The Violators - The Persons of Importance
a) The Addict or User A "user" is one who injects,intravenously or intramuscularly, or consumes, either
by chewing, smoking, sniffing, eating, swallowing, drinking, or otherwise introducing into the
physiological system of the body, any of the dangerous drugs. An "addict" is one who habitually uses
dangerous drugs.
b) The Pusher - "Pusher" refers to any person who sells, administers, delivers, or gives away to another,
on any terms whatsoever, or distributes or dispatches in transit or transport any dangerous drug or who
acts as a broker in any such transaction.
c. The Narcotic Evidence
These include opium and its active components and derivatives, the coca leaf and beta eucaine, and the
hallucinogenic drugs. It includes all preparations made from any of the foregoing and other drugs and
chemical preparations; whether natural or synthetics, with the physiological effects of a narcotic or a
hallucinogenic drug.
Opium and its derivatives
"Opium" refers to the coagulated juice of the opium poppy and embraces every kind, character and
class of opium, whether crude of prepared; the ashes or refuse of the same; narcotic prepared; the
ashes or refuse of the same, narcotic preparations thereof or therefrom; morphine or any alkaloid of
opium; preparations in which opium enters as an ingredient; opium poppy; opium seeds; opium poppy
straw and leaves or wrapping of opium leaves, whether prepared for use or not.
Morphine - the drug varies in different forms such as: Powder - white, odorless granulated powder with
a very bitter taste. Sometimes however, illicit traffickers add color to deceive investigators.Block with
embossed marks like "999" "555" "AAA" "1A", etc. with "Lion", Elephant", "Tiger/ Dragon" brands.
Licit morphine used for medical purposes invariably comes in powder form, tablets, capsules with the
brand name of the manufacturer.
Heroin (Dimorphine Hydrochloride/ Diacetylmorphine) is a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a
very bitter taste. Heroin is the hydrochloride of an alkaloid obtainable by the action of acetic anhydride
or morphine. The alkaloid base may be made by treating morphine with acetyl chloride, washing the
product with a dilute alkaline solution and crystallizing from alcoholic solution.
Cocaine (Methyl ecgonine). Cocaine (C₁₂ H 21n O is an alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Erythorxylon
coca and the other species of Erthroxlon Linne, or by synthesis from ecgoine and its derivatives.
Cocaine is a central stimulant, but is never employed clinically for this purpose. Addiction and a certain
amount of tolerance result from its use. Because of its properties, the sale of cocaine is prohibited in the
Philippines.
Cocaine also comes in the form of salt crystals, known as "crack and usually sold in packets. This is the
American counterpart of the local "shabu" or methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa)
Marijuana is a seasonal plant grown from seed. Depending on soil and weather condition, it grows
approximately 20 feet. The leaves come in clusters of 3,5,7,9 to 13 leaflets. The leaflets are elongated
with the tip pointed and the sides serrated.
Refers or cigarettes known as "joints and other names - These are hand-rolled in cigarette paper,
irregular and slim with both ends tucked in or twisted.
Hallucinogen Drugs
These are the drugs that are capable of creating hallucinations in the mind of the taker such as Lysergic
acid diethylamide commonly known as LSD and other drugs falling under this category are DMT, STP,
peyote and morning glory seeds.
Synthetic Drugs
Those having the same physiological action as a narcotic drug, such as methadone and demerol.
Other Dangerous Drugs
These include self-inducting sedatives, such as seconbarbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, amobarbital,
salt or a derivative of a salt of barbituric acid: and salt, isomer or salt of an isomer, of amphetamine,
such as benzedrine of dexedrine, or any drug which produces a physiological acting simlar to
amphetamine; and hypnotic drugs, such as methaqualone, nitrzepam or any other compound producing
similar physiological effects.
Barbiturates - Manufactured synthetically as salts of barbituric acid. All names of these drugs are in al,
such as pentobarbital, secobarbital (seconal), amobarbital, phenobarbital, barbital, etc.
Categories according to Effects
• Long acting barbiturates - take effect with in 30 to 60 minutes and last up to 8 hours, e.i. Phenobarbital
Intermediate acting barbiturates - take effect with in 15 to 30 minutes and last up to 6 hours,
e.i.amobarbital and butabarbital.
•Short acting barbiturates - take effect with in 10 to 20 minutes and last up to 6 hours, e.i. Pentobarbital
and secobarbital.
•Ultra short barbiturates -take effect with in 45 seconds and last up to 30 minutes, e.i. thiopental
sodium.
