Page 1 of 12

CRIME DETECTION AND INVESTIGATION

DRUG EDUCATION AND VICE CONTROL
National Drug Situation
As early as 1996, the United Nation has noted the rising popularity of amphetamine- type stimulants
(ATS) among drug users, and termed ATS as the Drugs of the 21st Century. In its 2005 world drug
report, The UN office on Drugs and crime reported that the largest number of methamphetamine
clandestine laboratories dismantled in East and south East Asia in 2003 was recorded by the Philippines.
In a survey conducted by the DDB in 1999, there were around 1.8 million regular users and 1.6 million
occasional users of Dangerous drugs in the country. In 2004, the countrys rehabilitation centers reported
5, 787 admissions reflecting a decreased of 32% compared with 7, 113 admission in the previous year.
Statistics from these rehabilitation centers show the following trends:

majority of patients are in the 20- 29 age group

The ratio of male users to female is 9:1
Shabu is the most popular drug of choice, abused by 84% of patients
For thirty years, RA 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drug Act of 1972, had been the backbone
of the Philippine drug Law enforcement system. Recognizing the need to strengthen or replaced the
existing anti- drug laws, Pres. Gloria Arroyo signed RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act
of 2002, on June 7, 2002 and it took effect on July 4, 2002. The new anti- drug law defines more concrete
course of action for the national anti- drug campaign and imposes heavier penalties on offenders.
The enactment of RA 9165 as reorganized the Philippine Drug Law Enforcement System. While the DDB
remains as the policy making body, it created the PDEA under the office of the Pres. The new law also
abolished the National Drug Law Enforcement and Prevention Coordinating Center, PNP Nargrp, NBI
narcotics unit, and the customs interdiction office. Personnel of these abolished agencies were to
continue to perform their tasks on detail service with the PDEA subject to a rigid screening process.
The PDEA was officially activated on July 30, 2002 when the Pres. Appointed its first director Gen,
Undersec. Anselmo Avenido Jr. One year after the creation of the PDEA, the Pres. Issued E.O. 218 on
June 18, 2003 to strengthen the support mechanism for the PDEA as the lead agency in the campaign
against illegal drugs. The PNP organized the PNP AIDSOTF, NBI Anti- drug task force.
Causes and influences of drug abuse;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Peer pressure
Curiosity
Boredom
Frustration (due to personal, family, school and work problems)
Poor self-image
Weak personality (unable to cope with stress, conflict, etc.)
Desire to escape from reality
Lack of parental guidance

Tolerance
Abusers who frequently take the substance require progressively higher doses to achieve the
desired effects. Tolerance sets in after a few weeks of regular use.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE
This chemical substance is known to produce psychological and physical dependency. These are
characterized by anxiety, tension and craving for the substance. This substance-seeking behavior can
lead to various criminal and other anti-social acts.
Withdrawal symptoms occur when drug use is abruptly stopped. Among these are feeling of
apathy, hypersomnia (excessive period of sleep) and depression Depression may lead to suicide.
Methamphetamine in Pregnancy

Page 2 of 12
Pregnant women should never abuse drugs. Metamphetamine is known to cause cardio-vascular
anomalies (malformation of the heart and blood vessels), biliary atresia (absence of bile ducts) leading to
severe jaundice and microcephaly (small brain with mental retardation) among babies born to mothers
who took the substance during pregnancy.
Abuse
The abuse problem began in 1932 with the introduction of benzedrine inhaler. It was furthered by
the introduction of benzedrine and dexedrine tablets. Overproduction during World War II provided the
initial materials for methamphetamine abuse. Japan was the first country to experience a serious abuse
problem in the intravenous use of methamphetamine while the United States experienced the first serious
problem in the abuse of benzedrine inhaler.
Effects
Symptoms, in progressive stages, of the acute toxic effects of either methamphetamine and
amphetamine abuse include restlessness, tremor, talkativeness, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, delirium,
panic states, paranoid ideation, palpitation, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, circulatory collapse, dry
mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, convulsions, coma and death. The toxic dose varies widely
and may occur as an idiosyncrasy after as little as two mg. but more usually it occurs in doses far above
the recommended amounts.
In an analysis of 310 cases of high-dose intravenous methamphetamine abuse, psychological
adverse reactions were divided into five categories.
1. Anxiety reactions in which the individual becomes fearful and tremulous with concerns about his
physical well-being.
2. Methamphetamine psychosis, in which the individual misinterprets the actions of others,
hallucinates, and becomes unrealistically suspicious.
3. Exhaustion syndrome, as intense feeling of fatigue and need to sleep following the stimulation
phase.
4. Prolonged depression.
5. Prolonged hallucinosis, in which the individual continues to hallucinate after the drug has been
metabolized.
Secondary effects of the use of the drug, when malnutrition is a factor, include skin lesions,
abscesses, respiratory problems, acute gastrointestinal distress and abdominal cramps resulting from
factors in the users environment. High-dose users usually sustain a marked weight loss, multiple vitamin
deficiencies and dental decay. The possibility of brain damage has been suggested since coma and its
resultant brain damage can occur from both methampetamine and amphetamine overdose.
Withdrawal. There is a controversy as to whether a Methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome
exists. For many years the medical consensus was that methamphetamines were not addicting because
of the supposed absence of a withdrawal syndrome. Part of the difficulty lay in disagreement over the
definition of addiction, but a greater part was the failure to recognize the withdrawal syndrome because of
its qualitative difference from the narcotic of general depressant withdrawal syndrome. The
Methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome is characterized by apathy, decreased activity, and to a greater
degree, sleep disturbances which can last for weeks or months. It was also found that, following abrupt
withdrawal from large doses of Methamphetamines, an increase in the percent of rapid eye movement
(REM) sleep occurred. REM returned to normal when Methamphetamine was given but increased again
when Methamphetamine was withheld. This phenomenon, observed under clinical conditions, provides
additional evidence for the existence of physical dependence. Since suicides have occurred during
methamphetamine withdrawal, doctors have been advised to bring about withdrawal slowly, in a
controlled environment.

