of increased travel and exposure to
different culture and social values
e. Modeling, if parents or key influence are drug
users, young persons often tend to model the
behavior they are at home.
f. Social pressures exerted by peers
g. Collapse of religious values
h. Alienation and enemies feeling of powerless
i. Lower value on academic achievement
E. Other Factors
1. Ignorance, curiosity
2. Laxity of government and other authorities
3. Mass media influence
4. Nature of society resulting in the increased
violent behavior for youth.
F. The 7 Deadly Sins - Primary Causes of Drug Abuse
1. Pride – excessive feeling of self-worth or self-

esteem, sense of self-importance.
2. Anger - unexpressed, deep-seated anger against
himself, his family, his friends or the society in
general.
3. Lust – burning sexual desire can distort the
human mind to drug abuse.
4. Gluttony – “food trip” in the lingo of junkies
5. Greed – wealth, fame, recognition as exemplified
by people under pressure in their work of art, such as
musicians, actors, athletes who indulge in drug abuse.
6. Envy – to get attention from someone: as a sign
of protest envy is a major cause of drug abuse.

7. Laziness –“ I can’t syndrome”, incapacity to
achieve – the breeding ground of drug abuse. Boredom
coupled with poor self-image.
How Addiction is acquired?
People have generally different motivation in life.

The young ones are very much adventurous and some of them
have strong attraction in Drug-taking, because these
“Space are era belongs to them so to speak, thus, the
“IN” thing these days are drugs. To see drug abusers
around seemed to be of a common sight.
The drug habit is acquired in three ways:
1. Association
2. Experimentation
3. Inexperienced doctors
Likewise, addiction may be acquired through:
1. Habituation – closely related to euphoric

effect, and the relief of pain or emotional
discomfort.
2. Toleration – the necessity to increase the dose
to obtain an effect equivalent to the original
dose.
3. Dependence – the altered physiological state
brought about by the repeated administration of
the drug, which necessitates the continued use of
the drug to avoid withdrawal syndrome.
What are the Group Classifications of Drug Abusers?
1. Situational Users – those who use drugs to keep

them awake or for additional energy to perform an
important work. Such individual may or may not exhibit
psychological dependence.
2. Spree Users – school age users who take drugs for

“kicks’, an adventurous daring experience, or as a means
of fun. There may be some degree of psychological
dependence but little physical dependence due to the
mixed pattern of use.
3. Hard Core Addicts – those, whose activities

revolve almost entirely around the drug experience and
securing supplies. They show strong psychological
dependence on the drug.

4. Hippies – those who are addicted to drugs

believing that drug is an integral part of life.
DETECTION OF DRUG ABUSERS
Detecting a drug user is not an easy task. The signs

and symptoms of drug abuse, especially in the beginning
stages can be identical to those produced by conditions
having nothing whatsoever to do with drugs.
It is always necessary to exercise certain prudence

before drawing conclusions. Some judgments may only hurt
the individual; if he is innocent and one may lose his
love and trust. Only after observing calmly and patiently
his behavior, appearance and associations, may one pass
judgment and act.
To detect a drug abuser one should observe the

following:
1. neglect of personal appearance

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

b. holders (i.e. pipe clips) for the joint
c. presence of leaves, seeds in pockets or

lining
d. rolling paper, pipes, “bong” in closet or
pocket
e. cough syrup bottles, capsules, syringes, etc.
f. visines or Eye-Mo bottles to treat red eyes
g. devices for hiding drugs like trash cans,
soft drinks bottles
h. presence of other pills like valium, artane,
other tranquilizers
i. presence of physician’s prescription pad in
blank form
IDENTIFICATION OF DRUG ABUSER
The following markers can help in identifying them:
1. Change in interest – they lose interest in their

studies and in their work. They fail in school, shift
from one course to another, transfer of school of lower
standard until eventually drop out.
2. Frequent shifting of mood – they are euphoric, elated

and sometimes even ecstatic when under the influence of
drugs. They would be indifferent, irritable and even
hostile when the effect of drug is waning from the
system.
3. Changes in behavior – they usually spend a lot. They

are usually in the company of known drug users in the
community. They come home late; they become
disrespectful and would sell personal or family
valuables.
4. Changes in physical appearance – if they can be seen

while still under the influence of drugs the following
can be noted:
The following can also help in identifying drug

abusers.
a. They know the lingo of the abusers, i.e. OMAD.

Chongki, Bitin, etc.
b. Presence of linear scar in the arms, forearms and
abdomen.
c. Lobule of left ear punctured and some of the males

even wear earrings.
PROCESS OF DETECTING DRUG ABUSERS
The detection of drug abuse involves five processes

namely:
a. Observation
b. History taking
c. Laboratory examination
d. Psychological examination
e. Psychiatric evaluation
1. OBSERVATION
Observations of the signs and symptoms of drug abuse

may take relatively a long period of time. Good sensory
equipment and a high degree of objectivity are two
requirements for a good observer. To be an effective
observer, the observer should not let his own personal
judgements and reactions affect his observations. He
should exercise care in his observation such that the
suspected drug abuser is not made aware of being
observed.
2. HISTORY TAKING
A. Collateral Information (Interview with information)
The best information is from the patient himself,

but collateral information is necessary. Ideally, a
parent or close relative or a close friend should be
present to furnish useful details as to the different
changes observed in the patient that made them suspect
the subject is abusing drugs. These changes may be in
his appearance, behavior, mood, or interest.
Added information
1. If subject’s “barkadas” are also known drug
abusers in the community.
2. He knows the language of drug dependents.
3. Seeing in his room, books or in his
belongings or in his possession empty bottles
of cough syrups, empty medicine foils, MJ
sticks or rolling paper.
B. Interview with patient

Inquire regarding the drugs being abused, onset of
his drug taking activity, reason for abusing drugs, how
he supports his vice, etc.
3. LABORATORY EXAMINATION
Accurate laboratory examinations cannot be performed by

any ordinary chemist since detection of dangerous drugs
requires sophisticated equipment and apparatus, special
chemical reagents and most of all, the specialized
technical know-how.
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
This phase of drug detection requires the expertise

of trained psychologists. Teachers therefore are not in a
position to administer psychological examinations among
their students. Psychological examination findings will
correspond to the general findings of a drug prone
individual:
- drowsy or lethargic appearance accompanied by
scratching and without alcoholic breath, tendency
to giggle excessively at things which others don’t
consider funny, and over-active and over talkative
5. PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS
a. Intelligence Test – the test is designed to cover

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

A drug abuser will do everything possible to conceal

his habit. To be able to recognize the outward signs and
symptoms, it is equally important to realize that the
drug problems are so complex. Even expert advice not to
judge abruptly an individual taking narcotics drug as it
could lead to falsely accusing an innocent person.
It should also be remembered that a person might

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

to conceal.
2. Presence of equipment for smoking, drinking or

injection of drugs.
3. Presence of hypodermic needle marks or tracks on

arms and on various parts of the body.
4. Drug test on blood and Urinalysis
5. Drug intoxication in the absence of alcoholic

smell. It is indicated by:
a. dilation or contraction of the pupils
b. unsteady gait and incoherent speech
c. loose mental processes, drowsiness and
itching
d. tendency to laugh at trivial
e. Withdrawal symptoms
6. Nalline test indicates an opiate addict.

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

The General Profile of Drug Abusers
The data may help one in understanding drug abusers

in the Philippines.
As to: The Profile
Age Mean age of 26 years (since

1996),
27 yrs (1999)
Sex Ratio of male to female
remained 12: 1
Civil Status Single (55.78%)
Married (32.58%)
Separated (4.43%)
Family Size Three to four siblings in
the family
Occupation Workers/Employees (42.51%)
Unemployed (21.75%)
Self-Employed (12.58%)
Students (12.16%)
Out-of-School Youth (3.68%)
Educational High school level (27.77%)
Attainment College level (27.07%)
High School Graduate
(22.77%)
Economic Status Average monthly income of
P5,290
Place of Urban
Residence
Duration of Drug More than two years
Taking
I.Q Average
Nature of Drug Monodrug use
Taking
Drugs of Abuse Shabu; Marijuana
Actual Outward Physical Signs/ Symptoms of Drug Abusers:
The actual profile of an abuser of narcotic drugs

may show some of the following manifestations.

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

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

2. They are witty and manipulative
3. They have negative attitude, they demonstrate
hostile feelings to the world or to anybody who does
not want to conform to what they want.
4. They are emotionally immature, selfish and
demanding.
5. They want immediate gratification of needs and
desires.
6. They have low frustration tolerance.
7. Their interest and aptitude are on dramatics,
persuasive and musical field in that order.

2. They are depressed and excessively dependent.
3. They are rebellious and have impulsive behavior.
4. They are pleasure seeker and pathologically liars
5. They like to join anti social groups/ delinquent
groups.
6. They have difficulty in solving problems.
THE GLOBAL DRUG SITUATION
Drug abuse has become not only a national issue or a

problem of just a few countries but it is a clear and
present global danger.
Today, highly entrenched, well-organized drug

syndicates are behind this menace. They employ the most
advanced and most sophisticated technology coupled with
unlimited financial resources at their command and
disposal. Police agencies around the world, pooling their
resources together are more often than not, the losers in
a game of hide-and-seek with the international drug
syndicates (Sotto, 1994).
A. The 1st Important Drug Traffic Route
Middle East – discovery, plantation, cultivation,

harvest
Turkey - preparation for distribution
Europe - manufacture, synthesis, refine
U.S. - Marketing
B. The 2nd Major Drug Traffic Route
A. Drugs that originates from the Golden Triangle
Burma/Myanmar
Laos Thailand
B. Drugs that originates from the Golden Crescent
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- India
C. World’s Drug Scene
1. Southeast Asia – the “Golden Triangle”

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

D. Organized Crime Groups behind the Global Drug Scene
Columbian Medellin Cartel
Founded during the 1980’s by Colombian drug lords in

the name of Pablo Escobar Gaviria and drug bosses Jose
Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha and the top aid cocaine barons
Juan David and the Ochoa Brothers.
The Medellin Cartel is reputedly responsible for