Amphetamines - Stimulate the central nervous system and have the ability to combat fatigue and
sleepiness. These are also known at uppers.
Chemical Names
a. Amphetamine Sulfate
b. Dextroamphetamine Sulfate
c. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride
Shabu is the most widely known amphetamine in the country today. The compound is also known as
"poor man's cocaine". The latter term, however, is misleading because although cheaper than that
cocaine, shabu is nonetheless expensive as compared to other drugs such as marijuana or solvents.
The Volatile Substances - also called the Inhalants,Solvents or Deliriants. The most popular among them
is the solvent rugby. These chemical substances are significant in narcotic investigation because of their
intoxicating symptoms that do not produce alcoholic breath.
HANDLING NARCOTIC EVIDENCE
Evidence handling
Physical evidence of various types can do must to augment the inevitable oral evidence in a prosecution
involving drugs. The investigator should be constantly on alert to obtain physical evidence during an
inquiry for presentation in court.
Drug seizures- One officer, preferably the officer who made the seizure, should be detailed to take
charge of the drug found. The following procedure should guide him:
1. Identify the seizure in permanent way
2. identification should give detail of the time, date, place of seizure, and name of suspect.
3. The officer should place his signature on the identifying label.
4. Where a suspect demands a sample of the drug for independent analysis, the sample should be place
in a suitable container, and sealed in a way as to prevent tampering
5. Where another officer later takes the seizure ,that officer should continue the chain of identification
by placing his initials on the label.
6. A permanent written record of the movement of the seizure, noting time, dates and signatures or
receiving parties should be maintained.
7. after seizure, the drug should be sealed in such a way that it will be impossible to open the container
without breaking the seal.
8. The officer in the area designated by his command should retain the seizure, the security of which will
satisfy the scrutiny of the court.
9. Where the nature of the seizure requires special storage conditions or facilities, this should be
arranged and the security of the seizure maintained.
10. At the first opportunity, the officer should himself deliver the seized drug/s to the laboratory for
examination.
11. If the officer holding the seized drug/s cannot travel to the laboratory, he should hand the same to
another officer who should make the delivery personally.
12. If personal delivery is not possible, the seized drug which is sealed should be carefully packed in a
parcel and shipped by certified delivery mail.
Photographs -A permanent written record should be kept relating to photographs taken in the course of
an investigation, noting the time, date and place of the photograph, its subject the weather condition at
the time it was taken. The other print copies be retained unmarked for possible submission to court.
Photographs of for instance, a meeting between two offenders can adduce valuable corroborative
evidence.
Documents - Documents that may become evidence in a prosecution should be retained in their original
form. They should be treated in much the same manner as drug seizures with regard to identification,
and it is suggested that all under whose supervision this is done can later "prove" the original,
particularly incases where returned to a person for production later in court.
Investigative Records -Records in this particular category include:
1. Information on a suspect of drug movement
2. Results of background inquiry on a suspect
3.The log or running sheet kept on investigator and suspect movement during surveillance or arrest
4.Investigator's notebooks and diaries
5. Investigator's notes of conversations, events or interviews
DRUG INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS
Roles of the PDEA
-One of their concern is drug investigation in the Philippines
- one among its powers and function is the initiation of all investigation proceedings concerning drug
cases, absorbing all drug enforcement units of the other governmental agencies like the NBI, PNP , the
Bureau of Customs and other agencies and bureaus with drug investigation divisions.
-PDEA shall create and maintain an efficient special enforcement unit to conduct an investigation and
file charges and transmit evidence to the proper court.
the following principles should be observed in handling all types of evidence in narcotic investigation:
1. The evidence should reach the laboratory as mush as possible in same condition as when it is found.
2. The quantity of specimen should be adequate. Even with the best equipment available, good results
cannot be obtained from insufficient specimens.
3. Submit a known or standard specimen for comparison purpose.
4. Keep each specimen separate from others so there will be no intermingling or mixing of known and
unknown material. Wrap and seal in individual packages when necessary.
5. Mark or label each piece of evidence must be maintained. Account for evidence from the time it is
collected until it is produced in court. Any break in this chain of custody may make the material
inadmissible as evidence in court.
