COCAINE

Cocaine, the most potent stimulant of natural origin, is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca), which is indigenous to the Andean highlands of South America. Natives in this region chew or brew coca leaves into a tea for refreshment and to relieve fatigue, similar to the customs of chewing tobacco and drinking tea or coffee.
Pure cocaine was first isolated in the 1880s and used as a local anesthetic in eye surgery. It was particularly useful in surgery of the nose and throat because of its ability to provide anesthesia, as well as to constrict blood vessels and limit bleeding. Many of its therapeutic applications are now obsolete due to the development of safer drugs.

Illicit cocaine is usually distributed as a white crystalline powder or as an off-white chunky material. The powder, usually cocaine hydrochloride, is often diluted with a variety of substances, the most common being sugars such as lactose, inositol, and mannitol, and local anesthetics such as lidocaine. The adulteration increases the volume and thus multiplies profits. Cocaine hydrochloride is generally snorted or dissolved in water and injected. It is rarely smoked because it is heat labile (destroyed by high temperatures).

"Crack," the chunk or "rock" form of cocaine, is a ready-to-use freebase. On the illicit market, it is sold in small, inexpensive dosage units that are smoked. Smoking delivers large quantities of cocaine to the lungs, producing effects comparable to intravenous injection. Drug effects are felt almost immediately, are very intense, and are quickly over. Once introduced in the mid-1980s, crack abuse spread rapidly and made the cocaine experience available to anyone with $10 and access to a dealer. In addition to other toxicities associated with cocaine abuse, cocaine smokers suffer from acute respiratory problems including cough, shortness of breath, and severe chest pains with lung trauma and bleeding. It is noteworthy that the emergence of crack was accompanied by a dramatic increase in drug abuse problems and drug-related violence.

The intensity of the psychological effects of cocaine, as with most psychoactive drugs, depends on the dose and rate of entry to the brain. Cocaine reaches the brain through the snorting method in three to five minutes. Intravenous injection of cocaine produces a rush in 15 to 30 seconds, and smoking produces an almost immediate intense experience. The euphoric effects of cocaine are almost indistinguishable from those of amphetamine, although they do not last as long. These intense effects can be followed by a dysphoric crash. To avoid the fatigue and the depression of coming down, frequent repeated doses are taken. Excessive doses of cocaine may lead to seizures and death from respiratory failure, stroke, or heart failure. There is no specific antidote for cocaine overdose.

Cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit drug (following marijuana) in the United States. According to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 34 million Americans (14.7%) age 12 or older had used cocaine at least once in their lifetime. There are no drugs approved for replacement-pharmacotherapy (drugs taken on a chronic basis as a substitute for the abused drug, like methadone for heroin addiction). Cocaine addiction treatment relies heavily on psychotherapy and drugs like antidepressants to relieve some of the effects of cocaine abuse.

Cocaine (powdered form - Hydrochloride ) was known as a status symbol during the last two (2) decades of the previous century and was largely abused by persons with high incomes. For many years Cocaine was not accessible to the man on the street because of its high unit price.
The high costs of Cocaine ruined various families financially and Cocaine caused persons to turn to crime, most often prostitution.

Since 1994 South Africa has experienced a drastic increase in the import of Cocaine. This can be attributed to the influx of immigrants from West and Central Africa, which is currently in control of the Cocaine market, as well as the saturation of Cocaine on the world market in especially the United States.

In the past years "Crack Cocaine", known as "Rocks", has found its way into the South African market. This made Cocaine more accessible to the abuser because Crack is cheaper than Cocaine powder. According to the DEA Crack is the fastest growing drug of abuse in South Africa.

Cocaine "Crack"

Cocaine "Crack"
GENERAL INFORMATION

Cocaine is an intensely addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain. It is one of the oldest known drugs. The pure chemical, cocaine hydrochloride, has been an abused substance for more than 100 years, and coca leaves, the source of cocaine, have been ingested for thousands of years.
Pure cocaine, the most potent stimulant of natural origin, was first extracted from the leaf of the Erythroxylon Coca Bush, which grows primarily in Peru and Bolivia, in the mid 19 th century. In the early 1900’s it became the main stimulant drug used in most of the tonics\elixirs that were developed to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Today, cocaine a schedule 2 drug, meaning that it has high potential for abuse that can be administered by a doctor for legitimate medical uses, such as a local anesthetic for some eye, ear and throat surgeries. Colombia produces approximately 75% of the world’s cocaine from cocaine base which is imported from Peru and Bolivia or produced locally in Columbia. There are basically 2 chemical forms of cocaine: “Hydrochloride salts and Free Base”. Hydrochloride salts, or the powdered form of cocaine, dissolves in water and, when abused, can be taken intravenously (By vein) or intranasal (In the nose). Free Base refers to a compound that has not been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt. The Free Base form of cocaine is smokable.