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

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

the oldest and biggest criminal organization in the
world. It is believed to be the controller of the “Golden
Triangle”.
Drug Syndicates in the Philippines
The Binondo-based Chinese syndicate has been

identified as the nucleus of the Triad Society, the
Bamboo gang based in Taiwan and the 14K based in Hong
Kong. The Bamboo Gang is the influence of the Green Gang
of the Chinese Triad while the 14K is the newest among
the triads families established only in 1947.
The most common “modus operandi” by the syndicates –

posing as fishermen along Philippine seas, particularly,
the northern provinces of Luzon such as La Union, Ilocos,
and Pangasinan where they drop their loads of shabu to
shoreline based members. The syndicates are famously
involved in marijuana cultivation and other drug
smuggling including drug manufacture.
THE DANGEROUS DRUGS
A. According to Effects
1. Depressants – those that depress the CNS

2. Stimulants – those that stimulate the CNS
3. Hallucinogens – those that distort perception,
mind; alter moods
B. According to Medical Pharmacology
1. Depressants
2. Narcotics
3. Tranquilizers
4. Stimulants
5. Hallucinogens
6. Solvents/Inhalants
The Depressants (Downers)
These are group of drugs, which suppress vital body

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

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

with morphine – like effects. Demerol is widely
used as a painkiller in childbirth while methadone
is the drug of choice in the withdrawal treatment
of heroin dependents since it relieves the
physical craving for heroin.
5. Barbiturates – are drugs used for inducing sleep
in persons plagued with anxiety, mental stress,
and insomnia. They are also of value in the
treatment of epilepsy and hypertension. They are
available in capsules, pills or tablets, and taken
orally or injected.
6. Seconal – commonly used among hospitality girls.
Sudden withdrawal from these drugs is even more
dangerous than opiate withdrawal. The dependent
develops generalized convulsions and delirium,
which are frequently associated with heart and
respiratory failure.
7. Tranquilizers – are drugs that calm and relax and
diminish anxiety. They are used in the treatment
of nervous states and some mental disorders
without producing sleep.
8. Volatile Solvents – gaseous substances popularly

known to abusers as “gas”, “teardrops”. Examples
are plastic glues, hair spray, finger nail polish,
lighter fluid, rugby, paint, thinner, acetone,
turpentine gasoline, kerosene, varnishes and other
aerosol products. They are inhaled by the use
plastic bags, handkerchief or rags soaked in these
chemicals.
9. Alcohol – the king of all drugs with potential for
abuse. Most widely used, socially accepted and
most extensively legalized drug throughout the
world. In the field of medicine, it is “valuable”
as disinfectant, as an external remedy for
reducing high fever among children, and as
preservative and solvent for pharmaceutical
preparations like elixirs, spirits and tincture.
The Stimulants (Uppers)
They produce effects opposite to that of

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

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

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

hallucinogen in the Philippines because it can be
grown extensively in the country. Many users
choose to smoke marijuana for relaxation in the
same way people drink beer or cocktail at the end
of the day. The effects of marijuana include a
feeling of grandeur. It can also produce the
opposite effect, a dreamy sensation of time
seeming to stretch out.
2. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) – This drug is
the most powerful of the psychedelics obtained
from ergot, a fungus that attacks rye kernels. LSD
is 1, 000 times more powerful than marijuana as
supply, large enough for a trip can be taken from
the glue on the flab of an envelope, from the
paste of a postage stamp, or from the hidden areas
inside one’s clothes. LSD causes perceptual
changes so that the user sees colors, shapes, or
objects more intensely than normal and may have
hallucinations of things that are not real. To him
real objects seem to change, buildings seem to be
crackling open, and walls pulsating. He
experiences frequent bizarre hallucinations, loss
spatial perceptions, personality diffusion and
changes in values. Usually, users perceive
distortion of time, colors, sounds and depth. They
experience “scent” music and sounds in “colors”.
3. Peyote – Peyote is derived from the surface part
of a small gray brown cactus. Peyote emits a
nauseating odor and its user suffers from nausea.
This drug causes no physical dependence and,
therefore, no withdrawal symptoms, although in
some cases psychological dependence has been
noted.
4. Mescaline – It is the alkaloid hallucinogen
extracted from the peyote cactus and can also be
synthesized in the laboratory. It produces less
nausea than peyote and shows effects resembling
those of LSD although milder in nature. One to two
hours after the drug is taken in a liquid or
powder form, delusions begin to occur. Optical

hallucinations follow one upon another in rapid
succession. These are accompanied by imperfect
coordination and perception with a sensation of
impeded motion, and a marked sense that time is
still standing. Mescaline does not cause physical
dependence.
5. STP – It is a take-off on the motor oil additive.
It is a chemical derivative of mescaline claimed
to produce more violent and longer effects than
mescaline dose. Its effects are similar to the
nerve gas used in chemical warfare. It is less
potent than LSD although its effects are similar
to those of psychedelics.
6. Psilocybin – This hallucinogenic alkaloid from
small Mexican mushrooms are used by Mexican
Indians today. These mushrooms induced nausea,
muscular relaxation, mood changes with visions of
bright colors and shapes, and other
hallucinations. These effects may last for four to
five hours and later may be followed by
depressions, laziness, and complete loss of time
and space perceptions.
7. Morning Glory Seeds – The black and brown seeds of
the wild tropical morning glory that are used to
produce hallucinations. The seeds are ground into
flour, soaked in cold water, then strained though
a cloth and drunk. They are sold under the names
of “heavenly blues”, “flying dancers’, and “pearly
gates”. The active ingredient in the seed is
similar to LSD although less potent. The reactions
are likened to those resulting from LSD. Prolonged
psychosis is also one of its effects.
COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS
Drugs that are commonly abused depending on their

pharmacological effects may be classified into:
1. Sedatives – drugs which reduce anxiety and

excitement such as barbiturates, non-barbiturates,
tranquilizers and alcohol.
2. Stimulants – drugs which increase alertness and
activity such as amphetamines, cocaine and caffeine.
3. Hallucinogens/Psychedelics – drugs which affect
sensation, thinking, self-awareness and emotion. Changes
in time and space perception, delusions (false beliefs)
and hallucinations) may be mild or overwhelming,
dispensing on dose and quality of the drug. This includes
LSD, mescaline and marijuana.

4. Narcotics – drugs that relieve pain and often
induce sleep. The opiates, which are narcotics, include
opium and drugs derived from opium, such as morphine,
codeine and heroin.
THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE
1. PHYSICAL EFFECTS
a. Malnutrition – The life of an addict revolves

around drug use. He misses even his regular meals.
He losses appetite and eventually develops
malnutrition. Likewise, the drug dependent who has
tried on his own to withdraw may suffer from
severe gastrointestinal disturbance that results
to severe dehydration.
b. Skin Infections and Skin Rashes - Oftentimes the

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

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

terminal cancer who experiences acute, unbearable
pains and insomnia is likely to become a drug
dependent to opiates or sedatives.
2. PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
a. Deterioration of personality with impaired

emotional maturation.
b. Impairment of adequate mental function.
c. Loss of drive and ambition.

d. Development of psychosis and depression.
e. Loss of interest to study.
f. Laziness, lethargy, boredom and restlessness.
g. Irritability, rebellious attitude.
h. Withdrawn forgetfulness.
3. SOCIAL EFFECTS
a. Deterioration of interpersonal relationship and

development of conflict with authority.
b. Leads to crime.
c. Social maladjustment; loss of desire to work,
study and participate in activities or to face
challenges.
4. MENTAL EFFECTS
a. Adverse effect on the central nervous system.

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

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

gradually. In other instances, he abruptly loses interest
and motivation in the pursuit of achievement and
constructive goals.
Instead of providing him relaxation and escape from

discomfort, drug, alcohol and tranquilizers may blur his
attempts to come to terms with reality. His character
becomes weak and inadequate in coping with his problems.
5. ECONOMIC EFFECTS
a. Inability to hold stable job.

It is impossible for a drug abuser to hold a

steady job since he spends all his time and money on
drugs. If he does not have a regular job, he and his
friends steal to raise money. If he has one, he would be
unable to concentrate since he would be either over-
stimulated or lazy and drowsy.
b. Dependence on family resources.
Instead of contributing to the economic

stability of the family, a dependent becomes an
economic burden. Besides depending on the family for
his basic necessities, he also has to rely on the
family resources to provide him money for the
support of his expensive habit.
c. Accidents in industry.
In a state of agitation or dullness of the mind

as a result of the drug he has taken, the dependent
becomes careless and loses concentration on his job.
Consequently, an accident may occur which may
adversely affect both drug abuser and his co-
workers.
SYMPTOMS OF ABUSE ON THE DANGEROUS DRUGS
COMMON EFFECTS/SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE
Effects Downers Uppers Psychedelics

(depressants) (stimulants) (hallucinogen
s)
Changes in Pupils Dilated Marijuana –
the eyes constricted no change in
pupils but
the
conjunctivae
are red
because of
dilation of
the vessels
of the eyes.
Other
hallucinogens

– pupils are
dilated.
Locomotive Decrease Increase None
changes
Speech Under- Talkative, None

productive, Loquacious
Under- with flight
talkative of ideas
Hallucination None None Present
usually in
visual field
Delusion None Usually Sometimes
encountered encountered
Vital signs Low High Usually no
i.e. change
temperature,
blood
pressure,
pulse rate,
respiratory
rate
1. DEPRESSANTS
a. Narcotics
1. lethargy, drowsiness
2. pupils are constricted and fail to respond to
light
3. inhaling heroin in powder form leaves traces of
white powder around nostrils causing redness
4. injecting heroin leaves scars, usually on the
inner surface of the arms and elbows although
user may inject drug in the body where needle
marks will not be seen readily
5. user often leaves syringes, bent spoons, bottle
caps, eye droppers, cotton and needles in
lockers at school or hidden at home
6. user scratches self frequently
7. loss if appetite
8. sniffles, running nose, red watery eyes,
coughing which disappears when user gets a
“fix”
b. Barbiturates/Tranquilizers
1. symptoms of alcohol intoxication without odor

or alcohol on breath
2. staggering or stumbling
3. falling asleep unexplainably
4. drowsiness, may appear disoriented
5. lack of interest in school and family
activities
c. Volatile Solvents
1. odor of substance on breath and clothes

2. excessive nasal secretions, watering of eyes
3. poor muscular control
4. increased preference for being with a group
rather than being alone
5. plastic or paper bags or rags, containing dry
plastic cement or other solvent, found at home
or in locker at school or at work
6. slurred speech
2. STIMULANTS
a. Amphetamines/Cocaine/Speed/Bunnies/Ups
1. pupils may be dilated

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

alertness and increased energy
2. some individuals may become anxious, irritable
or loquacious
3. causes decreased appetite and insomnia
3. HALLUCINOGENS
a. Marijuana
1. may appear animated with rapid, loud talking

and bursts of laughter
2. sleepy or stuporous
3. pupils are dilated
4. odor(similar to burnt rope) on clothing or
breath
5. remnants of marijuana, either loose or in
partially smoked “joints” in clothing or
possessions
b. LSD/STP/DMT/THC
1. user usually sits or reclines quietly in a

dream or trance – like state
2. user may become fearful and experience a degree
of terror which makes him attempt to escape
from his group
3. senses of sight, hearing, touch, body image
and time are distorted
4. mood and behavior are affected, the manner
depending upon emotional and environmental
condition of the user
INDIVIDUAL EFFECTS OF THE DANGEROUS DRUGS
1. DEPRESSANTS
a. Death due to respiratory arrest.