Illustration of a basic procedure in narcotic investigation focused in the crime scene:
A Receipt/Report Complaint
B.First Responder
C.Security and Protection:Cordoning
D.Conduct of Crime Scene Investigation
From this point:
1.Preparation
2.Approach
3.Preliminary
4.Evaluation of Physical evidence
5.Documentation of crime Scene
6.Preparation of NarrativeDescription
7.Crime Scene Search
8.Collection of Physical Evidence
9.Final Survey & Release of crime Scene
The Role of SOCO in Narcotic Investigation
The recovery of physical evidence during investigation of crime scene is the most important task of
current law enforcement. The capability of the Crime Laboratory to provide scientific interpretation and
information depends on the recognition, recovery and documentation of the evidence in the crime
scene. Field investigators work as part of the forensic team as that of laboratory technician. Past
experience shows that a team, coordinated and properly equipped, can be of great advantage in
effectively and efficiently recovering evidences. The idea of enhancing SOCO in narcotic investigation is
to assist drug investigators.
DRUG TESTING
Field Test - The test provides an emergency means of making on-the-spot tentative identification of
samples seized or purchased, but results should not be final as they must be separated by laboratory
methods.
Care of Apparatus and Reagents - Reagents should be protected from excessive heat and light, stored in
glass bottles, tested from time to time with drugs of known identify, and thoroughly cleaned before
reusing. Marquis test is used for morphine, codeine, heroin and other opium derivatives, producing
brilliant colors ranging from blue to reddish purple. No confusion should arise once the operator is
familiar with the specific colors given by the opium alkaloids. It is important to observe with known
samples before any unknown is tested.
Making the Test - In making drug tests, the following are considered:
1. Allow the reagent to drain to one end of the ampul
2. Break the ampul between the fingers along the scored line.
3. Introduce a small bit of sample into the open end of one-half of the sample by scraping a cube or
pinch of powder held between the fingers with a sharp edge. Tap the closed end so as to shake the
sample further into the tube and thus bring it into contact with the reagent.
4. After the test, the ampul should be rinsed with water before discarding.
***DO NOT THROW AMPUL IN WASH BAIN OR SINK.
NOTE: The value of this test lies in the fact that a positive reaction indicates the presence of an opium
derivative. A negative result does not rule out the possiblity of the sample being a prohibited drug since
cocaine, methadone, demerol, dromoran, etc. do not give positive results with this reagent. A suspected
sample that gives a negative result should be submitted to the laboratory for examination.
General Drug Tests
Drugs Test Used Color Reaction
Opium Marquis test Purple/Violet
Heroin Nitric Acid Yellow-Green
Morphine Nitric Acid Red Orange
Cocaine Cobalt Thiocyanate Blue
Barbiturates Dille-kopanyi test or the zwikker test violet
Amphetamines Marquis test Blue color
LSD Para amino Benzoic acid (Bapa) Red/Orange -Brown
Marijuana Duquenois-Levine test or KENI test Red bottom layer
Shabu Symone's test purple
FIELD DRUG TESTING
Field Tests for Methadone
This narcotic drug, known also as Amidone, Dolophine and di-6 dimethylamide-4, 4- diphenyl-3-
heptanone hydrochloride, can be detected in the presence of some other drugs by employing the
reagent and technique as set forth below. After solution is effected, filtration of the sample is desirable
but not essential to the success of the method,since insoluble substance such as starch, talc, etc. are not
blue in color.
Reagent: Dissolve 1 gm of cobalt acetate, nitrate or chloride and 1/5 gm of potassium thiocyanate in 90
ml of water and 10ml of glacial acetic acid.
Test: Dissolve the sample in a minimum amount of water, Filter. Add 2 or 3 drops of the reagent to the
filtrate. Shake for about 1 minute. A blue precipitate indicates the presence of methadone.
Field Test for Cocaine, Demerol and Methadone
This field test for cocaine, demerol and methadone was developed by the U.S. Customs Laboratory, in
Baltimore, Maryland in 1961 and has been successful use since then.
The customs field test is a modification of the cobalt thiocyanate color test that produces a blue color in
the presence of cocaine, making it the most specific cocaine color test available.The test is simple to
perform.
A blue color is indicative of cocaine, demerol or methadone give stronger blues than that demerol. For
each of the three narcotics, the strength of their blue in the ampuls is proportionate to their active
content.
Field Tests for Marijuana
NOTE: Do not rely on chemical tests alone. Always examine the material with a microscope or hand lens.
Cannabis Sativa, or marijuana, can be quickly and positively identified by subjecting the sample to the
following tests:
Microscopic - Using a magnification of approximately 30 diameters, the leaves, small twigs, seed hulls
and flowering tops exhibit characteristics warty appearance due to the presence of non-glandular hairs
which contain at their base called spheriodal cystolith of calcium carbonate. Adding a drop of diluted
hydrochloric acid to the slide and noting the effervescence may show the presence of carbonate. Many
of the cystolithic hairs appear in the shape of bear claws.