EFFECTS OF STIMULANTS (AMPHETAMINES):

-

Causes irritability, restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety etc.

Impairs judgment and causes deep depression and physical exhaustion after single dose of
moderate strength wears off
Causes undesirable, acute psychotic consequences such as suspiciousness, hostility,
persecutory delusion, violent and destructive behavior and recklessness
Physiological effects like hypertension, chest pain, irregular heart rate, convulsion and cardiac
arrest leading to death. Minds slow down the body reactions to such extend that accidental
deaths and suicides usually happen.

Page 3 of 12

EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS:
-

Produced a short lived feeling of pleasure, euphoria and a positive sense of well being known as
thrill, rush, or a high.
Constrict pupil of the eye causing difficulty in vision
On a large dose, it causes nausea, vomiting , and difficulty in breathing

EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA:
-

Faster hear beat and pulse rate

Blood shot eye
Dry mouth and throat
Altered sense of time disorientation
Forgetfulness and inability to think
Impaired reflexes/coordination
Acute panic anxiety reaction extreme fear of losing control

FIELD TEST FOR DANGEROUS DRUGS:

- Marijuana Duquenois Levine test (Red)
- Shabu Symones test (Purple)
- LSD Van urk test (Blue purple)
- Opium Marquis Test (Violet)
- Amphetamines Marquis Test (Red/orange)
- Barbiturates Dilli Koppanyi/ Zwikkers test (Violet/blue)
- Cocaine Cobalt thiocynate (Blue)
The VOLATILE SUBSTANCES sometimes called: Solvents or Inhalants (i.e. Glue, Gasoline,
Kerosene, Ether, Paint Thinner, Lacquer etc.)
NARCOTICS
OPIUM AND ITS DERIVATIVES
History is fraught with stories concerning the use of opium. Some are facts and some are fables.
However, it is interesting to know that references to its use predates tile birch of Christ. We know, for
example, that ancient civilizations used opium, in various preparations, both for pleasure and medical
purposes.
One of the most significant developments in history took place in the early 19th century (18031805), when a German scientist isolated morphine from opium. Morphine was later introduced as a cureall for all kinds of illness as well as for opium addiction. This discovery marked the beginning of narcotics
use and abuse as we know it today. Codeine was isolated in 183Z from morphine, and shortly thereafter,
many other alkaloids of opium were identified and isolated.
At first it was thought that opium and its derivatives were a cure- all for many ailments but very
little was known of their pharmacological effects or toxicity. Certain individuals began to glamorize the
stupefying effects of the drugs and large numbers of people began to abuse the drugs. Through
continuous promiscuous use, the number of addicts began to swell in countries throughout Europe.
In 1875 two English chemists developed the chemical compound diacetylmorphine out of
morphine which they called HEROIN. This was done by subjecting the morphine alkaloid to chemical
alteration. Studies were then initiated in Europe as to the physiological properties of this new compound.
In 1898 the Bayer Company began marketing heroin as a cure for opium and morphine addiction and said
that it was absolutely non-addictive.
MORPHINE
Raw opium contains approximately 10% morphine, % codeine, 1/5% of the baine, and 1%
papaverine, plus more than 35 additional alkaloids in smaller amounts. The word morphine comes from
the name of the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus. The process of extracting morphine from opium
involves heating water to a proper temperature and then thoroughly mixing the raw opium with the water.
HEROIN

