Classification of Drugs: Depressants, Stimulants, Hallucinogens

General Classification of Drugs

• Depressants: drugs that depress the central nervous system
• Stimulants: drugs that stimulate the central nervous system
• Hallucinogens: mind-altering drugs that distort mood

Dangerous Drugs

• Controlled substances grouped by pharmacological classification, effects, and legal criteria

Classification of Dangerous Drugs (by Effects)

• Depressants (Downers):
  • Narcotics: relieve pain and induce profound sleep or stupor
    • Opium: derived from the poppy plant, active ingredient is Meconic acid, used as an analgesic.
    • Codeine: morphine derivative, commonly available in cough preparations.
  • Volatile Solvents: gaseous substances like glues, hairspray, nail polish, lighter fluid, paint, thinners, acetone, turpentine, gasoline, kerosene, varnishes, and aerosol products.

Other Drugs

• Alcohol: most widely used, socially accepted, and legalized drug worldwide
• Morphine: commonly used opiate pain reliever
• Heroin: highly addictive opiate derivative of morphine
• Marijuana: smoked for relaxation, also known as Indian hemp plant
• LSD: powerful psychedelic derived from ergot fungus.
• STP: psychedelic chemical derivative of mescaline
• Psilocybin: hallucinogenic alkaloid from Mexican mushrooms
• Amphetamines: used for weight loss, to relieve mild depression, and for treatment
• Cocaine: derived from the coca bush plant
• Caffeine: found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks; some wake-up pills
• Shabu: methamphetamine hydrochloride; central nervous system stimulant ("upper" or "speed")
• Nicotine: powerful tobacco stimulant

How long Different Drugs Stays in the Human Body

• Alcohol: 12 hours in blood, 5 days in urine
• Marijuana: 336 hours in blood, 30 days in urine
• Cocaine: 48 hours in blood, 4 days in urine
• Opiates: 8 hours in blood, 6 days in urine
• Ecstasy: 48 hours in blood, 4 days in urine
• Amphetamines: 12 hours in blood, 3 days in urine
• Heroin: 12 hours in blood, 4 days in urine
• Barbiturates: 48 hours in blood, 4 days in urine (all stay in hair for 90 days)

Drug Abuse, Addiction, and Dependency

• Drug Abuse: traditionally using any drug prohibited by law
• Drug Addiction: state of mind where a person loses self-control over a drug
• Drug Dependency:
  • Physical Dependence: state caused by repeated use, intense physical symptoms when use stops
  • Psychological Dependence: attachment to drug use, fulfilling emotional or personality need

Classification of Drug Abusers

• Situational Users: use drugs for additional energy or work
• Spree Users: adolescents using drugs for excitement or fun
• Hard-core Addicts: entirely focused on drug experience; strongly psychologically dependent

How to Identify a Drug Abuser

• Change in interest: lose interest in school, work
• Frequent mood shifts: euphoric, elated, indifferent, irritable, hostile
• Change in behavior: excessive spending, in the company of known drug users, come home late, disrespectful
• Change in physical appearance: untidy, dirty clothes, lacks self-grooming

Unlawful Acts in RA 9165

• Important details of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals
• Sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs and precursor chemicals
• Maintenance of a den or dive where dangerous drugs are used or sold (regardless of form)
• Employee or visitor of a den/dive/resort, manufacture, illegal chemical diversion of controlled precursors and essential chemicals.
• Possession of dangerous drugs, equipment, instruments, apparatus, or other paraphernalia (for dangerous drugs)
• Cultivation of plants classified as dangerous drugs

Drug Operations: Coordination and Chain of Custody

• PNP and PDEA coordination on anti-drug operations within 24 hours of custody of suspects
• Regular updates from PNP to PDEA on case status
• PNP to coordinate with PDEA, as far as possible
• Chain of custody in drug cases:
  • Accused
  • Apprehending Offices
  • Investigators
  • Forensic Chemist
  • Court
• What is test buy and buy bust? Test Purchase and Buy Bust operation
  • Test buy: to gain more information about questionable products
  • Buy Bust: exchange of money for illegal substances

Prior to Buy-Bust: Planning & Execution

• The "buy-bust" money is marked and photographed, indicating the person who released the money; prior coordination with PDEA and police units
• Prior to initiating an operation; reports are submitted based on target details and summaries
• Information and details regarding the suspects

Prior to Buy-Bust: Hazard of Undercover Drug Operation

• Passive opposition: people not involved, but unaware or hostile to intelligence.
• Friendly opposition: organization or individuals potentially hindering the operation.
• Unfriendly opposition: opposing forces interfering, or counter-intelligence operations
• Maintaining contact information, representatives from DOJ, Media and local officials; Case Build Up

Seizure and Marking

The seized drugs must be marked, and turned over to the forensic chemist and finally the court