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

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

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

like insanity, suicidal and/or homicidal
tendencies
b. Poor impulse control.
c. Damage to chromosomes, hence, affecting
potentially the offspring.
Effects On The Body
a. Brain – impairs skills for driving cars and

operating machinery, interferes with memory, and
intellect.
b. Eyes – lowers pressure inside eye ball
c. Heart – raises heart rate, potentially hazardous
to heart patients
d. Lungs – impairs lung functions
e. Reproductive Organ – decreases sex hormones and
sperm production in males
f. Immune System – impairs immunity of the body
against infection and cancer
APPROACHES TO THE DRUG PROBLEM
The present nature and extent of drug abuse and

misuse among the youth constitutes one of the gravest
health problems facing the nation and the world today.
Public concern about drug abuse is focused not only on
drugs that can be abused but also on the individual who
misuses them.
Today, there are many measures undertaken by both the

private and the government sectors in the fight against
drug abuse as a disease of society. This includes the
major approaches as follows:
A. The Law Enforcement Approach

B. The Treatment and Rehabilitation Approach
C. The Educational Approach
D. The International Efforts Against Drug Abuse
THE LAW ENFORCEMENT APPROACH
The Philippine government considers drug abuse as a

multi-faceted problem that threatens the health and well
being of the Filipinos across all levels of society. The
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act
No. 9165 was enacted to add more teeth on the government
response to the ongoing problem on drug abuse in the
country. This is the major arm of the government in its
law enforcement approaches that derived from the supply
and demand reduction strategies.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165: Important Features
R.A. 9165 – COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF

2002 (Approved on June 7, 2002 - Effective July 4, 2002)
What is Dangerous Drug under this law?
Includes those listed in the schedules annexed to

the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended
by the 1972 Protocol, and the schedules annexed to the
1971 Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances (Art 1,
Sec. 3).
Ex. MMDA – Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstacy),

Tetrahydrocannabinol (MJ); Mescaline (Peyote)
What are the Controlled Precursors and Essential

Chemicals?
Include those listed in Tables I and II of the 1988 UN

Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotrophic Substances (Art 1, Sec 3)
Ex. Table 1 – Acetic Anhydride, N- Acetyl

Anthranilic Acid, Epedrine, Ergometrine, Lysergic Acid
Table 2 – Acetone, Ethyl Ether, Hydrochloric
Acid, Sulfuric Acid, etc.
NOTE:
Under RA 6425 (Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972),

Dangerous drugs refers to the Prohibited drugs, Regulated
drugs and Volatile substances.

Prohibited Drugs – ex. Opium and its derivatives,
Cocaine and its derivatives, Hallucinogen drugs like MJ,
LSD, and Mescaline
Regulated drugs – ex. Barbiturates, Amphetamines,
Tranquillizers
Volatile Substances – ex. rugby, paints, thinner,
glue, gasoline
Table 8. What are the Unlawful Acts and Penalties?
Unlawful Acts Penalty

Importation of Dangerous drugs Life Imprisonment to
and/or Controlled Precursors and Death and a fine
Essential Chemicals (sec. 4) ranging from P500, 000
to P10 Million
Sale, Trading, Administration, Life Imprisonment to
Dispensation, Delivery, Death and a fine
Distribution and transportation of ranging from P500, 000
Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled to P10 Million
Precursors and Essential Chemicals
(sec. 5)
Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Life Imprisonment to
Resort where dangerous drugs are Death and a fine
used or sold in any form (sec. 6) ranging from P500, 000
to P10 Million
Being an employee or visitor of a Imprisonment ranging
den, dive or resort (sec. 7) from 12 yrs and 1 day
to 20 yrs and a fine
ranging from P100, 000
to P500, 000.
Manufacture of dangerous Drugs Life Imprisonment to
and/or Controlled Precursors and Death and a fine
Essential Chemicals (sec. 8) ranging from P500, 000
to P10 Million
Illegal Chemical Diversion of Imprisonment ranging
Controlled Precursors and Essential from 12 yrs and 1 day
Chemicals (sec. 9) to 20 yrs and a fine
to P500, 000.
Manufacture or Delivery of Imprisonment ranging
Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus from 12 yrs and 1 day
and other Paraphernalia for to 20 yrs and a fine
Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled ranging from P100, 000
Precursors and Essential Chemicals to P500, 000.
(sec. 10)
Possession of Dangerous Drugs Life Imprisonment to
(sec. 11) Death and a fine
to P10 Million
Possession of Equipment, Imprisonment ranging

Instrument, Apparatus and other from 6 mos and 1 day to
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs 4 yrs and a fine
(sec. 12) ranging from P10, 000
to P50, 000
Possession of dangerous Drugs The maximum penalties
during Parties, Social Gatherings provided for Sec. 11.
or Meetings (sec. 13), and
Possession of Equipment,
Instrument, Apparatus and other
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs
during Parties, Social Gatherings
or Meetings (sec. 14)
Use of Dangerous Drugs (sec. 15) Minimum 6 mos
rehabilitation (1st
offense),
Imprisonment ranging
from 6 yrs and 1 day to
12 yrs and a fine
ranging from P50,000 to
P200, 000 (2nd Offense)
NOTE:
Section 15 shall not be applicable where the person

tested is also found to have in his/her possession such
quantity of any dangerous drug provided in sec.11, in
which case the penalty provided in sec. 11 shall apply.
Cultivation of Plants classified Life Imprisonment to

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

to P500, 000.
Plus revocation of
license to practice
profession
Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous Life imprisonment to
Drugs (sec.19) Death and a fine ranging
from P500, 000 to 10
Million pesos
NOTE:
The Possession of Dangerous drugs in the following

quantities, regardless of degree of purity: 10 grams or
more of opium; morphine; heroin; cocaine; MJ resin; 10
grams or more of MMDA, LSD and similar dangerous drugs;
50 grams or more of “shabu”/ Methamphetamine
Hydrochloride; 500 grams or more of Marijuana.
If the quantity involved is less than the foregoing,

the penalties shall be graduated as follows:
1. Life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P400, 000

to P500, 000 if “shabu” is 10 grams or more but less than
50 grams;
2. Imprisonment of 20 yrs and 1 day to Life

imprisonment and a fine ranging from P400, 000 to P500,
000 if the quantities of dangerous drugs are 5 grams or
more but less than 10 grams of opium, morphine, heroin,
cocaine, mj resin, shabu, MMDA, and 300 grams or more but
less than 500 grams of marijuana
3. Imprisonment of 12 yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a

fine ranging from P300, 000 to P400, 000 if the
quantities of dangerous drugs are less than 5 grams of
opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, mj resin, shabu, MMDA,
and less than 300 grams of marijuana.
The Unlawful Acts Punishable by Death Penalty

(Prior to the abolition of Death Penalty)
1. Importation or bringing into the Philippines of

dangerous drugs using diplomatic passport or
facilities or any means involving his/her official
status to facilitate unlawful entry of the same (sec
4, Art II).
2. Upon any person who organizes, manages or acts as
“financiers” of any of the activities involving
dangerous drugs (sec 4, 5, 6, 8 Art II).

3. Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation,
Delivery, Distribution and transportation of
Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and
Essential Chemicals with in 100 meters from the
school (sec 5, Art II).
4. Drugs pushers who use minors or mentally
incapacitated individuals as runners, couriers and
messengers or in any other capacity directly
connected to the dangerous drug trade (sec 5, Art
II).
5. If the victim of the offense is a minor or mentally
incapacitated individual, or should a dangerous drug
and/or controlled precursors and essential chemical
involved in the offense be the proximate cause of
death of the victim (sec 5, Art II).
6. When dangerous drug is administered, delivered or
sold to a minor who is allowed to use the same in
such a place (sec 6, Art II).
7. Upon any person who uses a minor or mentally
incapacitated individual to deliver equipment,
instrument, apparatus and other paraphernalia for
dangerous drugs (sec. 10, Art II).
8. Possession of dangerous Drugs during Parties, Social
Gatherings or Meetings (sec. 13), and Possession of
Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and other
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs during Parties,
Social Gatherings or Meetings (sec. 14)
What is the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)?
The DDB is the policy-making body and strategy-making

body in the planning and formulation of policies and
programs on drug prevention and control. (under the
Office of the President) (sec. 77, Art IX)
Composition: 17 members (3 as permanent, 12 as ex-

officio, 2 regular members)(sec. 78, Art IX)
3 permanent members: to be appointed by the

President, one to be the Chairman.
12 ex officio members:
Secretary of DOJ, DOH, DND, DOF, DOLE, DILG, DSWD,
DFA, and DepEd, Chairman of CHED, NYC, and the Dir.Gen
of PDEA.
2 regular members: President of the IBP, and the

Pres/Chaiman of an NGO involved in a dangerous drug
campaign to be appointed by the President.

The NBI Director the Chief of the PNP – permanent

consultant of the Board.
What are the Powers and Duties of the DDB?