Page 4 of 12
The name is derived from the word hero which connotes audacity, courage. and power. But
these perceived traits in the use of heroin are largely illusory and temporary as great harm is usually
swiftly inflicted to self and social status.
Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is the most commonly abused narcotic in the world. To produce heroin,
the chemist takes an equal amount of morphine and acetic anhydride and heats them together for
approximately six hours at exactly 185 degrees Fahrenheit, The morphine and acid become chemically
bonded.
Codeine has long been the drug of choice among physicians as an ideal analgesic. Addiction to
codeine is rare, although it has gained some popularity with the addict who cannot obtain heroin. It will
relieve moderate pain and seldom cause respiratory problems.
STIMULANTS:
COCA AND COCAINE
Since pre-historic times, the coca plant has been cultivated in the highlands of the Andes of South
America. Its leaves were chewed by the natives for relief from fatigue and as refreshment from work at
high altitudes. However, the coca plant is also found in Taiwan and Java in the Far East as well as in
Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Argentina in South America,
Cocaine, in its pure form, is also white and made up of shiny, colorless crystals and under stably
called snow in the junkie jargon. In powder form, cocaine is odorless and has a bitter taste, Some drug
addicts inject cocaine directly into the bloodstream for a more heightened effect.
Cocaine is habit
forming as the user develops a strong dependence on the drug due to the compelling need to experience
once more the intense stimulation and hallucinations provides by cocaine.
The coca plant is an evergreen, native to South America, particular the countries of Peru, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile and Colombia, and should not be confused with the cacao or cocoa plant, from which
chocolate is made. Although the coca plant is natural to South America, it has been successfully
cultivated in Java, West Indies, India and Australia.
OTHER STIMULANTS
There are several specific compounds in the nature of stimulants with which the narcotics
investigator should be familiar, These compounds fall into three categories: amphetamines, nonamphetamine stimulants, and combination (amphetamine-barbiturate) products. Within the
amphetamine category, three products are very important - Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine, and
Methamphetamine
AMPHETAMINES
Benzedrine is the trade name for the racemic compound produced by Smith, Kline and French
Laboratories (SKF). The recommended dosage is 10 to 100 mg per day for obesity in adults. For
treatment of narcolepsy, hyperkinesis and minimal brain disfunction in children, similar doses are
prescribed.
Dexedrine is the trade name for dextroamphetamine sulfate produced by SKF. The
recommended dosage is 30 to 50 mg per day for obesity in adults. For treatment of narcolepsy and
minimal brain dysfunction in children, smaller doses are prescribed. This drug comes in three forms - as
an elixir, tablet, and capsule.
Desoxyn is the trade name for amphetamine hydrochloride produced by Abbot Laboratories. The
recommended dosage is 2.5 to 5 mg up to three times a day for obesity and for adjunctive treatment of
minimal brain dysfunction. Desoxyn comes in two forms - as tablets and as Gradumet (registered trade
name) tablets. The regular tablet is white in color in 2.5 and 5 mg dosage form and bears the Abbot logo.
The Gradumet tablets are white, orange, or yellow in 5, 10, and 15 mg dosage form, respectively, and
bear the same Abbot logo.
The Amphetamines and Metamphetamines (Stimulants)
INTRODUCTION

Page 5 of 12
The two most prevalent stimulants are nicotine in tobacco products and caffeine, the active
ingredient of coffee, tea and some bottled beverages. When used in moderation, these stimulants tend to
relieve fatigue and increase alertness. They are an accepted part of our culture.
There are, however, more potent stimulants that, because of their dependence-producing
potential, are under the regulatory control of many governments. These controlled substances are
available on prescription for medical purposes hut they are also clandestinely manufactured in vast
quantities for distribution in the illicit market.
Definition
Stimulants are compounds which affect the central nervous system by accelerating its activities.
Stimulants are either natural, such as epinepherine, or synthetic, such as amphetamine ormethamphetamines (Shabu).
Origin
The first natural stimulant discovered was epinephrine (adrenalin). This substance was found in
adrenal glands of animals. Its effects were first described in 1899.
In 1919 a Japanese chemist developed the first synthetic stimulant which he called Shabu fish
and meat. This substance was later identified as methylamphetamine. In 1927, a substance called 1phenyl-2-aminopro-pane and its actions were first described by Gordon Alles. Smith, Kline and French
Laboratories conducted research on 1-phenyl-2-aminopropane and developed benzedrine and dexedrine.
It was during this development that the compound was called by its true chemical name methyl-phenetylamine or amphetamine.
HALLUCINOGENS

The term hallucinogens refers to a group of drugs which affect the central
nervous system, producing perceptual alterations, intense and varying emotional
changes, ego distortions and thought disruption.
Most of these substances have no medical use and are taken simply because of their effects. They are
not considered addictive, although they can and do produce psychological dependence. Hallucinogens
are exotic drugs which have received considerable attention from the media and drug abuse educators.
While many of these drugs enjoy periods of fad-like popularity with an accompanying temporary demand
for them in the illicit drug market, others, such as PCP, have been abused over the last decade.
Hallucinogens (also called psychedelics) are capable of provoking alterations of time and space
perception, illusions, and delusions. Results are variables a good trip or a bad trip may be experienced
by the same person on different occasions. Many drugs will cause delirium accompanied by
hallucinations and delusions when taken by people who are hypersensitive to them. Extraordinarily large
amounts of other types of drugs may also produce hallucinations because of their direct action on the
brain cells. Most of the hallucinogenic drugs in illicit channels of distribution are manufactured in
clandestine laboratories. Legitimate chemical manufacturers in some countries produce some
hallucinogenic drugs, but only for research or chemical purposes. Some of these drugs have been
diverted to the illicit market through thefts or illegal purchases.
History of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana)
History is replete with examples of the production of cannabis for different reasons. George
Washington, for example, attempted to grow Indian hemp (Cannabis) for the production of rope. He failed,
according to records he left, due to the lack of female plants. Indian hemp production goes much further
back in history and its antecedents may be traced to texts of both ancient Chinese and Indian origin
dating back to 1200-500 B.C. Uses includes rope, canvas and fine linen as well as for psychoactive
purposes. Seeds have been used for bird- feed. The oil from Cannabis Sativa is akin to linseed oil and
has been used to promote rapid drying of paint.
The use of Cannabis Tetrahydrocannabinol, a product of the resin of Cannabis Satiya ,may be
traced to Chinese herbal text in 1200B.C., where it was described as a surgical anesthetic. In 1090,
Marco Polo returned from China with tales of a Persian religious cult that used hashish to induce visions