Chemical - The Duquenois-Levine Test has been found to be the only satisfactory chemical test for the
identification of marijuana. The chloroform soluble color developed in this test is due to the presence of
tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) which is the active principal of the marijuana plant.
Reagents Duquenois Reagent - Dissolve 5 drops of acetaldehyde and 0.4 gm. of vanillin in 20 ml of 95%
ethyl alcohol. (This reagent may be kept for some time in glass- stoppered bottles in a cool dark place. It
should be discarded after it assumes a deep yellow color).
-Add a pinch of suspected marijuana to a test tube containing about 2 ml (one teaspoon) Duquenois
reagent.
-Add an equal amount (2ml) hydrochloric acid. Stir with a glass rod or shake the of concentrated test
tube in a circular motion to mix its contents. CAUTION - Do not splash acid contents on body of clothing.
Allow the test tube to stand for 10 minutes, or until a color develops.
-Decant the liquid into a second test tube. Add 2ml of chloroform. Stopper and shake. If marijuana is
present, a violet or indigo-violet color will be transferred to the bottom (chloroform) layer.
Seeds - When a sample consists entirely of seeds,their identity alone is not sufficient to bring them
within the purview of the law, which requires them to be fertile. When reporting a sample containing
marijuana seeds alone, their fertility should always be stated.
Field Test for Amphetamines
This field test for identifying amphetamines is useful in screening out caffeine, vitamins, or other
substitutes proffered as amphetamines.
Test Material - The test material consists of 2 or 3 drops of Marquis reagent (2 drops of 37%
formaldehyde in 3 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid) in a small glass ampul.
Test Procedure – Break the ampul at the scored center and place 1 or 2 drops of the reagent on the
sample. Amphetamines react with the reagent to give a red- orange color, turning to reddish and then
dark brown within 1 or 2 minutes. The reagent gives this characteristics color reaction when applied to
white, pink, yellow, peach or green amphetamine tablets.
Amphetamine powder and tablets - Red-orange onset to reddish brown to dark brown within a couple
of minutes, Caffeine powder and tablets - no color reaction, Methamphetamine and tablets-Red-orange
onset to reddish amphetamines, brown to dark brown in 1 to 2 minutes, Phenyl tertiary butylamine HCI
- Same color change as Wyamine sulfate-Same color change as amphetamines,
Field Test for Barbiturates
For the tentative identification of the barbiturates, the Zwikker test is used. Zwikker Test - An anhydrous
methanol solution of the barbiturate upon several drops of cobalt chloride in methanol solution gives a
bluish color, which changes to dark blue upon being alkalized with a 5% isopropylamine in methanol.
The Atkinson Laboratory, 33031 Fierro Street, Los Angeles, California, manufactures a compact kit that
utilized the Zwikker Test.
Test Material - The Zwikker Test Kit consists of a small plastic bag containing three solutions in plastics
dropping bottles and small porcelain spot plate. Solution #1 - Anhydours methanol, Solution # 2 Cobalt
chloride dissolved in methanol, Solution # 3 - 5% isopropylamine in methanol. CAUTION: The above
solutions are volatile and inflammable. They should be kept sealed.
NARCOTIC DEATH INVESTIGATION
A common occurrence in the drug culture is the death of a user. Investigation of a narcotic death is
divided into three (3) phases: the SCENE investigation, the MEDICAL investigation, and the
TOXICOLOGICAL investigation. An officer involved in such a case should determine the manner of death,
that is, whether homicide, suicide or accidental. All of the factors and elements of the scene must be
accurately and completely recorded. This will assist the medical examiner in determining the cause of
death.