(sec. 81, Art IX)
1. Formulation of Drug Prevention and Control Strategy,

2. Promulgation of Rules and Regulation to carry out
the purposes of this Act,
3. Conduct policy studies and researches,
4. Develop educational programs and info drive,
5. Conduct continuing seminars and consultations,
6. Design special training,
7. Coordination with agencies for community service
programs,
8. Maintain international networking.
What is the PDEA?
PDEA means Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
It is the implementing arm of the DDB and

responsible for the efficient and effective law
enforcement of all the provisions on any dangerous drugs
and/ or precursors and essential chemicals.
Head: Director General – appointed by the President

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

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

(sec. 84, Art IX)
1. Cause the effective and efficient implementation

of the national drug control strategy,
2. Enforcement of the provisions of Art II of this
Act,
3. Undertake investigation, make arrest and
apprehension of violators and seizure and
confiscation of dangerous drugs,
4. Establish forensic laboratories,
5. Filing of appropriate drug cases,

6. Conduct eradication programs,
7. Maintain a national drug intelligence system,
8. Close coordination with local and international
drug agencies.
Other Features of R.A 9165
1. In the revised law, importation of any illegal drug,

regardless of quantity and purity or any part
therefrom even for floral, decorative and culinary
purposes is punishable with life imprisonment to
death and a fine ranging from P500, 000 to P10
million.
2. The trading, administration, dispensation, delivery,

distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs
is also punishable by life imprisonment to death and
a fine ranging from P500, 000 to P10 million.
3. Any person who shall sell, trade, administer,

dispense, deliver, give away to another or
distribute, dispatch in transit or transport any
dangerous drugs regardless of quantity and purity
shall be punished with life imprisonment to death
and a fine ranging from P500, 000 to P10 million.
 But if the sale, administration, delivery,
distribution or transportation of any of
these illegal drugs transpires with in 100
meters from any school, the maximum
penalty shall be imposed.
 Pushers who use minors or mentally
incapacitated individuals as runners,
couriers, and messengers or in dangerous
drug transactions shall also be meted with
the maximum penalty.
 A penalty of 12 yrs to 20 yrs imprisonment
shall be imposed on financiers, coddlers,
and managers of the illegal activity.
4. The law also penalizes anybody found in possession

of any item or paraphernalia used to administer,
produce, cultivate, propagate, harvest, compound,
convert, process, pack, store, contain or conceal
illegal drugs with an imprisonment of 12 yrs to 20
yrs and a fine of P100, 000 to P500, 000.
5. Owners of resorts, dives, establishments, and other

places where illegal drugs are administered is
deemed liable under this new law, the same shall be

confiscated and escheated in favor of the
government.
6. Any person who shall be convicted of violation of

this new law, regardless of the quantity of the
drugs and the penalty imposed by the court shall not
be allowed to avail the privilege provisions of the
Probation Law (P.D. 968).
(sec.58, Art VIII) Filing of charges against a drug

dependent for confinement and rehabilitation under
voluntary submission program can be made:
1. second commitment to the center

2. upon recommendation of the DDB
3. may be charge for violation of sec. 15
4. if convicted – confinement and rehabilitation
Parents, spouse or guardian who refuses to cooperate

with the Board or any concerned agency in the treatment
and rehabilitation of a drug dependent may be cited for
Contempt of Court (sec. 73, Art VIII).
Anti-Drug Drives and Operational Concepts
The Operational Plans (OPLANS) against the Drug Problem

are:
1. Oplan Thunderbolt I –operation to create impact to

the underworld
2. Oplan Thunderbolt II –operations to neutralize
suspected illegal drug laboratories
3. Oplan Thunderbolt III – Operations for the
neutralization of big time drug pushers’ drug
dealers and drug lords.
4. Oplan Iceberg – Special operations team in selected
drug prone areas in order to get rid of illegal drug
activities in the area.
5. Oplan Hunter – operations against suspected military
and police personnel who are engage in illegal drug
activities.
6. Oplan Mercurion – Operations against drug stores,
which are violating existing regulations on the
scale of regulated drugs in coordination with the
DDB, DOH and BFAD.
7. Oplan Tornado – Operations in drug notorious and
high profile places.
8. Oplan Greengold – nation wide MJ eradication
operations in coordination with the local

governments and NGO’s.
9. Oplan Sagip-Yagit – A civic program initiated by
NGO’s and local government offices to help eradicate
drug syndicates involving street children as drug
conduit.
10. Oplan Banat – the newest operational plan against
drug abuse focused in the barangay level in
cooperation with barangay officials.
11. Oplan Athena – operation conducted to neutralize the
14k, the Bamboo gang and other local organized
crimes groups involved in illegal drug trafficking.
12. Oplan Cyclops – operations against Chinese triad
members involved in the illegal drug operations
particularly Methamphetamine Hydrocloride.
In the conduct of anti-drug operations, the

following must be strictly considered:
1. Respect for Human Rights (Sec. 11, Art. 2, Phil.

Constitution)
2. Respect for right of the people to due process and
equal protection (Sec. 1, Art. 3, Phil.
Constitution)
3. Respect of Right of the people against unreasonable
search and seizure. (Sec. 2, Art. 3, Phil.
Constitution).
4. Respect for right of the people to privacy of
communication (Sec. 3, Art. 3, Phil. Constitution).
5. Respect for constitutional rights of the accused
undergoing custodial investigation (RA 7438), (Sec.
12, Art. 3, Phil. Constitution)
6. Respect for the statutory rights of the accused
undergoing custodial investigation under RA 7438.
The Principles of Drug Operations are:
1. Knowledge on circumstances on when to use necessary

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

1. Demand Reduction Strategy
a. Preventive education and information

campaigns to prevent further demand of society
particularly the youth.
b. Treatment and rehabilitation of drug
dependents.
2. Supply Reduction Strategy
a. Dangerous Drug Law enforcement

b. Judicial and Legislative measures
Operational Plans against the Drug Problem
1. Oplan Thunderbolt I – operations to create

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

enforcement personnel shall conduct drug
enforcement and prevention operations.
2. All drug enforcement and prevention
operations shall be covered by a Pre-Operations
report.
3. All steps taken before, during, and after
the conduct of the operation must be documented
and properly authenticated.
4. Operating units shall promptly submit
written a report after the operation.
5. No apprehendee or seized item shall be
released without authorization from the duly
designated authority.
6. All pieces of evidence confiscated will be
deposited with the proper Evidence Custodian for
safekeeping and proper handling.
7. Each participating element must be given
clear and do-able task.
Coverage of the Rules
1. Coverage: The rules covers the following anti-

narcotics operations.
a. Buy-bust Operations
b. Search with warrant
c. MJ Eradication
d. Mobile Check point Operations
e. Airport/Seaport Interdiction
f. Controlled delivery
g. Undercover Operations
h. Narcotics Investigation
2. Stages of Operations:
Phase I – Initial stage
 Planning and preparations which include

surveillance, casing, reconnaissance
and other preliminary activities.
 Conduct the operation
Phase II – Action and post-action stage
 Tactical interrogation (follow-up

operation)
 Post operation
 Custodial Investigation
 Prosecution
 Trial
 Resolution
Buy-Bust Operations
a. Concept: It is a form of entrapment employed by

peace officers as an effective way of apprehending a
criminal in the act of the commission of the
offense. Entrapment has received judicial sanction
as long as it is carried with due regard to
constitutional and legal safeguards.
b. Planning and Preparation: The operation must be

preceded by an intensive surveillance, casing, or
other intelligence operations and gathering,
evaluation and timely dissemination. Intelligence
must be evidence-based and shall be supported by
documents such as summaries of info, maps, sketches,
affidavits and sworn statements.
Search For Drug Evidence with Warrant
a. Concept: A search warrant is an order in writing

issued in the name of the People of the Philippines,
signed by a judge and directed to a peace officer,
commanding him to search for personal property
described therein and bring it before the court.
(Sec. 1, Rule 126, Revised Rules of Court)
b. Planning and Preparation:
1. Prior to the procurement of search warrant,

intensive intelligence data gathering must be
undertaken, evidence-based and supported by
credible documents.
2. Conduct of surveillance, casing, and other
intelligence operations.
3. Identification, movement, activities and
location of suspects should be established.
4. Search warrant shall be applied with competent
court
5. Conduct of Operation
6. Submission of reports
Marijuana Eradication
a. Concept: Marijuana eradication involves the location

and destruction of marijuana plantations, including
the identification, arrest and prosecution of the

planter, owner or cultivator, and the escheating of
the land where the plantations are located.
b. Planning and Preparation: The planning and operation

shall be preceded by intelligence gathering to
verify the existence of marijuana plantation and the
existence to be supported by documentary evidence
such as summary of information, maps, sketches,
photographs and others. The intelligence gathering
must be appropriately documented by pre-operations
orders and after-casing reports.
c. Conduct of Operation:
1. Briefing, rehearsals, and proper formations.

2. Exact location of the plantation must be
established.
3. Identify owner of the land or the cultivators.
4. Coordination with other operating units in the
area.
5. Barangay eradication team should be organized.
6. Strict compliance with SOPs under Rules of
Opns.
Mobile Checkpoint Operations
a. Concept: No other forms of checkpoints other than

mobile checkpoints are authorized for drug
enforcement and prevention operations. They shall be
established only in conjunction with on-going
operations/situation or when there is a need to
arrest a criminal.
b. Planning and Operation: Intensive intelligence

gathering supported by credible documents, with
proper pre-operations orders and after surveillance
or after casing reports.
c. Conduct of Operations shall be in consonance with

the existing SOPs on checkpoint operations.
Airport and Seaport Interdiction
a. Concept: Airport and seaport interdiction involves

the conduct of surveillance, interception and
interdiction of persons and evidence during travel
by air or sea vessels.

gathering supported by credible documents, with
proper pre-operations orders and after surveillance
or after casing reports.
c. Conduct of Operations
1. Coordination with airport and seaport

authorities.
2. Operations shall be in consonance with the
existing SOPs on airport and seaport
checks/operations.
Controlled Delivery
a. Concept: This is the technique of allowing illicit

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

gathering and evaluation to determine the
applicability of controlled delivery operations. It
must be supported by credible documents, with proper
pre-operations orders and after surveillance or
after casing reports. A committee or board shall be
constituted to study the project proposal for the
suitable employment of a controlled delivery
operation.
1. Proper formation for accounting of personnel

2. Coordination with airport, seaport and other
travel agency authorities.
existing SOPs on controlled delivery
operations.
Undercover Operations
a. Concept: Undercover operation is an investigative

technique in which the personnel involve assumes
different identities in order to obtain the
necessary information. This technique may also be
considered as a method of surveillance.
b. Planning and Operation: Undercover operations shall

be resorted to only under circumstances where
evidence can be hardly obtained in an open
investigation or when an open investigation is
unsuccessful.
1. Proper briefing and rehearsals.