Page 6 of 12
of paradise for cult members. The cult leader, called Old Man of the Mountain recruited men who were
given the drug, subjected to real pleasures and then sent on suicide missions of
Origin and Description
Cannabis Sativa L, from the genus Cannabis and the family Cannabinaceae, is the botanical
name for a tall annual, woody, dioecious shrub commonly known as marijuana. The term marijuana,
as defined by law means all parts of the plant whether growing or not, the seeds thereof, the resin
extracted from any part of such plant, every compound, manufacture, salt derivative, mixture or
preparation of such plant, its seeds and or resins. The term does not include the mature stalks of such
plants, fiber produced from such stalks, oils or cakes made from the seeds of such plants, any other
compound, manufacture, salt derivative, mixture or preparation of such mature stalks (except the resin
extracted there from), fiber, oil or cake, or the sterilized seed of such plant which is incapable of
germination.
Marijuana and hashish are derivatives of the cannabis plants which has been cultivated for
centuries for its fiber, oil and psychoactive resin. There are more than 400 known chemical constituents in
this plant. More than 60, known as cannabinoids, are found only in cannabis. One of these is delta-9retrahythocannabinol, also referred to as delta 9-THC. It accounts for the major psychoactive effects of
the plants. There are two varieties of the cannabis plants. One is resin-producing and the other is fiberproducing. THC is found most abundantly in the upper leaves, barks, and flowers of the resin-producing
variety. Marijuana, the dried leaves, may contain up to 5% of this compound. Hashish, the dried and
pressed flowers and resin, up to 12% and hashish oil, a crude extract of hashish, up to 60%. The fiberproducing variety has much lower concentrations of THC,
The true origin of the name marijuana is lost in antiquity. Gray attributes a Greek derivation of the
word Cannabis from the Persian Kanab. Other authors cite many words from many languages as the
possible morphological root of the word. History tells us of the murderous frenzy of the Malays,
characterized by running amok after habitual use of hashish. It is also reported that Mohameddan
leaders, opposing the Crusaders, utilized the services of individuals while under the influence of hashish
to commit secret murders. The frenzy produced by the drug led these persons to be called haschichin.
hashihash, or hashishi from which comes the modern English word assassin.
Lysergic Acid Diathylamide (LSD)
The most powerful and possibly the most widely used of the mind-expanding drugs is LSD, a
semi-synthetic alkaloid substance extracted from a fungus which grows on rye, wheat, and other grains. It
is an extremely potent drug, requiring only a small amount to induce a trip. The effects of an average
dose (about 100 micrograms) usually last from to twelve hours. One ounce is enough to provide 300,000
doses. LSD is encountered as liquid or powder. In its original state it is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
It is often put on or in: sugar cubes, toothpicks, aspirin, crackers, postage stamps, or bread.
Physical effects of LSD include dilated pupils, a flushed face, increased blood pressure, lowered
temperature, profuse sweating, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat. These effects disappear as the action of
the drug subsides. Considerable psychological effects on various levels are also triggered by the
ingestion of LSD. These are highly subjective, depending on mood, anxieties, tensions, dosage, and the
conditions under which the drug is taken.
The drug is not considered to be physically addicting because the body does not develop a need
for it nor experience physical sickness when it is withdrawn. However, a psychological dependence may
develop. The regular user will also build-up a tolerance for the drug requiring an increased dosage to
produce the desired effect. The user may also suffer periods of acute anxiety or depression for varying
length of time after the trip. Recurrence of hallucinations (flashbacks) may occur days, months, or even
years after the last dose. Panic reactions to his phenomenon have occasionally culminated in suicide.
LSD was first synthesized by a Swiss chemist. Albert Hoffman, in 3938. Five years later, Hoffman
accidentally discovered its mind altering properties while performing an experiment. Its use spread rapidly
both through legitimate research and illicit trafficking, reaching its peak during the 1960s.
PCP (Phencycidine), had leaped recently into the forefront of the drug scene. Known in the
streets as angel dust and numerous other exotic names, PCP has become very popular among youthful
drug users.