Physiological Effect of Narcotic Ingestion
The ingestion of narcotics or dangerous drugs poisons the body. This is poisoning effect will leads to a
paralysis of the respiratory center or cause heart failure. This, the, will deny the body a sufficient
amount of oxygen. Evident or visible signs, which remain after death, often accompany the effects of a
particular drug on the human body for the trained observe. These signs are result of symptoms
experienced by the victim prior to death. Following is a partial listing of the more dangerous drugs, the
minimum lethal dose, symptoms and cause of death:
Poison Symptoms/Cause of Death
Codeine Nausea, dizziness, Constipation, Respiratory failure
Heroin &Morphine Sweating, loss of appetite, nausea (Vomiting),
Constipation, itching, thirst, cyanosis, respiratory failure
Barbiturates lower body temperature, cyanosis, cold extremities skin rash,
constipation, respiratory arrest of pneumonia
Cocaine nausea, vomiting, chills, sweating, thirst, convulsions, circulatory and
respiratory failure
Amphetamine sweating,diarrhea,Chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting cramps, thirst,
convulsions, petechial hemorrhages
The Scene of Death
During investigation of the scene, you should recognize and relate seemingly insignificant items or
material, which would justify a conclusion of narcotic involvement. The following are just some of such
items:
1. Paraphernalia (or "works") 1 Tools or implements used in administering narcotics. These may include
the obvious syringe and needle, tourniquet, spoon or bottle top "cookies" and tinfoil packet. Also
included are small balls of cotton, capsules and envelopes, and a book of matches.
2. Narcotic Medication - Laudanum, paregoric, codeine cough syrup, all utilized as "carryovers" until the
next fix.
3. Maalox-Milk of Magnesia - Medication used to relieve nausea, vomiting, constipation, cramps or
diarrhea.
4. Absence of Nutritional Food - Loss of appetite is a symptom of poisoning. Presence of candy or soft
drinks indicates low insulin count.
5. Body Fluids - Presence of urine, feces, mucus of vomitus on the scene may be evidence of the body
attempting to rid itself of poisoned substance.
6. Clothing or Bed Linens - which may be sweat-stained or soaking wet from the victim having hot and
cold flashes, should be collected and analyzed.
7. Lack of Ordinary Cleanliness not concerned in most cases with the environment of - Dependent user
is health, and this is shown by a neglect of both.
8. Wet Body - Evidence of body being immersed in tub or shower, or having ice cubes placed in
underclothes or in private parts. It is a common mistake uses make in thinking this helps in overdose
cases. Salt water may also be injected into the victim. Hospitals use Narcan as antidote.
9. Nylon Stoking - Stretched over a hanger used as sieve.
10. Playing Card - with the powder, may have been used to "smack" (cut) heroin. The card is usually on
top of a record album or similar.
11. Merchandise - Small items which are easily carried and disposed of after, being stolen-radios,
watches, portable TVs, radios, etc.
The Body Signs
1. Cyanosis - bluish discoloration of the face and /or fingernails due to insufficient oxygenation of the
blood caused by increase in carbon dioxide in the body.
2. Petechial Hemorrhages-Pinpoint spots of discoloration resulting from capability ruptures due to
pressure and generally observed in the eyes, eyelids,um behind the ears and internally.
3. Form or Froth - Observed in mouth and nose, may be white or pinkish and caused by fluids entering
the air passages.
4. Hematoma - A localized swelling on any par to the body caused by bleeding beneath the surface of
the skin. This is caused by "skin popping" rather that vein injections.
5. Needle marks/tracks - Visual evidence of repeated intravenous injections. The tracks will follow a vein
(exception "skin popping") and result in a dark discoloration and eventual collapse of the vein.
6. Scar - Skin imperfection caused by the victim in removing needle mark scabs, added to uncleanness of
the victim.
7. Rash/scratched Skin - External body signs of morphine or heroin poisoning.
8. Asphyxia- When it is the cause the death, it is often accompanied by external body changes. These
changes, visible to the naked eye, are not restricted to narcotic-related deaths and may be found in
other asphyxia deaths, such as hearth attack, drowning, hanging, etc. They must be noted,
photographed and reported to the pathologist during the pre-autopsy interview.
Victim's History
Historical date on the victim would include his criminal record (local, national and international and
international); medical record (of a private doctor, hospitals, clinics, etc. and any mental treatment or
attempts at suicide); social (relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers); marital (past or present); and
financial records.
When interviewing users or person possibly involved in narcotics traffic, you should use straight
language rather than attempt street talk because slang constantly changes. You must determine the
extent of decedent's addiction, his familiarity with other drugs, whether he had a steady source of the
drugs or continuously shopped around, and other matters relative to his personal history.
Medical Phase
This is the most important stage of the narcotics death investigation. Since the pathologist will rarely be
able to examine the body at the death scene, you should note every detail, which may be of medico-
legal importance and make a complete report on this.
You should attend the autopsy yourself. Make sure that the following specimens are submitted for
narcotics, alcohol or other foreign matter. Heroin is quickly changed to morphine after entering the
body, and clears the blood in approximately ½ hour remains in the urine about 24 hours and in the bile
for ¾ 4 days.