Cocaine is generally sold on the street as fine, white, crystalline powder. Street dealers generally dilute pure cocaine with inert substances which as lactose, inositol, mannitol cornstrarch, and/or sugar, or with active drugs such as procaine or lidocaine (A chemically-related local anesthetic) or with other stimulants such as Amphetamine.
Colombian traffickers continue to dominate the movement of cocaine from the jungles of Bolivia and Peru to the large cocaine HCL conversion laboratories in Southern Colombia. An estimated 35% of the world’s coca leaf is grown in Colombia and the vast majority of the cocaine base and cocaine HCL is produced in these laboratories throughout Colombia.

Much of the processing activities take place in the southern rain forest and eastern lowlands of Colombia. Most of the coca cultivation in Columbia occurs in the departments of Guavire, Caqueta and Putumayo. Also, cultivation occurs in areas of high insurgency that are effectively beyond the control Colombian government. Cocaine conversion laboratories range from individual or “family” operations to much larger facilities, employing dozens of workers.
Once the cocaine HCL is manufactured, it is usually pressed into “kilo bricks” (2,2 lbs) and either shipped via maritime or aircraft to traffickers in Mexico, or shipped through the Caribbean corridor, including the Bahama Island chain, to US entry points in Puerto Rico, Miami and New York. Approximately 2/ 3 of the cocaine distributed in the United States is smuggled over the US / Mexico boarder. Wholesale cocaine traffickers in the United States purchase cocaine from importers and regional distributors usually in kilograms or multi-kilogram allotments.

"Kilo Bricks"

"Kilo Bricks"

Cocaine Base is typically smoked in pipes constructed of glass bowls fitted with one or more fine mesh screens that support the drug. The users heat the side of the bowl (usually with a lighter) and the heat causes the cocaine base to vaporize. The user inhales the cocain-laiden fumes through the pipe. Alternatively, crack cocaine can be sprinkled in cigarettes and smoked.
Smoking cocaine combines the efficiency of intravenous administration with the relative ease of consumption or ingestion. Facilitated by the large surface area of the lungs’ air sucks cocaine administered by inhalation is absorbed almost immediately into the blood stream, taking approximately 15 seconds to reach the brain. However, only 30% to 60% is absorbed due to incomplete inhalation of the cocaine laden fumes and valuations in the heating temperature.

Crack Cocaine is derived from powdered cocaine. Unlike the processing of free base cocaine, converting powder cocaine into crack cocaine does not involve any flammable solvents. The powdered cocaine is simply dissolved in a solution of ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water. The solution is boiled until a solid substance separates from the boiling mixture. The solid substance, crack cocaine, is removed and allowed to dry. The crack cocaine is then broken or cut into “rocks”, each typically weighing from 0, 1 to 0,5g. The rocks are then wrapped in clear polyethylene for street sale at prices ranging from R40.00 to R180.00. One gram of pure powder cocaine will convert to approximately 0.89g of crack cocaine. Crack cocaine rocks are between 75% and 90% pure cocaine.
Cocaine smokers achieve maximum psychological effects approximately 2 minutes after inhalation. Maximum psychotropic effects are attained approximately 1 minute after inhalation. Similarly to intravenous administration, the psychological and psychotropic effects of inhaled cocaine are sustained for approximately 30 minutes after peak effects are attained.

ORIGIN OF COCAINE

The leaves of the Coca plant was used by the Incas in the Andes Mountains of South America as a stimulant and traditional medicine for illnesses that were associated with work above certain heights above sea level. Cocaine was produced and used for medicinal purposes during the second half of the 18th century.
Cocaine is derived from the Coca plant that grows in areas between 500 and 1 500m above sea level in soil that is rich in nutrients, certain temperatures and climate. It is precisely South America that measures up to the requirements for the successful cultivation of the Coca plant.
These Coca plants are currently being cultivated in an organized way by the crime syndicates of South America, especially in Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. The Coca leaves are harvested and taken to laboratories in countries such as Colombia, where it is processed into Cocaine powder by means of a complex chemical method. This is sold at an enormous profit and dispersed worldwide.
In countries such as Colombia, it brought the rise of mighty drug syndicates that generated millions of dollars monthly by means of Cocaine smuggling. A state of war between the policing agencies, especially the DEA, and the drug syndicates exists up to today.
Thousands of people, such as policemen, informers, judges, politicians and civilian people, have lost their lives during the Cocaine wars.

COCAINE POWDER

Smuggling method

Cocaine, in powder form, is smuggled into South Africa in any way possible. Experience obtained during confiscations has shown that the following methods are used :
A well-known method of smuggling Cocaine, especially by West African citizens, is to swallow condoms filled with Cocaine. The filled condoms are known as "Bullets". It has happened that these condoms have burst in the stomachs of couriers, which led to their deaths.
There have been confiscations by SANAB at Johannesburg International Airport where Nigerians were arrested that had swallowed 66 to 99 "Bullets".
It happens increasingly that Cocaine smugglers recruit young South Africans as couriers or as the so called "Mule".
A lot of these young South Africans are recruited with promises of large amounts of money that will be paid to them if they successfully smuggle the Cocaine that is stuck to their bodies or hidden in their suitcases, into the country.
There are various dangers associated with this, such as :
the courier is used as a decoy - the drug smuggler gives the person a small amount of drugs to carry and then arranges that the person gets arrested at the airport - this way the attention is diverted from the main courier that is on the same flight.
the courier can be arrested in a country where a drug smuggler can be sentenced to death. The jails in countries such as South America and Asia are in a very precarious condition and a person's safety is not guaranteed.
a person smuggles the consignment of drugs successfully for the drug smuggler but does not get paid.
it has happened that persons were sent to South America and was left stranded because the transaction one way or the other fell through and the person is left on his / her own without money or passport.

