...Narcotic Drugs Dee Lamb CRJ311: Forensics Instructor: Seitu Stephens Date Submitted: 07/16/2012 The United States is known to have the highest substance abuse rate of any industrialized nation and therefore Government statistics (1997) show that 36% of the United States population has tried marijuana, cocaine, or other illicit drugs (www.factmonster.com). What are narcotic drugs? Before any one person can place narcotic drugs into a classification, one must first understand what the word narcotic means. This paper will focus on what the term narcotic means as well as the classifications of narcotic drugs. Furthermore, this paper will also talk about the evidence that is needed in order to obtain a conviction in a criminal case, the chain of custody, and the prevention of evidence which seeks to not only prove the alleged crime (s) but also provides the defendant with the opportunity to cross-examine or challenge the evidence which has been presented in court. Narcotic drugs are derived from the Greek word narkotikos, which implies a state of lethargy or sluggishness and pharmacologist classify narcotic drugs as substances that bring relief from pain or produce sleep (Saferstein, R. 2011). Narcotic drugs are highly addictive and withdrawal from them can be very unpleasant. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the actual physical condition of the user as well as the type of...
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...Narcotic Drugs Rosalind Rogers CRJ 311 August 7, 2012 There are several major categories of narcotic drugs are classified, and by several national agencies. These classifications are used for law enforcement, and substance abuse prevention. Opium is considered to be a narcotics and partially synthetic opium substance are use for pain relief. Meaning the brain will send information from the point of origin to the nervous system. Because of the effect of this drug and how it has that effect on the user can make that person an addict. Some examples of narcotics are: codeine, heroin, and morphine. “Codeine is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic” (drugs.com). This narcotic is used for diarrhea, pain (moderate), and cough suppressant. Codeine can be extracted form poppy plant or it can be produced. There are side effects to this drug and that is nausea, vomiting, constipation, and sweating just to name a few. The severe side effect can be “seizures, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing” (nlm.nih.gov). It can really interact badly with other types of drug use. Like any other narcotic drugs a person can seriously become addicted so they should only be using this drug under a doctor care. This is one of the drugs that should not be taken with alcohol. Anyone who has a substance abuse problem should be very wary about using codeine. “Heroin is an opiate drug that is synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from...
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...Drugs, Narcotics, and Options for Treatment Westwood College Chet J. Willer CJ321 – Drugs and Narcotics J. L. Gonzalez, M.A. - Faculty 16 JUL 2012_MP There is no doubt that America is one of the most sophisticated and advanced countries in the world. Evan as complex and civilized that we are, many of our citizens have succumbed to the evils that are associated with drugs. Drugs have been a part of the American story since Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World and the Natives offered him a gift. It was the gift of tobacco, which would go on to become one of the most commonly used drugs throughout our history. (Shmoop Editorial Team, 2008) Drugs are a major problem in American life; however this is not necessarily a new problem. What constitutes a new problem in relation to drugs is the advancements in technologies which chemically create new drugs and modify existing ones. Drugs and the elements which surround them engulf and suffocate millions throughout the world in financial greed, criminal behavior, and uncontrollable addictions. These elements all too often lead to unrecoverable financial debts, instabilities in relationships, incarceration, and death. Many laws have been enacted as a result of the adverse actions and incidents related to drugs. These laws highly regulate the manufacturing of, use, possession, and distribution of drugs. Additionally, there have been strong efforts in attempting to treat those who have been victimized by the...
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...social problem is a social condition (such as poverty) or a pattern of behavior (such as drug abuse) that harms some individuals or all people in a society and that a sufficient number of people believe warrants public concern and collective action to bring about action. According to Crone, J. (2007) a social problem exists when people subjectively perceive and have empirical evidence to show that social conditions combined at a local, societal, or global level to cause personal problems. It is therefore an undesirable condition that people believe should be corrected. A social policy therefore refers to guidelines or intervention for changing, maintenance and creation of conditions of living conducive for human welfare. It is also an instrument applied by governments to regulate and supplement market institutions and social structures. Social policy is often defined as social services such as education, health, employment, and social security. According to the World Drug Report 2014, in 2012, Uganda has been identified by European countries as an origin for drug traffickers. Uganda is therefore in the international spotlight over drug trafficking. For example, Two Ugandans, Omar Ddamulira and Andrew Ham Ngobi had in May and June 2014 been executed in Guandong Province, China after being convicted of drug trafficking offences. The two men and 21 other Ugandans had been convicted of drug...