2. Identification of effective cover and
undercover.
3. Buy-bust or search with warrant operations.
existing SOPs on Undercover operations.
Narcotic Investigation
a. Concept: Narcotic investigation is a necessary tool

employed by drug enforcement agencies in building up
relevant and competent evidence, which are vital in
the development of a drug case. Several
investigative techniques may be utilized for the
successful attainment of the operation. This include
but not limited to use of informants, interviewing,
interrogation, surveillance operations and
undercover operations.
b. Planning and Operation: The most effective way of

investigative technique or combination of two or
more or all techniques under a given situation and
setting that shall be determined by considering the
magnitude of drug law violations.
c. The conduct of investigation shall follow the basic

steps in criminal investigation and detection. The
application of the following:
1. Initial Investigation
2. Tactical Investigation (Follow-up)
3. Post Operations
4. Custodial Investigations
5. After Investigation and Inquest
d. Prosecution and filing of the case

e. Trial of the case
THE TREATMENT AND REHABILTITATION APPROACH
A. Assisting the Drug Abuser
1. Treatment - the medical service rendered to a client

for the effective management of physical and mental
conditions related to drug abuse.
Aims of treatment
a. To prevent death from overdose.

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

elimination of drugs from the system of any addicted
person.
Methods of Detoxification includes:
1. Cold Turkey
2. Substitution – the use of methodex, catapres,
haemasin, dextropropoxyphene, tranquilizer,
etc.
3. Reduction Method – using the same drug to
which the patient is dependent. The process
could be gradual or rapid.
4. Acupuncture
2. Rehabilitation - the dynamic process directed

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

To restore an individual to a state where he is
physically, psychologically and socially capable of
coping with the same problems as others of his age
group and able to avail of the opportunity to live a
happy, useful and productive life without abusing
drugs.
Modalities:
a. Multi-disciplinary Team Approach

b. Therapeutic Community Approach
c. Primal Scream Therapy
d. Spiritual Approach
e. Eclectic Approach
f. The 12 Steps of AA/NA
Methods of Rehabilitation
1. Psychotherapeutic Methods
a. Individual Therapy – This involves a one to

one relationship whose aim is to help the
patient reduce his drug abusing behavior and
develop insight into his condition.
b. Group Therapy – This is a form of therapy

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

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

intervention is based on recognition
that while the family as a primary
social unit, can be a source of

problem leading to drug abuse, can
also be a powerful factor in
improving the behavior of the drug
dependent. Family therapy may include
restructuring of the family,
environmental manipulation,
strengthening family communication,
and discovering other means of family
communication, and discovering
potentials of family members to help
facilitate the rehabilitation of the
drug dependent.
2. The Spiritual and Religious Means - development

of moral and spiritual values of the user.
3. The Follow-up and After – Care
The process of rehabilitation does not end upon

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

found to be an opiate abuser, the treatment
prescribed shall be for a period of not less than
six (6) months.
Criteria of Rehabilitation
a. The patient achieves a drug-free existence.

b. He becomes adjusted to his family and peers.

c. Socially integrated to the community.
d. The client is not involved in socially deviant
behaviors.
B. DIAGNOSTIC GUIDELINES
A definite diagnosis of dependence should only be made

if three or more of the following have been experienced
or exhibited at some time during the previous year.
1. A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the

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

bringing about changes in the people’s knowledge,
attitudes and practices towards drug abuse. It utilizes a

variety of approaches and methods whereby people go
through teaching-learning process, and which may be
planned, implemented and evaluated through the barangay
organized groups and other organizations and agencies in
the community.
There are six known strategies in drug abuse

prevention, which are the following:
1. Drug Education – learning situations during

seminar-workshops, symposiums and lecture forums, which
take up values clarification, leadership training, coping
skills and decision-making. It is a movement, which
utilizes humanistic techniques in both school-based and
community oriented drug abuse prevention programs.
2. Drug Information – it is an activity, which focused

on the dissemination of basic facts of the causes and
effects of drug abuse with the objective of creating
awareness and vigilance of the people in the community.
It includes the following information drive

activities:
a. Youth-Adult Communication
- parent-youth dialogues
- family encounters
b. Info-Oriented Classroom/Community Activities

- Contest in the school/community – essay,
slogans, posters,
cartoon, play writing.
c. Broadcast Media: TV/Radio or Printed

- plugs, films, slides, spot announcement,
music
programming, newsletter, comics,
leaflets/brochures,
magazines, other publications.
3. Alternatives – this includes a number of ideas for

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

b. Income producing activities

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

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

intervention are:
a. Peer counseling
b. Hot lines
c. Cross-age tutoring
d. New peer group creation
B. Peer and Cross-age Tutoring and Counseling
Peer and cross-age tutoring and counseling enable the

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

comprehensive career education helps young people
to make the right choices.
b. Parenting and Family Communication – activities
that fosters better understanding and wholesome
family relationship.
C. Effective Techniques and Learning Activities
1. Values Formation or Development – the articulation

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

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

together about their common problems, identify
these and implement the kind of action patterns
for the solution of the problems. This technique
can be carried out by:
a. Community assemblies and barangay fairs
b. Sport festivals or on test in the community
c. Church related activities
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION APPROACH
The UNDCP

The United Nation International Drug Control Program

(UNDCP) was established in 1991 pursuant to General
assembly Resolution 45/179 of 21 December 1990.
The UNDCP is mandated by the General Assembly with the

exclusive responsibility leadership for all United Nation
Drug Control activities in order to ensure coherence of
actions, coordination, and non-duplication of such
activities in the United Nation System.
The UNDCP assists government in fulfilling their

obligation under the existing regulatory structures so
that they can become parties to these conventions.
The UNDCP Resources for Operations
The financial resources come from the regular budget

of the United Nation and voluntary contributions of the
U.N members.
UNDCP in SEA
UNDCP is created in the different field offices in

Laos and Burma (Myanmar), which handles national programs
while Thailand, handles Regional programs.
Master Plan Approach
This involves encouraging and assisting governments in

undertaking a thorough analysis of drug problems with in
a country or region, the identification and assessment of
all anti-narcotics intervention undertaken and planned.
It also involves the identification of needs for new
projects and activities.
Measures Undertaken in SEA
1. Enhancement of Capital Punishment

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

1. Thailand – the training center for:
a. undercover operations
b. investigations
c. informant handling
d. surveillance
e. other enforcement techniques
2. Philippines - the adoption of the Drug Demand

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

training center is sponsored by the International
Labor Union located in Malaysia. Malaysia then is
considered as the training center for treatment
and rehabilitation of drug abusers in Asia.
4. Singapore - Singapore is responsible in the area

of research as part of the Asian anti-narcotic
work. The urine test project was adopted with the
aim to train chemist from ASEAN members in the
techniques of mass urine screening.
SOCIETAL ROLE IN DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION
Different sectors of society play vital roles in

preventing drug abuse. All should exert concerted efforts
to fight the spreading tentacles of this menace.
A. The Individual
The primary role of the individual is to improve his

personality and develop traits and characteristics that
would help him build-up his self-concept, thereby making
himself confident. He should develop strong spiritual and
moral values, sharpen his skills in making decisions, and
strengthen his will power. He should improve his physical
qualities as well as his mental faculties.
What a person can do to prevent drug abuse?

1. Maintain good physical and mental health.

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

The parents should:
1. Create a warm and friendly atmosphere in the home.

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

impressive world. Here, the child moves about in a bigger
social environment predominantly made up of his peers and
teachers. As part of a broader social process for
behavior influence, it is said that the school is an
extension of the home having the strategic position to
control crime and delinquency. It exercises authority
over every child as a constituent. The teachers are
considered second parents having the responsibility to
mold the child to become productive member of the

community by devoting energies to study the child
behavior using all available scientific means and devices
in an attempt to provide each child the kind and amount
of education they need.
The school take the responsibility of preventing the

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

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

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

E. The Government and the other Components of the CJS
The government and the other components of the

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

helping the government in the pursuit of community
development being partners of providing the common good
and welfare of the people through public service. When
the government is inefficient and unable to provide the
necessary goods and services to the people, these non-
government organizations are good helpers in providing
the required services, thus preventing drug abuse.
G. The Mass Media
The media is the best institution for information

dissemination thereby giving the public the necessary
need to know, and do help shape everyday views about drug
abuse, its control and prevention.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
A. ALCOHOL
Alcohol is colorless, tasteless clear liquid, which

gives a burning sensation to the mouth, esophagus and

stomach. Like many drugs, alcohol is toxic. It can poison
the human body if taken in large amounts or in
combination with other drugs. Alcohol is a depressant not
stimulant.
There are two kinds of alcohol – methyl and ethyl

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

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

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

doesn’t want to abstain so goes along with everyone
else.
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY
When a person drinks alcohol, it passes down to the

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

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

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

and intestines and makes them sore. This can cause a

burning sensation, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes
there is bleeding.
Liver
a. The first thing the liver does is to turn part

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

other muscles so that they become weaker and less
effective. This makes people tired and breathless.
Blood - The activity of the liver I trying to get

rid of the alcohol results in many changes to the
blood – for example – blood sugar is lowered and
blood fats are increased.