STATISTICS OF PERSONS ARRESTED ABROAD
(June 2001)

STREET SMUGGLING PROCESS

As soon as the consignment of Cocaine is received from the courier it undergoes a cutting process that is known as "Cut".
The Cocaine that is smuggled into the country is of a high level of purity and is taken and put through the cutting process. The cutting process is the adding of certain substances to enlarge the quantity of the Cocaine drastically to make more profit out of the consignment (1kg Cocaine can increase to 4kg).
Cases were found where Cocaine was mixed with seriously harmful substances, such as feet powder, drain cleaner, Vim etc. In general substances such as Vidol, tooth powder, sugar and various other starches are used to cut the Cocaine.
The further Cocaine goes down in the smugglers' hierarchy the poorer the quality becomes. The reason for this is that each smuggler will cut the Cocaine to reach his own specific marketable quantity.

METHOD OF USE

Cocaine is placed on a smooth object / area, for example a mirror, and an object such as a razor blade will be used to arrange it in lines. This powder is then snorted up through the nose by means of a straw or rolled up banknote.
Cocaine powder can also be dissolved in water and injected.

Cocaine causes pupils to dilate

The well known method of injecting is known as the so-called "Speed Ball". This is when Cocaine and Heroin is mixed and injected and the nervous system is simultaneous stimulated and suppressed.
A lot of people have died because of this method, such as the well-known River Phoenix.

EFFECTS OF COCAINE ON THE BODY

As soon as Cocaine is snorted through the nose, it gets absorbed by the soft mucous tissues of the nose from where it is absorbed through the blood vessels.
Two things happen to the body :
Firstly, the blood pressure rises drastically because of the excessive secretion of dopamine in the body, which is the body's natural stimulant.
Secondly, the heart rhythms are seriously disturbed and it usually happens that the heart starts beating faster.
This creates the feeling of hyper-activity for the user and causes the energy levels to rise drastically. There are also certain psychological changes that take place in the user, such as he experiences a feeling of satisfaction and that he will have no other inhibitions.
The most dangerous effect the use of Cocaine causes, is the drastic increase in the blood pressure and this can cause death in the cases of overdosing. The reason for this is that the user's blood pressure can rise too high and he or she can have a serious hart attack or stroke. This usually happens when a Cocaine user is familiar with the strength of a certain dosage and he or she suddenly uses a dosage that is mixed stronger.
It has also happened that Cocaine addicts use this substance for days on end. This is known as "Binging" and can lead to overdosing.
Because of the fact that Crack is smoked it means that it is absorbed in the lungs that contains a lot of oxygen rich blood. This helps the drug to be absorbed much faster in the body that makes the "Rush" very intense.
Crack has the same side-effects as Cocaine Powder even though a person does not overdose easily on Crack Cocaine. It is important to note that the level of addiction is much higher than that of Cocaine Powder.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A COCAINE USER

Crack Cocaine is a crystal that is derived by mixing normal Cocaine Hydrochloride with Bicarbonate of Soda and putting it through a chemical process whereby the crystals are formed. Only a small amount of Cocaine is needed to make a large quantity of Crack Crystals.
These crystals can be found in various sizes and forms, namely

METHODS OF USE

The rock / crack is usually smoked by means of a pipe that is called a "Rockpipe". The most common form of a Rockpipe is a glass tube that contains a copper wire filter. The rock is placed on the filter and then burnt with a lighter. As soon as the gasses are released it is inhaled.

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF CRACK USERS

SOCIO-ECONOMICAL EFFECTS

Cocaine does not only cause a breakdown in family standards, but causes people to be financially ruined because after using it for the first time they come back for more and more. It was found during interviews with people in Johannesburg that they have seen persons that arrive with a Porsche and then after three (3) months find the person as a total hobo on street where he has lost all his money because of Cocaine.

Cocaine, more specifically Crack Cocaine, is the drug of choice amongst prostitutes. It is due to the fact that it provides them with high levels of energy and breaks down all their inhibitions that make their sex work easier. Cocaine holds a serious danger for prostitutes, due to the fact that this psychological change breaks down their inhibitions. They are caught in a web where they need the drug to do their work and need the work to get the drug. This is in such cases where the prostitutes are in debt with the smugglers and cannot pay their debts anymore. It has been reported by "The House" in Hillbrow that in some cases prostitutes use as much as R30 000 worth of Crack Cocaine a month. When the effect has worn off it is found that these ladies sell themselves for sex to between 15 and 25 men per day to be able to finance their drug habits.
Some of these ladies that became involved with the Nigerians, who act as their so-called "Pimps", and are paid with drugs, soon experience problems because they develop serious cash flow problems. It is then that they start selling sex to men without using condoms that causes serious social deviation, namely the spreading of HIV and Aids.