Page 7 of 12
The effects of PCP vary widely. Although its exact physiological actions on the body are not yet
clear, PCP is known to affect the brain and the central nervous system. In small doses, Phencyclidine
causes sedation like most depressants. In moderate doses, analgesia and anesthesia occur,
characterized by sensory disturbances. In large dose PCP may produce convulsions and coma leading
to death. Most persons using PCP experience a confused state characterized by feelings of weight less
ness, unreality, and hallucinations. Reports of difficulty in thinking, poor concentration and preoccupation
with death are frequent. Other effects include nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, involuntary eye
movements (nystagmus), double vision and restlessness. It has also been reported that PCP users have
increased rates of fetal loss, chromosome breakage and decreased fertility.
More PCP users die from accidents caused by the strange behavior the drug produces in them
than from actual chemical effects of the drug itself. People on PCP have drowned in shallow water
because they are so disoriented they cannot tell which way is up. Others have had auto accidents, fallen
off from roofs and out of windows because of the drugs intoxicating effects. Some have died in fires
because PCP made them insensitive to the pain of burning and disoriented that they could not escape
from the flames.
Mescaline is the primary active ingredients of the peyote cactus. Lophophora Williamsii Lemaire,
a plant which has been employed by Indians in Northern Mexico from the earliest recorded time. By the
time of the Spanish conquest, peyote had been adopted by a number of tribes who spanned the
geographic distance from Central America to Texas. In this setting, individuals ingested the mescalinecontaining peyote buttons to relieve fatigue and hunger and to treat victims of various diseases. The dried
tops were worn as amulets for protection against danger. In tribal rites, mescaline was used in group
settings to facilitate the achievement of a trance state necessary for tribal dances.
The incidence of illicit mescaline use in the street has never been accurately determined. The
drug, in the form of the peyote buttons was available for personal experimentation from the beginning of
this century but it did not gain much of a following until the 1960s.
Peyote buttons average one to two inches in diameter. They are brown in color and resemble the
underside of a dried mushroom. They are occasionally found in the illicit market. Because peyote has an
intensely bitter taste, the buttons are generally ground up into a dark brown powder held in clear gelatin
capsules.
Psilocybin and Psilocyn. Psilocybin occurs naturally in several spc4bf mushrooms, notably
Psilocybin Mexicana, Albert Hoffman, and his colleagues at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel,
Switzerland, who discovered LSD, isolated two substances from Psilocybin Mexicana. Psilocyn was also
found in small amounts, but was equally active. These alkaloids have since been found present in
numerous varieties of mushrooms. Interestingly, Psilocybin is relatively unstable and upon ingestion is
converted to Psilocyn by the enzyme alkaline phosphates. Therefore, it seems likely that Psilocyn is
actually responsible for the drug effects accredited to Psilocybin.
DOM STP. and DOM (methyl/dimethox/methyl/phenyl/ ethylamine), commonly known as STP, is
a synthetic drug which wa introduced to the drug scene in the early spring of 1967. In 1964, Dr. Alexander
T. Shulgin synthesized DOM while working on the development of the series of methoxylated
amphetamines for the Dow Chemical Company. DOM, MDA (3-4-methylene-dioxyamphetamine) and
MMDA (3-methoxy-4, 5-methylenedioxy-amphetamine) are included in a group of some 28 psychoactive
drugs referred to as psychotomimetic amphetamines. The psychotomimetic amphetamines display
hallucinogenic activity and are chemically related to both mescaline and amphetamine.
DOM has been estimated to be approximately 100 times more potent than mescaline, but 30 to
50 times less potent than LSD. Effects reported by subjects in clinical circumstances may be summarized
as follows: nausea, appetite decrease increased paresthesias (numbness); tensions; tremor; fatigue.
Measured physiological symptoms such as papillary dilation, increase deep tendon reflexes, tremor and
increased pulse rate present evidence of sympathomimetic stimulations. Early in the course of the drugs
effects-drowsiness was noted with no apparent direct control of nervous system stimulations. Increased
pupil size, blood pressure and increased pulse rate were more clearly related to subjects receiving higher
doses. Only three of eighteen subjects had a temperature increase of 1 degree centigrade or more and all
were on the higher doses. Although subjective feelings of weakness were reported, none was detectable
clinically. DOM/STP is very seldom encountered in the street today.