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...Legalization: The War on Drugs and Criminal Law Howard R. Burke Strayer University Abstract This research will point out that the United States’ current policy on drug prohibition, the so called “War on Drugs,” is ineffective. The current draconian prohibition policies against drug consumption may actually increase their use. As well, contrary to claims made by current drug policy supporters, increased drug enforcement can reduce public safety and compound the individual and social costs of drug use. The U.S. drug policy, born over a hundred years ago, has gone through several transformations becoming more voracious with each new invocation. The War on Drugs is an expensive and failed concept which has incorporated racism in its administration, increased crime rates, imposed harsh sentences for nonviolent offenses, facilitated police corruption and aggressively eroded civil liberties. Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Introduction to the Problem Background of the Study Statement of the Problem Purpose of the Research Research Questions Significance of the Research Assumptions and Limitations Organization of the Remainder of the Study LITERATURE REVIEW CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Marijuana Legalization: The War on Drugs and Criminal Law INTRODUCTION The United States has conducted a long experiment of drug prohibition. The prohibition of marijuana and other illicit drugs has only increased their...
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...Introduction Drug addiction is the continued use of any substance, medical or herbal. This has been occurring for many years throughout the world. Our aim of the assignment is first, to make people aware of the drug addition that is occurring now, the effects of drug addiction. Our aim of the report is to dissuade the masses of drug addiction and give reason to stamp it out entirely. Identifying the problem Drug abuse started with opium. Chinese farmers first started consuming large amounts of opium to ‘forget’ the pains they were suffering. The modern ‘druggie’ uses a variety of different substances. They range from the most common cough syrup to the burning of herbal combinations and inhaling the smoke. This is one of the major problems of modern drug addiction. People are getting ‘high’ on the simplest substances; even glue sniffing is taking drugs. Some of the more common forms of drug are: Heroin Cocaine Marijuana (more commonly known as weed) Phensidyle Today, these practices are threatening the foundation of our society. The number of addicted youth is increasing in number every day, demolishing the whole economy of our nation. Thousands of talented youth's careers and the dream of their parents are shattering every day due to one wrong step taken. This problem is almost beyond anyone's control because established drug markets are constantly catering the thirst of drug for hundreds of addicts and there is practically no one to curtail the heinous...
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...marijuana , but to educate you more about Marijuana because it is everywhere in society and it’s about time everybody knows the history and truth about Cannabis. Question if marijuana is bad for you, then why do we hear about more accidents and fatalities due to alcohol intoxication. Alcohol is a legal drug that can directly kill you with too much consumption. How many cases have you heard of someone losing their life from alcohol poisoning. Approximately 80,000 deaths are caused by alcohol per year. How many cases have you heard of someone overdosing on marijuana; Alcohol is an addictive drug that can cause a person to not only ruin their life, but could end it as well. To most people Marijuana isn’t an addictive drug. The harmful effects of marijuana aren’t as harmful as the effects of alcohol is. Initially according to Rawson, cannabis was only used to make industrial goods; its recreational use in America didn’t become popular until the early 20th century. Recreational use of cannabis was pushed up in the ranks with drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Since the beginning of its recreational use there has only been one recorded death due to an overdose. Many drug advocates as well as the government have made marijuana illegal; There are two types of cannabis one is called hemp and the next is called marijuana. Hemp contains less than one percent of THC, which can be used in the production of different industrial...
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...Drug abuse in Africa Sections ABSTRACT Introduction Historical background Current drug abuse situation in Africa Effects of drug abuse in Africa Control mechanisms Future trends Details Author: T. ASUNI , A. O PELA Pages: 55 to 64 Creation Date: 1986/01/01 Drug abuse in Africa T. ASUNI Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria A. O PELA Clinical Pharmacy Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin, Nigeria ABSTRACT Apart from cannabis abuse in northern and southern Africa and khat chewing in north-eastern Africa, the history of drug abuse in Africa is relatively short. The abuse of drugs in Africa is nevertheless escalating rapidly from cannabis abuse to the more dangerous drugs and from limited groups of drug users to a wider range of people abusing drugs. The most common and available drug of abuse is still cannabis, which is known to be a contributing factor to the occurrence of a schizophrenic-like psychosis. The trafficking in and abuse of cocaine and heroin are the most recent developments in some African countries that had had no previous experience with these drugs. Efforts should be made to design and implement drug abuse assessment programmes to determine the real magnitude and characteristics of the problem and to monitor its trends. A lack of funds and a shortage of adequately trained personnel have made it difficult to implement drug abuse control programmes...
