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U.S. Department of Justice

Drug Enforcement Administration

PCP
Drug Intelligence Report

Intelligence Division

o
~

0)
o
LO

September 1994
DBA-94081
Cover Photo: PCP ;n liquid and powder form.

The Attorney General has determined that publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of
the public business required by law of the Department of Justice.
 ;509(0

NCJRS

ACQUISITiONS

Drug Enforcement Administration

PCP
Drug Intelligence Report

This report was prepared by the Domestic Unit of the Strategic

Intelligence Section. Comments and requests for copies are
welcome and may be directed to the Publications Unit,
Intelligence Division, DEA Headquarters at (202) 307-8726.
150910
U.S. Department of Justice
National Institute of Justice

This document has been reproduced oxactly as received from the

person or organization originating it. Points of view or opinions stated In
this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent
the official position or policies of the National Institute of Justice.
Permission to reproduce this IJP7 II material has been
granted by
Public Ibmain/DEA
U. S Department of Justice September 1994
to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS).
Further reproduction outside of the NCJRS system requires permission
of the ~ owner,
11
 ADMINISTRATOR'S MESSAGE

Recent investigative intelligence and indicator data point to an increase in the trafficking and
abuse of phencyclidine (PCP) in many areas of the United States, particularly California and
several northeastern States.

In response, the Drug Erhrcement Administration (DEA) has made the development of
major PCP investigation~ a priority. The DEA Los Angeles Field Division is serving as the
focal point in this effort due to the primacy of Los Angeles-based organizations in the
resurgence of PCP manufacturing and trafficking. In addition, DEA is tracking the
distribution of four vital chemicals used in the manufacture of PCP-three of which currently
are not "Listed Chemicals" pursuant to the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988.

DEA strongly believes that a coordinated and concentrated effort directed at the major PCP
traffickers will significantly disrupt existing PCP distribution networks.

Thomas A. Constantine
Administrator

iii
IV
 CONTENTS

111 Adminstrator's Message

vii Executive Summary

1 PCP: The Drug

5 Analysis of PCP Trafficking

5 Evolution of Illicit PCP Manufacturing/Trafficking
6 National Overview
6 Trafficking
8 Distribution
10 Price
10 Developing Trends

11 PCP Use and Effects

11 PCP Use
16 PCP Effects

17 DEA Field Division Assessments

17 Atlanta
17 Boston
17 Chicago
18 Dallas
18 Denver
18 Detroit
18 Houston
19 Los Angeles
19 Miami
19 Newark
20 New Orleans
20 New York
20 Philadelphia
20 Phoenix
21 S.an Diego
21 San Francisco
21 Seattle
21 St. Louis
21 Washington, DC

22 Appendix 1: PCP-Related Street Terminology

24 Appendix 2: Definitions

25 Distribution

v
vi
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Phencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP, enjoyed a brief popularity in the United States in the late
1960's and again from the middle to late 1970's. In 1978, PCP was transferred from Schedule III to
Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act, thus classifying it as a drug with a high potential for
abuse. From 1981 through 1985, abuse of the drug escalated significantly, particularly among persons
under the age of 21. Circa 1986, and continuing through the late 1980's and early 1990's, demand for
PCP was displaced in large measure by the widespread availability and use of crack cocaine. However,
there are recent indications that PCP abuse is increasing once again in a number of cities.

Reporting from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) shows that the estimated number of
metropolitan-area PCP-related emergency room episodes, which had declined at a substantial rate over
the past 3 years, rose from 1,529 during the second half of 1991 to 3,286 during the first half of 1993, an
increase of more than 115 percent. Cities having increased PCP abuse rates during the first half of 1993
included Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse showed that lifetime and past year PCP use among the
U.S. household population decreased from 1985 to 1990; however, 1991 survey data indicate an end to
this downward use pattern. On the other hand, according to the 1993 National High School Senior
Survey on Drug Abuse, PCP use among 12th graders has declined significantly during the past 7 years.
This diminished use may stem from a heightened awareness among 12th graders of the perceived risks
associated with PCP use.

PCP is available in varying degrees in a limited number of U.S. cities. PCP in liquid form, the most
common form available in the United States, costs $200 to $1,500 per ounce. The lowest liquid ounce
prices are reported in Los Angeles, the source for most of the PCP trafficked in the United States.

Reporting indicates that the majority of the nation's PCP supply is manufactured and distributed by Los
Angeles-based street gangs, affiliates, and similar trafficking groups. Buses, trains, airlines, and private
automobiles are used to transport PCP from California sources of supply to secondary source cities
across the country.

PCP trafficking involves producers/traffickers who manufacture PCP and conduct multigallon
transactions, distributors who separate gallons into ounces and further into retail level packages of PCP-
laced plant matter, and retail sellers who sell these packages or perform the packaging process
themselves.