Page 8 of 12
DET (Diethytryptamine). DET is one of the latest hallucinogenic drugs to be brought under
control. It is a fast-acting synthetic analogue of DMT, and is chemically related to bufotenine and
psilocybin, although it is yet to be found in plant life. DET is produced in both liquid and powder form and
is not easily manufactured in a laboratory. It does not have any reported therapeutic use.
DET causes a rise in blood pressure and may rupture small blood vessels in the brain, There are
no reports of its having over dose potential. Injecting a dose of 50 or 60 milligram of DET causes visual
distortions, dizziness and vague sense of time. The experience may last two to three hours. For street
use, parsley tobacco, tea or marijuana leaves are soaked in DET solution, dried; and then either smoked
or ingested. Presently however, there is little demand for DET and its use is rare.
DMT (Diethytryptamine). DMT is a short-acting hallucinogen found in the seeds of a plant native
to the West Indies and in parts of South America. The powdered seeds have been used for centuries as a
snuff-called-cohoba, used in religious ceremonies to produce a state of mind which the Haitian natives
claimed enabled them to communicate with their gods. It is also produced synthetically by clandestine
chemists.
DMT is not taken orally. Instead its vapor is inhaled from smoke given off by burning ground
seeds or powder mixed with tobacco, parsley leaves, or even marijuana. It can also be injected. The
effects of a single dose 6o to 150 milligrams last only from 45 to 60 minutes and will produce mainly
hallucinations. For this reasons, it is sometimes known as the Businessmans Trip or the lunch hour
trip. DMT may cause psychological but not physical dependence. It may appear as an orange liquid or
orange crystal.
Ibogaine, an alkaloid, extracted from the roots of the Taber-manthe Ibiga plant, which is native to
Africa. This drug causes a rise in blood pressure and stimulates the central nervous system in addition to
rendering hallucinogenic effects. No street dosage is reported for Ibogaine. In fact little information is
available on the drug. The drug is illegal because of its potential dangers, rather than because of its past
history of abuse. For all practical purposes, Ibogaine is non-existent in the illicit market.
Bufotenine, is related chemically to DMT. It is also a recent addition to the list of hallucinogens
controlled under the Drug Abuse Control Amendments. Bufotenine is derived from the dried glandular
secretions of certain toads, from the amanista fungus, and can also be found in the seeds and pods of the
Cahobe bean (Piptadenia peregrina), a shrub found in the northern parts of South America and in the
West Indies. However, Bufotenine can also be prepared in the laboratory. Moderate doses will increase
blood pressure, while abuse of the drug produce hallucinations. Bufotenine is used as a snuff. Symptoms
appear immediately.
Morning Glory Seeds. Ingestion of approximately 300 Morning Glory seeds may cause
hallucinations qualitatively similar to LSD. The effects are described as mild with the high lasting from
seven to fourteen hours. Like other naturally occurring hallucinogens, Morning Glory seeds were used by
American Indians. The Indians ground the seeds to flour, which was then soaked in water. The moisture
was then strained and the liquid residue ingested. Dizziness and diarrhea are frequent side effects. The
active ingredients in Morning Glory seeds is believe to be Lysergic Acid amide, an alkaloid chemically
related to LSD. Morning Glory seeds are a common garden item, and their possession is not illegal.
Ingestion of Morning Glory seeds was a fad a few years ago, but is almost unheard of at present.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are classified into four categories based on the speed of onset and the length of
action. The long-acting barbiturates have a speed of onset ranging from 30 to 60 minutes and a length of
action extending up to eight hours. Barbital and Phenobarbital are examples.
The intermediate-acting barbiturates take effect within 15 to 30 minutes and last from four to six
hours. Amobarbital and Butabarbital are examples.
Short-acting barbiturates produce an onset of action within 10 to 20 minutes and remain
effective for two to six hours. Penthobarbital and Secobarbital are examples. The ultra-short-acting
barbiturates have a speed of onset of 0-45 seconds and a length of action of up to 30 minutes.
Thiopental sodium is an example. The short- and intermediate-acting barbiturates are the choice drugs
of abuse due to their speed of onset, the length of time the effects last, and the euphoria produced by the
drugs.

Page 9 of 12
Although one can become addicted to barbiturates at normal dosage, use of barbiturates can be
continued for years without difficulty. However, prolonged use of high doses leads to addiction and
tolerance. More than 400 mg. per day can lead to barbiturate poisoning, drug automatism, physical
dependence and possibly death. In conjunction with alcohol or some other drugs, there is also a
potentiating effect. If, for example, someone used secobarbital or pentobarbital in high doses, such as
800 or 1000 mg daily (eight to ten capsules) for about ten weeks, he would develop physical dependence.
The daily doses used by some addicts may be as high as fifteen capsules of 100 mg each, or 1500 mg.
During the treatment for barbiturate addiction, the dose of the barbiturate is gradually lowered
over a period of weeks while the patient is hospitalized. This is done cautiously to avoid more serious
withdrawal symptoms. During untreated withdrawal, the addict may have more severe symptoms
including delirium and severe convulsions. Generally, the symptoms which an officer would notice in a
barbiturate user undergoing withdrawal would be similar to delirium tremors and morphine withdrawal. In
progression these withdrawal symptoms are:

Insomnia
Irritability
Anxiety
Hallucinations
Tremors
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pains
The barbiturate abuser can also overdose. The toxic or lethal dose for barbiturates is essentially
the same in addicts as in non-addicts. This differs from Heroin addiction, since the heroin addict can
tolerate much higher doses than the non-addict. In other words, an increase tolerance correspondingly
increases the lethal dose. However, there is a potentiating effect when barbiturates are used in
conjunction with alcohol, or some other drugs. Generally, death from over dosage with barbiturates is due
to respiratory failure. In some cases, the patient may be in a coma for days and death may ultimately
result from heart failure or pneumonia.
The barbiturate abuser often has the appearance of drunkenness without the odor of alcohol. For
instance, he may appear drowsy and confused, his muscle control may be impaired, which will result in
poor coordination and a staggering gait. His speech may also be slurred, his memory impaired and he
may exhibit an inability to concentrate.
Hypnotics
Hypnotics are compounds which affect the central nervous system by slowing its activities. They
may be natural or synthetic. Hypnotics can also be categorized as DEPRESSANTS (producing or
inducing sleep) Depressants are sometimes called sedatives or producing a relaxed state that can lead to
sleep. The second category of hypnotics are the TRANQUILLIZERS, so called because they bring about
relief of anxiety, relaxation of muscles, and calming without sleep or drowsiness.
This class of drugs was first discovered in 1864 by Adolf von Baeyer, a German chemist, who
synthesized barbituric acid. Research led to the development of the first hypnotic derivative of barbituric
acid, called Barbital, in 1903. Since that time, over 2,500 derivatives have been developed. Depressants
have additional legitimate medical uses, as anaesthetics for minor surgery, pre- and post-operative
sedation, and as anti-convulsants but there is also a withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal from non-narcotic
depressants can be fatal and should be medically supervised. These non-narcotic depressants can be
divided into three main categories: barbiturates, tranquilizers, and non-barbituric acid drugs.
Tranquillizers
Tranquillizers are commonly classified as either major or minor. Those designated as major
tranquillizers are generally not abused. Major tranquillizers are used in the treatment of various
psychoses, while minor tranquillizers are used in the treatment of neuroses. The major tranquillizers are
so named because of their potent antipsychotic effects. Included in this group are the following:
What are Sedative-Hypnotics?