Kidneys - Alcohol decreased the ability of the

kidneys to get rid of some waste products.
Sexual Activities - After the excessive use of

alcohol, the ability to have satisfactory sexual
activity is decreased.
Malnutrition - The illness that occurs when a person

doesn’t have enough food to eat or eats the wrong
kind of food. The person who drinks alcohol may
suffer from malnutrition because:
a. He spends his time, money and energy in
drinking. He may not eat the proper foods.
b. Drinking alcohol decreases a person’s desire to
eat.
c. Alcohol burns the stomach and bowel so that
food eaten is not used well by the body.
d. If the liver is damaged, some important
vitamins are not produced.
Malnutrition in itself causes further liver damage,

which makes the condition even worse. The result of
all these are that the heavy drinker gets weak
because of lack of energy and body building food.
His body defenses are weakened against infections
such as pneumonia, tropical ulcers and tuberculosis.
The person may get severely emotional disturbed. The
nerves in his arms or legs may be damaged so that he
may not feel what he is touching. He may not walk
properly and may keep falling over.
Alcohol effect on General Behavior
Drinking affects a person’s behavior. Most of the

changes are due to the effect of alcohol on the brain and
nerves. The effects of alcohol depend on how much there
is in the blood. A large person has to drink more than
small person to produce the same level of alcohol in the
blood.
Alcohol Effects on the Community
Because drinking affects people’s behavior, it has

effects on the community as a whole.
a. Trouble in the Home – Heavy drinkers

takes money needed for food, clothes and furniture.
This causes debts. Husbands and wife fight and

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

alcohol. This means he can not live without it. If he
tries to stop drinking, he will have the shivers and
shakes and feels very bad. He may also experience acute
anxiety or fear, delirium and hallucinations.
Prevention of Alcohol Problem
Solely treating people with medications can not

control problem drinking and alcoholism. Treatment should
be coupled with proper education both in the schools and
in the adult community to develop the nation habits of
moderation in the use of alcoholic beverages. It requires
investigation and testing of social policies on the
control of the distribution of alcohol as well as the
effective implementation of these prevention policies.

TOBACCO
Facts about Tobacco Smoking
The use of tobacco is one of the foremost public

health problems in the world today. Tobacco had for
centuries been used all over the world as a way of
increasing the enjoyment of life or as an aid in coping
with some of its problem. The World Health Organization
estimates that around the world one person dies every 13
seconds from tobacco-related diseases. Doctor’s cite
50,000 scientific studies from various independent bodies
that have proved beyond doubt that smoking is responsible
for around 90% of all cases of lung cancer, 95% of all
cases of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and 25% of
heart conditions in men under 65 years of age.
The World Health Organization Advisory Panel on

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

or even earlier. Becoming a smoker may have the immediate
value to some teenagers of being accepted by their peers,
feeling more mature because smoking is an adult behavior
to the child providing level of psychological stimulation
and pleasure and might even serve the function of an cat
of defiance to authority figures.
General Effect of Tobacco Smoking
The effects of tobacco smoking consist primarily of

ill-health and of human suffering. These necessarily,
too, the productivity of the work force, the need for
medical care and other variables. Thus smoking impairs
society’s total well-being and posses substantial
economic loss to the nation.
Properties of Tobacco
Cigarette smoke contains over 2,000 different

chemicals and gases whixh can produce coughing, broncho
spasm, increased mucus secretion.
NICOTINE – It is the most important active ingredient

in controlled doses. It is an extremely toxic substance.
A typical cigarette contains 1-2 mg of nicotine. When
smoked, less than 1 mg from each cigarette is filtered or
not depending on the characteristics of the filter, the
depth and frequency of inhalation and the length of the
butt.
Effects of Smoking on the Following
 Increases in heart
Cardiovascular attack risk with amount smoke
System  Increases heart rates
15-25 beats with one to
 two cigarette.
 Constricts small
arteries causing higher blood
 pressure.
 Increases chance of
developing peripheral
 vascular diseases.
 Causes carbon
monoxide from smoke to rob
 oxygen carrying
potential of blood.
 Causes increase of
free fatty acids in blood which
 may be related to
heart attack.
Respiratory System  Increases risks of
developing lung cancer ten-fold for
the average of one pack a day
smoker.
 Increases lung cancer
risk with amount, with length of
time smoked and early age starting.
 Major factor
identified in the development of
lung cancer
 Only one in twenty
lung cancer victims is saved from
death per year
 Lung cancer deaths
slightly exceed traffic deaths per
year
 A major cause of
chronic bronchitis
 Increases risk of
dying of chronic bronchitis and
emphysema about six fold.
 Tends to paralyze
bronchial cilia and stimulate
production of mucus. Eventually
destroys ciliary structure cleansing
system predisposing to respiratory
infections
 Increases in abnormal
cell growth in bronchial tube walls
with increase in basal cell layers
and thickening
 Causes closing of the
bronchi, reducing effective
breathing space.
Increased Mortality  Increase cancer of the larynx, the

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

Government support of anti-smoking campaign

demonstrates commitment to the eradication of health
problems related to smoking and public influences and
attitudes to smoking. Successful programs to reduce the
prevalence of tobacco use by young people need a
combination of legislative measures and health education
including:
 prohibition of sales in minor

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

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

syndicated.
2. The underworld organization is composed of and
operated by selected and highly proficient members
of the elite.
3. Drug addicts are clannish and they represent a
rare group of individuals.
4. Drug abusers and or addicts have their own lingo
and way of life.
5. The illicit drug trade is completely underworld in
conception and operation capable to espionage or
subversive operations; it is a hidden crime where
there is rarely a complainant.
Considerations in Narcotic and Investigation
The Violation
a) Republic Act No. 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous

Drug Act of 2002) - Under this law, the following
are punishable:
1. Importation of Dangerous drugs and/or Controlled

Precursors and Essential Chemicals;
Essential Chemicals;
4. Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort where
dangerous drugs are used or sold in any form;
5. Being an employee or visitor of a den, dive or
resort;
6. Manufacture of dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled
7. Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled
8. Manufacture or Delivery of Equipment,
Instrument, Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for

9. Possession of Dangerous Drugs;
10. Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus
and other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs;
Possession of dangerous Drugs during Parties,
Social Gatherings or Meetings;
11. Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus
and other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs during
Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings;
12. Use of Dangerous Drugs; Cultivation of Plants
classified as dangerous drugs or are sources
thereof;
13. Failure to comply with the maintenance and
keeping of the original records of transaction on
any dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors
and Essential Chemicals on the part of
practioners, manufacturers, wholesalers,
importers, distributors, dealers, or retailers;
14. Unnecessary Prescription of Dangerous Drugs;
15. Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous Drugs
The Violators – The Persons of Importance
a) The Addict or User - A “user” is one who injects,

intravenously or intramuscularly, or consumes,
either by chewing, smoking, sniffing, eating,
swallowing, drinking, or otherwise introducing into
the physiological system of the body, any of the
dangerous drugs. An “addict” is one who habitually
uses dangerous drugs.
1. Determine his history.

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

sells, administers, delivers, or gives away to
another, on any terms whatsoever, or distributes or
dispatches in transit or transport any dangerous
drug or who acts as a broker in any such

transaction.
1. Ordinarily, he is an addict himself.

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

derivatives, the coca leaf and beta eucaine, and the
hallucinogenic drugs. It includes all preparations made
from any of the foregoing and other drugs and chemical
preparations; whether natural or synthetics, with the
physiological effects of a narcotic or a hallucinogenic
drug.
Opium and its derivatives
“Opium” refers to the coagulated juice of the opium

poppy and embraces every kind, character and class of
opium, whether crude of prepared; the ashes or refuse of
the same; narcotic prepared; the ashes or refuse of the
same, narcotic preparations thereof or therefrom;
morphine or any alkaloid of opium; preparations in which
opium enters as an ingredient; opium poppy; opium seeds;
opium poppy straw; and leaves or wrapping of opium
leaves, whether prepared for use or not.
Field test: Burn a small quantity of the suspected

substance. The odor or smell is similar to burnt banana
leaves or has a sweetish odor.
Morphine – the drug varies in different forms such

as:
Powder – white, odorless granulated powder with a

very bitter taste. Sometimes however, illicit
traffickers add color to deceive investigators.
Block – with embossed marks like “999” “555” “AAA”

“1A”, etc. with “Lion”, Elephant”, “Tiger/Dragon”
brands.
Licit morphine used for medical purposes

invariably comes in powder form, tablets, capsules
with the brand name of the manufacturer.
Heroin (Dimorphine Hydrochloride/ Diacetylmorphine)

is a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a
very bitter taste. Heroin is the hydrochloride of
an alkaloid obtainable by the action of acetic
anhydride or morphine. The alkaloid base may be
made by treating morphine with acetyl chloride,
washing the product with a dilute alkaline
solution and crystallizing from alcoholic
solution.
NOTE: Both heroin and morphine may be sold by

pushers in bundle containing about .03 gram of
powder. The price will depend on supply and demand.
Cocaine (Methyl ecgonine). Cocaine (C12 H 21n O4) is

an alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Erythorxylon coca
and the other species of Erthroxlon Linne, or by
synthesis from ecgoine and its derivatives.
Preparation - It may be made by moisturizing ground

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

been liberated are removed with chloroform. The aqueous
solution is then concentrated, neutralized, and cooled
with ice, whereupon methyl ecgonine sulfate crystallizes.
Upon adding water and sodium hydroxide, methyl

benzoyl ecgonine or cocaine is precipitated. The cocaine
is extracted with ether and the solution concentrated to
crystallization. For the purification of cocaine, re-
crystallization from a mixture of acetone and benzene is

generally preferred.
Solubility - 1 gm dissolves in about 600 ml of

water, 7 ml of alcohol, 1 ml of chloroform, 3.5 ml of
ether, and is very soluble in warm alcohol.
Uses - Cocaine was the first local anaesthetic to be

discovered. At present, it is considered too toxic for
any anaesthetic procedure requiring injection, but is
still extensively employed for anesthesia of the nose and
throat. For this purpose, a 10 % solution of the hydro –
chloride is used.
Cocaine is a central stimulant, but is never

employed clinically for this purpose. Addiction and a
certain amount of tolerance result from its use. Because
of its properties, the sale of cocaine is prohibited in
the Philippines.
Cocaine also comes in the form of salt crystals,
known as “crack” and usually sold in packets. This is the
American counterpart of the local “shabu” or
methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa)
Marijuana is a seasonal plant grown from seed.