In 1993, DEA seized six PCP laboratories nationwide. To date during 1994, two PCP laboratories have
been seized. While the number of seized laboratories has increased over the past 3 years, the total
number is significantly below the number of laboratories seized during the late 1970's and early 1980's.
However, these recent figures are not necessarily indicative of limited or minimal PCP manufacture:
more than 70 PCP-related chemical waste sites were identified in the Southern California area alone
during 1993.

vii
 Vehicle used to transport chemicals used in the manufacture of PCP.

Gloves used in the manufacturing process with PCP residue on them.

VlIl
 PCP: THE DRUG

Phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP, is a versatile, clandestinely manufactured hallucinogen that

appears to be regaining popularity among drug users as the crack cocaine epidemic levels off. The
chemicals needed to manufacture PCP are readily available and inexpensive. PCP manufacture requires
neither extensive formal knowledge of chemistry nor a large inventory of laboratory equipment.
Manufacturing and wholesale trafficking are controlled by a limited number of groups based in Los
Angeles that recognize the potentially large profits to be realized from a minimal investment. PCP is
sold primarily in urban neighborhoods in a limited number of U.S. citi~s.

PCP was first synthesized in 1926. 1 It was not availability and abuse levels in the early to mid-
unti11957, however, that it was developed as a 1980's included Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Los
human anesthetic. Later, it found use in Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, San
veterinary medicine as a powerful tranquilizer. Diego, San Francisco, St. Louis, and
Human use was discontinued in 1965 because of Washington, DC. Circa 1986, and continuing
adverse side effects, such as confusion and through the early 1990's, demand for PCP was
delirium. PCP continued to be used for several displaced in large measure by the widespread
more years as a large primate anesthetic, but this availability and use of crack cocaine. However,
use has been discontinued as well. recent indicators point to increasing PCP
trafficking and abuse in a number of cities.
In 1978, commercial manufacture of PCP ceased
(though small amounts still are manufactured The manufacture of PCP is a simple process; it
legally as a drug standard and for research requires little formal chemica.l training and
purposes) and the drug was transferred from laboratory apparatus. As true in any chemical
Schedule III to Schedule II of the Controlled synthesis, the precursor chemicals themselves
Substances Act of 1970 (CSA). As a Schedule II produce PCP when combined correctly.
drug, PCP is considered to have a currently
accepted medical use in treatment in the United PCP is produced in both liquid and powder
States, a high potential for abuse, and its use may forms. Liquid PCP is actually phencyclidine
lead to severe psychological or physical base dissolved in a highly flammable solvent,
dependence. Since 1978, clandestine laboratories usually ether; phencyclidine base does not
have been virtually the sole source for PCP in the dissolve in water. To produce PCP in powder
United States. form, hydrochloride (HCI) gas is bubbled into, or
concentrated Hel acid is added to, the liquid.
PCP enjoyed a brief popularity among drug users
in the late 1960's when it was trafficked as a In its pure form, phencyclidine hydrochloride is a
"Magic Peace Pill," and the acronym PCP white crystalline powder that readily dissolves in
("PeaCe Pill") possibly was derived from this water and can be compressed into tablets.
term. Abuse of the drug resurfaced in the mid-to- However, as a result of its makeshift
late 1970's because of its low price and powerful manufacture, PCP typically contains
effects. From 1981 through 1985, PCP abuse contaminants that cause its color to range from
escalated significantly, particularly among tan to brown, and its consistency to range from a
teenagers. Cities experiencing significant PCP powder to a gummy mass.

I Harvey W. Feldman, Michael H. Agar, and George M.

Beschner, eds., Angel Dust. An Ethnographic Study oj PCP
Users, 1979, p. 8.

1
In addition to ease of manufacture, production of PCP Analogues
PCP requires only a slight monetary expenditure
for chemicals. PCP can be manufactured for less Three common analogues of PCP have been
than $500 per gallon. This gallon then can be manufactured clandestinely. All three are Schedule
sold to a local trafficker for from $7,000 to I controlled substances and have been determined
$10,000; the enormous profit margin provides to have no medical value. These analogues are N-
the incentive for engaging in PCP manufacturing ethyl-! ~phenylcyclohexylamine (PCE), 1-(1-
and trafficking (see figure 5). phenylcyclohexyl)-pyrrolidine (PCP; PHP), and
1-[ 1-(2-thienyl-cyclohexyl)]-piperidine (TCP;
The chemicals required to manufacture PCP are TPCP).
readily available, except for the precursor
chemical piperidine. Over the past several years, Laboratory Seizures
the DEA Los Angles Field Division estimates
that PCP traffickers in California acquired From 1985 to 1993, nationwide PCP laboratory
sufficient quantities of the required chemicals to seizures annually have ranged from a low of 3 to a
have manufactured up to 4,000 gallons of PCP. high of 21, totals considerably below the high of 79
Figure 1
laboratories seized in 1978. Of the 8 laboratories
seized in 1993 and 1994 to date, 4 were seized in
California.
.. Abandoned PCP Chemical .
. Waste' Sites " .
Although PCP laboratory seizures have increased
, -' in Soutf:lern California-
4 January 1993 - FebruarY 1994 over the past 3 years, their numbers remain
significantly below the number of laboratories
Los Angeles City 8
seized duril1g the late 1970's and early 1980's.
Los Angeles County 19
Riverside County 36 However, these recent figures should not be
San Bernardino County 4 considered as an indication of limited or minimal
Chemical Waste Management 5 PCP manufacture. To the contrary, in 1993, more
TOTAL 72 than 70 PCP-related chemical waste sites were
identified in the Southern California area alone.
Figure 2

79 PCP Clandestine Laboratory

Seizures in the United States

1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

2
Typical PCP bucket laboratory with broomstick.

PCP precursor chemicals awaiting processing.