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...Organized Crime and Drug Trade Organized crime and the illicit drug trade is a fairly recent ordeal occurring throughout the world, both strongly linked with drug trafficking. Organized crime refers to the unlawful activities of the members of a highly organized, disciplined association engaged in supplying illegal goods and services, including gambling, prostitution, loan- sharking, narcotics, and labor racketeering (Schmalleger, 2011, pg.234). Drug trafficking, which is a type of organized crime, consists of manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, importing, and exporting (or possessing with intent to do the same) a controlled or counterfeit substance (Schmalleger, 2011). These two come hand in hand because the powerful people/ organizations from different parts of the world are the ones who control the illicit drug trade industry. Without the drug traffickers the industry would consist of suppliers who would have no way to deliver their product to the consumer. It is estimated that the illegal drug trade generates up to 500 billion dollars a year, making it the second most lucrative industry after the arms industry (Jenner, 2011). The reason drug trafficking occurs can be due to the high consumption of illicit drugs throughout the world which in turn fuels this business. Like any other industry, there will always be organizations that control it. For example in the automotive industry in the U.S., “the big three” – GM, Chrysler, and Ford are the ones who dominate it, although...
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...The mafia has been participating in a love/hate relationship with the world of illegal drugs for many years. For a number of years the moneymaking entity has been narcotics and earning the gross domestic product of most countries. However, right in the center of it all was the mafia. The Sicily Cosa Nostra has one of the most successful businesses that are drug related of course. The Sicily mafia earns approximately 130 billion Euros, nearly 165 billion, and profit approximately 70 billion euro in which adds up to 90 billion in American dollars (Wise, 2008). The earning is after all investments and expenses are deducted. The Sicily mafia is indeed one of the prevalent companies in Italy. Drug trafficking alone earning nearly 59 billion Euros year, which is considered to be one of the main sources of income for Sicily mafia as well as for other organized crime in general (Wise, 2008). The Sicily involvement in the illegal drug industry is so big that other methods have evolved. For instance, loan sharking. Loan sharking is one of the most recent activities that has been invented and up scaling to greater height as a source of income from the business sector (Wise, 2008). The mafia organization has stretch beyond your typical contraband, extortion, and drug dealing, but has gained access into different sectors of the legitimate economy (Wise, 2008). For instance, tourism, restaurants and food production (Wise, 2008). According to Confesercenti, the Sicily mafia alone is worth nearly...
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...-070 The War on Drugs The “War on Drugs” is a term commonly applied to a campaign of prohibition, military aid and military intervention, with the intention of reducing and eliminating the illegal drug trade. The War on Drugs was officially declared in 1971 by President Richard Nixon and is still very prominent in our society today. The War on Drugs has been studied since its inception and copious amounts of data have been collected from it. The War on Drugs has a long history; since it has been enacted the government has utilized large sums of money funding it, made illicit drug use rise in percentage overall, and created an artificial and thriving black market. There is an ongoing debate on whether the War on Drugs is effective and organizations like the DPA (Drug Policy Alliance) are fighting to change it. However, the Obama administration is continuing the War on Drugs and has changed the name to the “National Drug Control Policy.” The first U.S law that restricted the distribution and use of certain drugs was the “Harrison Narcotics Tax Act” of 1914. This act regulated and taxed the production, importation, and distribution of opiates and Cocaine products. This Act pushed a more restrictive handling of certain drugs that would inevitably lead to the creation of more drug policies and the current drug war. On June 18th 1971, ongoing policies, laws, and counter culture built up and President Richard Nixon declared a “War on Drugs” stating that the drug problem in the U...