Depending on soil and weather condition, it grows
approximately 20 feet. The leaves come in clusters of
3,5,7,9 to 13 leaflets. The leaflets are elongated with
the tip pointed and the sides serrated.
Manicured or grounded leaves and flowering tops –

Although dried and grounded, they will retain their
greenish color.
Reefers or cigarettes known as “joints” and other

names – These are hand-rolled in cigarette paper,
irregular and slim with both ends tucked in or twisted.
Hallucinogen Drugs
These are the drugs that are capable of creating

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

Those having the same physiological action as a
narcotic drug, such as methadone and demerol.
Other Dangerous Drugs
These include self-inducting sedatives, such as

seconbarbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, amobarbital,
salt or a derivative of a salt of barbituric acid: and
salt, isomer or salt of an isomer, of amphetamine, such
as benzedrine of dexedrine, or any drug which produces a
physiological acting simlar to amphetamine; and hypnotic
drugs, such as methaqualone, nitrzepam or any other
compound producing similar physiological effects.
Barbiturates – Manufactured synthetically as salts of

barbituric acid. All names of these drugs are in al,
such as pentobarbital, secobarbital (seconal),
amobarbital, phenobarbital, barbital, etc.
Categories according to Effects
 Long acting barbiturates – take effect with in

30 to 60 minutes and last up to 8 hours, e.i.
Phenobarbital
 Intermediate acting barbiturates – take effect
with in 15 to 30 minutes and last up to 6
hours, e.i. amobarbital and butabarbital.
 Short acting barbiturates – take effect with in
10 to 20 minutes and last up to 6 hours, e.i.
Pentobarbital and secobarbital.
 Ultra short barbiturates – take effect with in
45 seconds and last up to 30 minutes, e.i.
thiopental sodium.
Note: Slang Terms of Barbiturates
Pentobarbital – “yellow jackets” - Secobarbital –

“red devils” - Amobarbital – “ blue devils/ blue birds”
Amosbarbital – “ rainbow/ double trouble”
Note: Under FDA law, it is illegal to sell these

drugs without prescription. There is no illegal
possession charge under the FDA law, but under RA
6425, there is such a violation.
Amphetamines – Stimulate the central nervous system

and have the ability to combat fatigue and sleepiness.
These are also known at uppers.
Chemical Names
a. Amphetamine Sulfate
b. Dextroamphetamine Sulfate
c. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride
Amphetamines come in varied forms, colors and

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

Solvents or Deliriants. This are chemicals which when
sniffed can produce intoxication effects such as
gasoline, kerosene, thinner, paint, etc. The most popular
among them is the solvent rugby. These chemical
substances are significant in narcotic investigation
because of their intoxicating symptoms that do not
produce alcoholic breath.
HANDLING NARCOTIC EVIDENCE
Evidence handling
Physical evidence of various types can do must to

augment the inevitable oral evidence in a prosecution
involving drugs. The investigator should be constantly on
alert to obtain physical evidence during an inquiry for
presentation in court.
Drug seizures - One officer, preferably the officer

who made the seizure, should be detailed to take charge
of the drug found. The following procedure should guide
him:
1. Identify the seizure in some permanent way using

markings or non-removable labels or wax-sealed tie
on tag.
2. The identification should give detail of the time,
date and place of seizure, and the name of the owner
or suspect where an arrest had been made.
3. The officer should complete the identification of
the seizure by placing his initial or signature on

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

kept relating to photographs taken in the course of an
investigation, noting the time, date and place of the
photograph, its subject the weather condition at the time
it was taken. The technician might also note details of
film and camera operations. Several prints of each
photograph should be obtained, and on one copy, these
details should be recorded together with the name of the
officers who can “prove” the photograph. The other print

copies be retained unmarked for possible submission to
court. Photographs of, for instance, a meeting between
two offenders can adduce valuable corroborative evidence.
Documents - Documents that may become evidence in a

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

category include:
1. Information on a suspect of drug movement
2. Results of background inquiry on a suspect
3. The log or running sheet kept on investigator and
suspect movement during surveillance or arrest
4. Investigator’s notebooks and diaries
5. Investigator’s notes of conversations, events or
interviews
DRUG INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS
Roles of the PDEA
Drug investigation in the Philippines is under the

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

“create and maintain an efficient special enforcement
unit to conduct an investigation and file charges and
transmit evidence to the proper court”. Proper handling
of drug evidence is necessary to obtain the maximum
possible information upon which scientific examination
shall be based, and to prevent exclusion as evidence in
court. Drug specimens, that truly represent the material
found at the scene, unaltered, unspoiled or otherwise
unchanged in handling, will provide more and better
information upon examination. Legal requirements make it
necessary to account for all physical pieces of evidence

from the time it is collected until it is presented in
court. With these, the following principles should be
observed in handling all types of evidence in narcotic
investigation:
1. The evidence should reach the laboratory as mush as

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

handling, preservation and documentation of evidence in
narcotic investigation rest upon the quality of people
involved in the activity which they follow certain
guidelines for investigative success. Below is an
illustration of a basic procedure in narcotic
investigation focused in the crime scene:
Receipt/Report Complaint
First Responder
Conduct of Crime Scene
Security and Protection
Investigation
From this point:
 Cordoning
Preparation  Safety of Injured
persons, if any
 prevention of entry
Approach by unauthorized
Preliminary
Survey
Evaluation of
Physical evidence

Documentation of
crime Scene
Preparation of
Narrative
Description
Crime Scene Search
Collection of
Physical Evidence
Final Survey & Release

of crime Scene
The illustration shows a general process in the

crime scene investigation involving any crime which is
narcotic investigators can fundamentally base on a
scientific crime scene processing.
In the flow of the investigation, it shows that upon

receipt or report of a crime, the desk officer shall
record the date and time the report/ complaint was made,
identify persons who made the report, place of incident
and a synopsis of the incident then inform his superior
or duty officer regarding the report.
The first responders will properly preserve the

crime scene. The security and protection of the crime
scene to get maximum scientific information that will
help successful prosecution of perpetrators. Then the
formal investigation maybe conducted.
Procedure at the Crime Scene

Upon Arrival at the Crime Scene
a. Record time/date of arrival at the crime scene,

location of the scene, condition of the weather,
condition and type of lighting direction of wind and
visibility.
b. Secure the crime scene by installing the crime scene
tape or rope (police line)
c. Before touching or moving any object at the crime
scene determine first the status of the victim,
whether he is still alive or already dead. If the
victim is alive the investigator should exert effort
to gather information from the victim himself
regarding the circumstances of the crime, while a
member of the team or someone must call an ambulance

from the nearest hospital. After the victim is
remove and brought to the hospital for medical
attention, measure, sketch, and photograph.
d. Designate a member of the team or summon other
policemen or responsible persons to stand watch and
secure the scene, and permit only those authorized
person to enter the same.
e. Identify and retain for questioning the person who
firs notified the police, and other possible
witnesses.
Recording
The investigator begins the process of recording

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

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

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

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

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

narcotic investigation, the following methods of searches
maybe used: Strip Search Method, Double strip or grid
method of search, Spiral Search Method, Zone Search
Method.
Collecting Evidence - This is accomplished after the

search is completed, the rough sketch finished and
photographs taken. Fragile evidence should be collected
as they are found.
Removal of Evidence - The investigator places his

initials, the date and the time of discovery on each item
of evidence and the time discovery on each item of
evidence for proper identification. Items that could not
be marked should be placed in a suitable container and
sealed.
Tagging of Evidence - Any physical evidence obtained must

tagged before its submission to the evidence custodian.
Evaluation of Evidence - Each item of evidence must be

evaluated in relation to all the evidence, individually
and collectively.
Preservation of Evidence - It is the investigator’s

responsibility to ensure that every precaution is
exercised to preserve physical evidence in the state in
which it was recovered until it is released to the
evidence custodian.
Releasing the Scene - The scene is not released until all

processing has been completed. The release should be
effected at the earliest practicable time, particularly
when an activity has been closed or its operations
curtailed.
Pointers to Consider in Sketching the Crime Scene
1. To establish admissibility, the investigator

must have had personal observation o the data in
question. In other words, the sketch must be
sponsored or verified.
2. Sketches are not a substitute for notes or
photos; they are but a supplement to them.
3. Write down all measurements.
4. Fill in all the detail on your rough sketch at
the scene. Final sketch may be prepared at the
office.
5. Keep the rough sketch even when you have
completed the final sketch.
6. Indicate ht North direction with an arrow.
7. Draw the final sketch to scale.
8. Indicate the palce in the sketch as well as the
person who drew it. Use the KEY – capital letters of
the alphabet for listing down more or less normal
parts of accessories of the place, and numbers for
items of evidence
9. Indicate the position, location and
relationship of objects.
10. Methods or systems of locating points (objects)
on sketch
11. Critical measurements, such as skid marks,
should be checked by two (2) investigators.

12. Measurements should be harmony; or in
centimeters, inches, yards, meters, mixed in one
sketch.
13. Use standard symbols in the sketch.
14. Show which way doors swing,
15. Show with arrow the direction of stairways.
16. Recheck the sketch for clarity, accuracy,
scale, and title key.
The Role of SOCO in Narcotic Investigation
A number of crime incident committed in the country

are unsolved and/or dismissed by trial courts because of
insufficiency of evidence. In cases of narcotic
investigation, it is important that pieces of drug
evidence that will provide clue on the suspects/offenders
identities can be found in the crime scene. However,
those vital evidence in the crime scene are either left
in the crime scene are critical in the prosecution on the
case in court with the advent of new technologies, they
could be analyzed scientifically for these purpose. The
recovery of physical evidence during investigation of
crime scene is the most important task of current law
enforcement. In most cases, the material items of
evidence and descriptive information collected from the
scene of the crime make a big difference in the success
and failure of cases in court.
The capability of the Crime Laboratory to provide

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

investigation. The idea of enhancing SOCO in narcotic
investigation is to assist drug investigators in terms of
scientific approach in investigating criminal cases,
specifically heinous ones.
DRUG TESTING
Field Test - The test describes in the following