Page 10 of 12
Sedative-Hypnotics (tranquilizers, sleeping pills, sedatives) are drugs which depress or slow
down body functions. These are drugs that can be dangerous when not taken according to a physicians
instructions.
Some Pertinent Provisions of Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002
AN ACT INSTITUTING THE COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002,
REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6425, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT
OF 1972, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
SECTION. 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known and cited as the Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002.
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to safeguard the integrity of its
territory and the well-being of its citizenry particularly the youth, from the harmful effects of dangerous
drugs on physical and mental well-being, and to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to
their development and preservation. In view of the foregoing, the State needs to enhance further the
efficacy of the law against dangerous drugs, it being one of todays more serious social ills.
SEC. 3. Definitions. As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:
(a)

(b)
(c)
(d)

(e)
(f)
(g)

(h)
(i)
(j)

(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)

Administer. Any act of introducing any dangerous drug into the body of any person, with or
without his/her knowledge, by injection, inhalation, ingestion or other means, or of committing any
act of indispensable assistance to a person in administering a dangerous drug to himself/herself
unless administered by a duly licensed practitioner for purposes of medication.
Board. Refers to the Dangerous Drugs Board under Section 77, Article IX of this Act.
Centers. Any of the treatment and rehabilitation centers for drug dependents referred to in
Section 75, Article VIII of this Act.
Chemical Diversion. The sale, distribution, supply or transport of legitimately imported, intransit, manufactured or procured controlled precursors and essential chemicals, in diluted,
mixtures or in concentrated form, to any person or entity engaged in the manufacture of any
dangerous drug, and shall include packaging, repackaging, labeling, relabeling or concealment of
such transaction through fraud, destruction of documents, fraudulent use of permits,
misdeclaration, use of front companies or mail fraud.
Clandestine Laboratory. Any facility used for the illegal manufacture of any dangerous drug
and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical.
Confirmatory Test. An analytical test using a device, tool equipment with a different chemical or
physical principle that is more .1111 if n which will validate and confirm the result of the screening
test.
Controlled Delivery. The investigative technique of allowing net an unlawful or suspect
consignment of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical,
equipment or paraphernalia, or property believed to be derived directly or indirectly from any
offense, to pass into, through or out of the country under the supervision of an authorized officer,
with a view to gathering evidence to identify any person involved in any dangerous drugs related
offense, ii iii facilitate prosecution of that offense.
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 Psychotropic Substances as
enumerated in the attached annex, which is an integral part of this Act.
Cultivate or Culture. Any act of knowingly planting, growing, raising, or permitting the planting,
growing or raising of any plant which Cite source of a dangerous drug.
Dangerous Drugs. Include those listed in the Schedules annexed to the 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and in the Schedules annexed
to the 1971 Single tilt ye eel ion on Psychotropic Substances as enumerated in the attached
annex which is an integral part of this Act.
Deliver. Any act of knowingly passing a dangerous drug hi a not her, personally or otherwise,
and by any means, with or without it consideration.
Den, Dive or Resort. A place where any dangerous drug cited/or controlled precursor and
essential chemical is administered, tie I lye red, stored for illegal purposes, distributed, sold or
used in any form.
Dispense. Any act of giving away, selling or distributing cit tin-inc or any dangerous drug with
or without the use of prescription.
Drug -Dependence. As based on the World Health Organization definition, it is a cluster of
physiological, behavioral and cognitive phenomena of variable intensity, in which the use of
psychoactive drug takes on a high priority thereby involving, among iii leers, a strong desire or a
sense of compulsion to take the substance tutu the difficulties in controlling substance - taking
behavior in terms iii us onset, termination, or levels of use.

Page 11 of 12
(o)
(p)

(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)

(u)

(v)

(w)
(x)
(y)

(z)

(aa)
(bb)
(cc)

(dd)
(ee)