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...United States Drug Policy on Mexico and Colombia Drugs are not new to this Earth. Mankind has grown and consumed drugs for millennia. Marijuana, or more appropriately Cannabis, is indigenous to Central and South Asia, and has been consumed widely since 3000 B.C.E. (ElSohly 8). In more recent times (1938), Albert Hoffman synthesized Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, while searching for treatments for psychiatric diseases (Hoffman). Initially, many drugs were used in religious/spiritual functions. In several instances, the strong fibers of the Cannabis plant were used for building, much like jute, and the narcotic aspects of the plants were not even explored (ElSohly 8). However, today, drugs are frequently used recreationally, and as a result are highly profitable commodities. It is common knowledge that across the world, the vast majority of drugs are illegal or are restricted in some way. Almost nightly, proponents for the legalization of drugs, decriminalization of certain drugs, and the continued ban on drugs debate their positions through the media. This debate is a hot button issue that is almost entirely centered upon the views and policies of the world’s largest drug consumer, the United States of America (CIA Factbook). Governments and the media very often focus on drug consumption trends and drug flow into the United States, while largely ignoring Latin American perspectives and impacts on Latin America. Though drug production and drug use are major...
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...about is Drug Trafficking. This topic is interesting to me because right now this is a hot topic everywhere you go. Also, drugs are a very big problem in my community. The other reason I chose this topic is this a field I can see myself doing in my career I’m currently in. Drug traffic is also influencing a lot of teenagers because of the easy money the they can earn in a short period. The things that I know about my topic are that this business is very lucrative and destroys peoples mind set. Also, it causes officers to lose the jobs because of what they easy money they can earn. The illegal drug market in the United States is one of the most profitable in the world. As such, it attracts the most ruthless, sophisticated, and aggressive drug traffickers. One of the busiest routes into the United States via a variety of routes, including land routes through Mexico. They are much useful information I can find about my topic. I think that there are many experts I can talk to here in my area for example, Fresno county sheriffs and maybe Fresno police department. Also, one of my classmates is trying to get me an interview with a DEA agent who is involved in the narcotics unit. There are many sources I can find information about my topic. Before coming to this college I would take time and watch a couple of documentaries about the topic I chose. The are many questions I got about this topic. For example, has the creation of Homeland Security helped lessen the amount of drug related...
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...CRITICAL ESSAY: Pleasure and pain: Representations of illegal drug consumption, addiction and trafficking in music, film and video It is a safe assumption that when the term ‘drug’ or ‘use’ is mentioned, many automatically associate this with something rather unpleasant, a negative experience. This is due to the fact that individuals throughout most of their lives are warned of the destructive, detrimental and the horrendous nature of drugs and the consequences that arise from one’s involvement with them. This message is conveyed through many platforms, one of them being the media/entertainment industry. It is the same media portrays the image of illegal drug consumption as highly pleasurable. In the article Pleasure and pain: Representations of illegal drug consumption, addiction and trafficking in music, film and video (Fraser, S and Moore, D, 2011), composer Susan Boyd thoroughly explores through qualitative research the role music, film and video playing in creating meanings and images of drug consumption, addiction and trafficking and- in doing so, shapes up our perspective on drug use. This essay will discuss ways within which music, film and video represents illegal drug consumption, addiction and trafficking and how this influences our perspective and understanding of drug use. Media in today’s contemporary society is viewed as a necessity, it is held on the same level of importance as food and clothing (Stoddart, T, 2014). Individuals are exposed to the media throughout...
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...The illicit drug trade in France is a very controversial topic in such country because of the variations it can have and of the many exceptions that are sometimes allowed. France has taken a firm position in encouraging the development of prevention centers and programmers rather than actually punishing the consumers. It believes, though it believes that more effort must be put into restricting the consume of these products and punishing those who distribute it. France developed a Three-Year Plan to Combat Drug Use and to Prevent Dependence (1999-2001) where it clearly states that the aim of such program is not “to change the law or modify the hierarchy of prohibitions”. While France has created successful institutions to deal with this problem, estimates have shown a high percentage of consumption especially cannabis, alcohol, tobacco and heroin. Since 1982, France has counted on the Inter-departmental Mission for the Fight Against Drugs and Drug Addiction (MILDT). “The MILDT prepares the government plans for the fight against drugs, and monitors the application of these plans.” While enforcing the policies made to combat drug traffic, the MILDT believes that users should be placed instead of punishment, in rehabilitation centers where there addictions will be treated. Another two relevant institutions are French Monitoring Centre for Drug Addiction that collates available data on drugs and dependencies; and the Drug Information Service, a service that offers telephone...
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