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

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

other opium derivatives, the reagent develops brilliant
colors ranging from blue to reddish purple. There are
some other substances, which also produce colors with
this reagent. No confusion, however, should arise once
the operator is familiar with the specific colors given
by the opium alkaloids. It is therefore essential that
the test be observed with known samples before any
unknown is tested.
Making the Test – In making drug tests, the

following are considered:
1. Allow the reagent to drain to one end of the ampul

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

water before discarding.
*** DO NOT THROW AMPUL IN WASH BAIN OR SINK.
NOTE: The value of this test lies in the fact that

a positive reaction indicates the presence of an
opium derivative. A negative result does not rule
out the possiblity of the sample being a
prohibited drug since cocaine, methadone, demerol,
dromoran, etc. do not give positive results with
this reagent. A suspected sample that gives a
negative result should be submitted to the
laboratory for examination.
General Drug Tests
Drugs Test Used Color Reaction
Opium Marquis test Purple/Violet

Heroin Nitric Acid Yellow-Green
Morphine Nitric Acid Red Orange
Cocaine Cobalt Thiocyanate Blue
Barbiturates Dille-Kopanyi test Violet
Or the Zwikker test Blue color
Amphetamines Marquis test Red/Orange -Brown
LSD Para Amino BenZoic Acid(PABA) Purple
Marijuana Duquenois-Levine test or KN TestRed Bottom
layer
Shabu Symone’s test Purple
FIELD DRUG TESTING
Field Tests for Methadone
This narcotic drug, known also as Amidone, Dolophine

and di-6 dimethylamide-4, 4- diphenyl-3-heptanone
hydrochloride, can be detected in the presence of some
other drugs by employing the reagent and technique as set
forth below. After solution is effected, filtration of
the sample is desirable but not essential to the success
of the method, since insoluble substance such as starch,
talc, etc. are not blue in color.
Reagent: Dissolve 1 gm of cobalt acetate, nitrate or

chloride and 1/5 gm of potassium thiocyanate in 90 ml of
water and 10ml of glacial acetic acid.
Test: Dissolve the sample in a minimum amount of

water, Filter. Add 2 or 3 drops of the reagent to the

filtrate. Shake for about 1 minute. A blue precipitate
indicates the presence of methadone.
Field Test for Cocaine, Demerol and Methadone
This field test for cocaine, demerol and methadone

was developed by the U.S. Customs Laboratory, in
Baltimore, Maryland in 1961 and has been successful use
since then.
The field test is based on a modification of the

well-known cobalt thiocyanate color test that produces a
blue color in the presence of cocaine. The customs field
test is a stable single-solution version of the
thiocyanate test and is the most specific cocaine color
test available at this time.
The field test is not intended to replace more

specific laboratory determination and should be used only
as a preliminary test. Some non-narcotic substances, such
as certain antihistamines, are known to give a color with
cobalt thiocyanate.
The test is simple to perform. The ampul should be

broken at the point where the glass is scored and the
powdered sample introduced into the open end of the half
of the ampul should NOT BE SHAKEN. A blue color is
indicative of cocaine, demerol or methadone give stronger
blues than that demerol. For each of the three narcotics,
the strength of their blue in the ampuls is proportionate
to their active content. The ampul contains a dilute acid
and should be discarded in a place where water can be
used to delute the acid.
Field Tests for Marijuana
NOTE: Do not rely on chemical tests alone. Always

examine the material with a microscope or hand lens.
Cannabis Sativa, or marijuana, can be quickly and
positively identified by subjecting the sample to the
following tests:
Microscopic - Using a magnification of approximately

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

to be the only satisfactory chemical test for the
identification of marijuana. The chloroform soluble color
developed in this test is due to the presence of
tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) which is the active principal
of the marijuana plant.
Reagents - Duquenois Reagent – Dissolve 5 drops of

acetaldehyde and 0.4 gm. of vanillin in 20 ml of 95%
ethyl alcohol. (This reagent may be kept for some time in
glass-stoppered bottles in a cool dark place. It should
be discarded after it assumes a deep yellow color).
- Add a pinch of suspected marijuana to a test

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

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

Field Test for Amphetamines
This field test for identifying amphetamines is

useful in screening out caffeine, vitamins, or other
substitutes proffered as amphetamines.
Test Material – The test material consists of 2 or 3

drops of Marquis reagent (2 drops of 37% formaldehyde in
3 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid) in a small glass
ampul.
Test Procedure – Break the ampul at the scored

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

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

reddish brown to dark brown within a couple of minutes,
Caffeine powder and tablets - no color reaction,
Methamphetamine and tablets – Red-orange onset to reddish
brown to dark brown in 1 to 2 minutes, Phenyl tertiary
butylamine HCI – Same color change as amphetamines,
Wyamine sulfate – Same color change as amphetamines.
Field Test for Barbiturates
For the tentative identification of the barbiturates,

the Zwikker test is used. Zwikker Test – An anhydrous
methanol solution of the barbiturate upon several drops
of cobalt chloride in methanol solution gives a bluish
color, which changes to dark blue upon being alkalized

with a 5% isopropylamine in methanol. The Atkinson
Laboratory, 33031 Fierro Street, Los Angeles, California,
manufactures a compact kit that utilized the Zwikker
Test.
Test Material – The Zwikker Test Kit consists of a
small plastic bag containing three solutions in plastics
dropping bottles and small porcelain spot plate. Solution
# 1 – Anhydours methanol, Solution # 2 – Cobalt chloride
dissolved in methanol, Solution # 3 – 5% isopropylamine
in methanol. CAUTION: The above solutions are volatile
and inflammable. They should be kept sealed.
Test Procedure – The following shall be considered:

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

of a user. Investigation of a narcotic death is divided
into three (3) phases: the SCENE investigation, the
MEDICAL investigation, and the TOXICOLOGICAL
investigation. An officer involved in such a case should
determine the manner of death, that is, whether homicide,
suicide or accidental. All of the factors and elements of
the scene must be accurately and completely recorded.
This will assist the medical examiner in determining the
cause of death.
Physiological Effect of Narcotic Ingestion
The ingestion of narcotics or dangerous drugs

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

more dangerous drugs, the minimum lethal dose, symptoms
and cause of death:
Poison Symptoms/Cause of Death
Codeine Nausea, dizziness, Constipation,

Respiratory failure
Heroin &
Morphine Sweating, loss of appetite, nausea
(Vomiting),
Constipation, itching, thirst,
cyanosis, respiratory failure
Barbiturates lower body temperature, cyanosis,

cold extremities skin rash,
constipation, respiratory arrest of
pneumonia
Cocaine nausea, vomiting, chills, sweating,

thirst, convulsions,
circulatory and respiratory failure
Amphetamine Chills, sweating, diarrhea,

constipation, nausea, vomiting, cramps,
thirst, convulsions, petechial
hemorrhages
The Scene of Death
During investigation of the scene, you should

recognize and relate seemingly insignificant items or
material, which would justify a conclusion of narcotic
involvement. The following are just some of such items:
1. Paraphernalia (or “works”) – Tools or implements

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

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

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

intravenous injections. The tracks will follow a
vein (exception “skin popping”) and result in a dark
discoloration and eventual collapse of the vein.
6. Scar – Skin imperfection caused by the victim in
removing needle mark scabs, added to uncleanness of

the victim.
7. Rash/scratched Skin – External body signs of
morphine or heroin poisoning.
8. Asphyxia- When it is the cause the death, it is
often accompanied by external body changes. These
changes, visible to the naked eye, are not
restricted to narcotic-related deaths and may be
found in other asphyxia deaths, such as hearth
attack, drowning, hanging, etc. They must be noted,
photographed and reported to the pathologist during
the pre-autopsy interview.
Victim’s History
Historical date on the victim would include his

criminal record (local, national and international and
international); medical record (of a private doctor,
hospitals, clinics, etc. and any mental treatment or
attempts at suicide); social (relatives, friends,
neighbors, co-workers); marital (past or present); and
financial records.
When interviewing users or person possibly involved

in narcotics traffic, you should use straight language
rather than attempt street talk because slang constantly
changes. You must determine the extent of decedent’s
addiction, his familiarity with other drugs, whether he
had a steady source of the drugs or continuously shopped
around, and other matters relative to his personal
history.
Medical Phase
This is the most important stage of the narcotics

death investigation. Since the pathologist will rarely be
able to examine the body at the death scene, you should
note every detail, which may be of medico-legal
importance and make a complete report on this.
You should attend the autopsy yourself. Make sure

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

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CDI 5 Nor-Alissa M.

LESSON 1 DRUG EDUCATION AND VICE CONTROL

1. Define Theory and Crime

 Drug – is a chemical substance used as medicine

Drug Abuse Jargons

Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 2

WHAT ARE DRUGS?

A drug, as defined, is a chemical substance used as

A. THE PRESCRIPTIVE DRUGS

These are drugs requiring written authorization from

Once again strict emphasis of following directions

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

These are non-prescription medicines, which may be

1. the correct drug with the correct drug content is

Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 4

OTCs must be used discriminately:

1. To avoid the dispensing of OTC to known

C. The “Self-Medication Syndrome”

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

Possible outcomes of self-medication are:

1. Adverse reaction towards the drug, such as

HOW DRUGS WORK?

Most drugs act within a cell, rather than on the

Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 5

When two drugs are taken together or within a few

1. Minimal dose – amount needed to treat or heal,

HOW DRUGS ARE ADMINISTERED?

The common methods of administration are the

1. Oral – this is the safest most convenient

Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 6

THE CONCEPT OF TOXICOLOGY

A drug may cause effects because of any of the

1. Overdose – when too much of a drug in taken, there

THE MEDICAL USE OF DRUGS

The best use of medicine depends upon the physician,

1. Take medicines on doctor’s advice. In prescribing

Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 7

10. Some people just purchase and use common drugs

Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 8

HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE

The Holy Bible is a very reliable source in tracing

Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 9

Ancient Greek and Roman literature likewise are

Historians credited that marijuana (Cannabis Sativa)

American Indians too are believed to use not only

Knowledge on the opium poppy plant (Papaver

Opium use in China was stemmed out from India and

In an Attempt to stop the extremely high rate of opium

It was in 1806 that a German pharmacist in the name

The second attempt of treating opium and morphine

Meanwhile, codeine, the third derivative of opium

There are of course other historical events that

Theories of Crime Causation (S.Y. 2020-2021) 11

HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Very little known about drugs in the Philippines

During the Spanish era, drug control laws prohibited

The Americans took over the rule of the country, and

In 1908, the total ban of opium was effected. The

In 1953, Republic Act No. 953 was enacted which