Drug Syndicate. Any organized group of two (2) or more persons forming or joining together
with the intention of committing any offense prescribed under this Act.
Employee of Den, Dive or Resort. The caretaker, helper, watchman, lookout, and other
persons working in the den, dive or resort, employed by the maintainer, owner and/or operator
where any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical is administered,
delivered, distributed, sold or used, with or without compensation, in connection with the
operation thereof.
Financier. Any person who pays for, raises or supplies money for, or underwrites any of the
illegal activities prescribed under this Act.
Illegal Trafficking. The illegal cultivation, culture, delivery, administration, dispensation,
manufacture, sale, trading, transportation, distribution, importation, exportation and possession of
any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical.
Instrument. Any thing that is used in or intended to be used in any manner in the commission
of illegal drug trafficking or related offenses.
Laboratory Equipment. The paraphernalia, apparatus, materials or appliances when used,
intended for use or designed for use in the manufacture of any dangerous drug and/or controlled
precursor and essential chemical, such as reaction vessel, preparative/puri1ing equipment,
fermentors, separatory funnel, flask, heating mantle, gas generator, or their substitute.
Manufacture. The production, preparation, compounding or processing of any dangerous drug
and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical, either directly or indirectly or by extraction
from substances of natural origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis or by a
combination of extraction and chemical synthesis, and shall include any packaging or
repackaging of such substances, design or configuration of its form, or labeling or relabeling of its
container; except that such terms do not include the preparation, compounding, packaging or
labeling of a drug or other substances by a duly authorized practitioner as an incident to his/her
administration or dispensation of such drug or substance in the course of his/her professional
practice including research, teaching and chemical analysis of dangerous drugs or such
substances that are not intended for sale or for any other purpose.
Cannabis or commonly known as Marijuana or Indian Hemp or by its any other name.
Embraces every kind, class, genus, or specie of the plant Cannabis sativa L including, but not
limited to, Cannabis americana, hashish, bhang, guaza churrus and ganjab, and embraces every
kind, class and character of marijuana, whether dried or fresh and flowering, flowering or fruiting
tops, or any part or 1K iii ion of the plant and seeds thereof, and all its geographic varieties,
whether as a reefer, resin, extract, tincture or in any form whatsoever.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or commonly known as Ecstasy, or by its any other
name. Refers to the drug having such chemical composition, including any of its isomers or
derivatives in any form.
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or commonly known as Shabu, Ice, Meth, or by its any
other name. Refers to the drug having such chemical composition, including any of its isomers
or derivatives in any form.
Opium. Refers to the coagulated juice of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum ) and
embraces every kind, class and character of opium, whether crude or prepared; the ashes or
refuse of the same; narcotic preparations thereof or there from; morphine or any alkaloid of
opium; preparations in which opium, morphine or any alkaloid of opium enters as an ingredient;
opium poppy; opium poppy straw; and leaves wrappings of opium leaves, whether prepared for
use or not.
Opium Poppy. Refers to any part of the plant of the species Papaver somniferum L, Papaver
stigerum DC, Papaver orienfale, Papaver bracteatum and Papaver rhoea.s, which includes the
seeds, straws branches, leaves or any part thereof, or substances derived there from, even for
floral, decorative and culinary purposes.
PDEA. Refers to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency under Section 82, Article IX of this
Act.
Person. Any entity, natural or juridical, including among others a corporation, partnership, trust or
estate, joint stock company, association, syndicate, joint venture or other unincorporated
organization or group capable of acquiring rights or entering into ions.
Planting of Evidence. The willful act by any person of maliciously and surreptitiously inserting,
placing, adding or attaching Iuirct1y or indirectly, through any overt or covert act, whatever
quantity of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical in the person,
house, effects or in the immediate vicinity of n innocent individual for the purpose of implicating,
incriminating or imputing the commission of any violation of this Act.
Practitioner. Any person who is a licensed physician, dentist, chemist, medical technologist,
nurse, midwife, veterinarian or pharmacist in the Philippines.
Protector/Coddler.Any person who knowingly and willfully consents to the unlawful acts
provided for in this Act and uses his/her influence, power or position in shielding, harboring,
screening or facilitating the escape of any person he/she knows, or has reasonable grounds to
believe on or suspects, has violated the provisions of this Act in order to prevent the arrest,
prosecution and conviction of the violator.

Page 12 of 12
(ff)

Pusher. Any person who sells, trades, administers, dispenses, delivers or gives away to
another, on any terms whatsoever, or distributes, dispatches in transit or transports dangerous
drugs or who acts as a broker in any of such transactions, in violation of this Act.
(gg) School. undertaking educational operation for pupils/students pursuing certain studies at defined
levels, receiving instructions from teachers, usually located in a building or a group of buildings in
a particular physical or cyber site.
(hh) Screening Test. A rapid test performed to establish potential presumptive positive result.
(ii)
Sell. Any act of giving away any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential
chemical whether for money or any other consideration.
(jj)
Trading. Transactions involving the illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs and/or controlled
precursors and essential chemicals using electronic devices such as, but not limited to, text
messages, email, mobile or landlines, two-way radios, internet, instant messengers and chat
rooms or acting as a broker in any of such transactions whether for money or any other
consideration in violation of this Act.
(kk) Use. - Any act of injecting, intravenously or intramuscularly, of consuming, either by chewing,
smoking, sniffing, eating, swallowing, drinking or otherwise introducing into the physiological
system of the body, any of the dangerous drugs.

UNLAWFUL ACTS AND PENALTIES

Section 4. Importation of Dangerous Drugs
Penalty

life imprisonment and fine ranging from Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten
million pesos (P10,000,000.00)

Importation of any controlled precursor and essential chemical

Penalty-

imprisonment ranging from twelve (12) years and one (1) day to twenty (20) years and a fine
ranging from One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to Five hundred thousand pesos
(P500,000.00)

Maximum penalty for the following:

import or bring into the Philippines any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential
chemical through the use of a diplomatic passport, diplomatic facilities or any other means
involving his/her official status intended to facilitate the unlawful entry of the same.

organizes, manages or acts as a "financier" of any of the illegal activities

Sec 4"protector/coddler" of any violator of the provisions under this Section.

penalty -

twelve (12) years and one (1) day to twenty (20) years of imprisonment and a fine ranging from
One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00)