Download Narcotics - JustAnswer

Running head: NARCOTICS
1
Narcotics
Student
Name of your college here
NARCOTICS
2
Narcotics
Narcotic drugs are classified into several major categories by several national agencies.
The classifications are used for various purposes such as law enforcement, and substance abuse
prevention.
Narcotics are considered to be the opium and partially synthetic opium-type substances
which are primarily used for pain relief. They occur naturally in certain types of opium plants.
They actually block certain receptors that send pain information from the point of origin through
the nervous system to the brain. Because of the effect these drugs have on the users, they are
highly addictive. Some examples of narcotics are: morphine, codeine and heroin.
Morphine is a pain medication used for very extreme pain, often pain due to surgery or
traumatic injuries. However, it is one of the most addictive of the narcotic drugs and therefore
can pose dangers even for the most cautious, legitimate user. The side effects of morphine can
also be quite dangerous. Breathing problems can occur, from minor up to a total cessation or
respiration.
Codeine is one of the isomers of morphine. This narcotic is used for moderate pain,
cough suppressant, and also for diarrhea. It can either be extracted from the poppy plant, or can
be produced synthetically. One of the “downsides” of using codeine is that the body’s tolerance
for the drug increases rapidly, as does the frequency of any side effects. The most common side
effects of usage are vertigo, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and constipation. The severe
respiratory problems that sometimes occur with morphine also can show up with codeine use. It
can also interact badly with many other types of drugs used. As with other narcotic drugs, there
is a serious potential to become addicted and should only be used under a doctor’s care. It
NARCOTICS
3
should never be taken when a person is using alcohol. People who have had a substance abuse
problem should be especially wary about using codeine.
Heroin is actually a semi-synthetic derivative of morphine. Its effect on the brain is the
fastest of all the narcotics. It is always illegal and is sold by “dealers” in one of several forms—
“black tar” or a purified form cut with another substance. It is, unfortunately, the substances that
the drug is “cut” with that sometimes cause physical problems, even brain damage. Heroin is
almost always used intravenously, which puts the users at risk for diseases that are prevalent with
dirty needles.
All the opiate drugs have a euphoric effect on the user, making them “feel no pain” either
figuratively or literally. That feeling is what the users are after, but they need more of the drugs
all the time to get the same effect.
In order to preserve the chain of custody in a drug case, the apprehending officer should
immediately inventory what has been seized, and photograph the items, if possible. Then, mark
the drugs with the person who possessed the drug, the date and location. The paper should be
signed by another person, preferably a supervisor. The sample of the drug should then be only
handled by those who are authorized to do so, and the chain of custody sheet should be signed by
anyone handling the item. Nothing must be added nor subtracted from the container.
The prosecution in a drug case, needs to be able to prove what drugs were found at the
scene of the alleged “drug bust” and who possessed them. It has to prove that the evidence has
not be adulterated, changed, lost, tampered with, or mismarked and this is done by carefully
recording the chain of evidence. The drugs must also be tested by a reputable testing laboratory
and the results must be appropriate to be used in court, with the specifics necessary to prove the
elements of the crime, including weight, inert materials and anything else that is included.
NARCOTICS
4
Testing of the seized drug substance is very important because the laws vary depending
on the substance, and the sentences for possession of certain drugs and certain weights of those
drugs can be drastically different. A minute difference in weight in some illegally possessed
drugs might not make a difference according to the level of crime charged, but could make a
huge difference in some other type.
The testing of the drugs which are destined for a criminal proceeding should be tested by
a certified laboratory under the strictest conditions and by a certified laboratory technician
trained in this science. If the exact procedures are not followed, the defense can challenge the
results of the test and the entire seized sample can be “thrown out” making the prosecution’s case
difficult if not impossible to win. The defense would then have the right to cross examine those
involved in the chain of evidence to make sure there was no tampering or mistakes in the
handling of the drug. Also, the laboratory procedures and certifications can be questioned and if
necessary, challenged by the prosecution in the cross examination.
NARCOTICS
5
References