3
--------------------------~-----------------------------------------------

Ethyl ether used to make PCP. Waste product from PCP manufacture.

PCP sample and manufacturing waste. Liquid PCP.

4
 ANALYSIS OF PCP TRAFFICKING

EVOLUTION OF ILLICIT PCP found soaking of plant matter in liquid PCP more
MANUFACTURING/TRAFFICKING efficient than sprinkling PCP powder on
cigarettes. By uniformly spreading the
The most significant innovation in illegal PCP psychoactive particles of the drug over the matter,
manufacturing and trafficking occurred circa 1980, soaking eliminated "hot spots" of concentrated
when liquid PCP in large measure replaced the PCP encountered when its powdered form was
powdered form. During the 1970's, most of the PCP smoked.
was sold in powdered form, commonly referred to as
"Angel Dust," and was smoked in hand-rolled The change from powdered to liquid form also
cigarettes or snorted like cocaine. However, as PCP caused a minor inconvenIence to retail sellers.
distribution changed hands in the 1980's-from Beyond merely placing PCP into foil, Baggies, or
small-scale, individual processors and distributors to paper packets, the s(> rs now were required to
large-scale, professional trafficking groups-liquid obtain large quantities of plant matter, soak it in
PCP became the most available form. liquid PCP, and wait for it to dry.

The change from powder to liquid occurred because, Occasionally, the plant matter was placed in
as demand for PCP increased in the 1980's, traffickers frozen storage immediately after it was soaked in
were forced to restock their supplies more quickly and liquid PCP to delay evaporation and prevent a
discovered the advantages of abbreviating the perceived loss of psychoactive substance.
manufacturing process. The extra chemical procedure (Frozen storage of PCP-laced matter was believed
used to manufacture PCP powder was eliminated to to trap the smell of cyclohexanone; on the street, a
save time, money, and chemicals. In addition, users common "field test" of PCP purity is to check for
the smell of cyclohexanone.) After the plant
matter is frozen, it was crushed, weighed, and
packaged.

Figure 3

PCP: FROM SOURCE TO THE STREET

• • 1 ~ • •
. .
'. Wholesale Trafficker · . Distributor . , Retail Saller
• manufactures or purchases 1 • divides gallon into ounce • sells bags/envelopes
gallon of PCP in Los Angeles. bottles. containing PCP-laced plant
matter for $10 to $50.
• transports gallon from Los OR
Angeles by air, train, bus, or OR
automobile to a secondary • purchases 1 or 2 ounces
source city. weekly and transports PCP • purchases ounce bottles
from secondary source city from local distributor and
• dilutes 1 gallon with to local market. performs packaging
chemicals to produce 2 or process.
more gallons. • dips plant matter into liquid
PCP, allows to dry, and
places into bags/envelopes
for retail sale. •

5
NATIONAL OVERVIEW TRAFFICKING

Wholesale PCP trafficking is controlled by groups PCP is the only illicit drug routinely trafficked in
that manufacture bulk quantities of liquid PCP and liquid form; as such, it presents unique challenges
allocate multigallon quantities to distributors. The to traffickers, particularly in regard to limiting
distributors separate the gallons into ounce bottles odors, spillage, and breakage. (Liquid PCP is the
for sale to retail sellers. The distributors also most commonly encountered form of the drug
package the PCP by dipping plant matter into the primarily because the manufacture of PCP
liquid, letting it dry, and placing it into bags or powder requires an additional expensive and
envelopes ready for retail sale. The retail sellers time-consuming chemical process-a process
either sell these bags on the street or perform the deemed unnecessary by the PCP trafficker.) In
packaging process themselves from ounce bottles addition, the trafficking of liquid PCP always is
purchased from distributors. hazardous due to the highly flammable solvents
used in its manufacture. This hazard is most
PCP is manufactured domestically from a readily pronounced when airplanes, trains, and buses are
available supply of chemicals. Reporting from used to transport PCP. For example, 011 May 5,
law enforcement agencies indicates that the vast 1993, the Kansas City International Airport
majority of the PCP available in the United States terminal was closed for 4 hours while the Kansas
is manufactured in clandestine laboratories in the City Fire Department's hazardous materials team
Southern California area. Consequently, PCP contained and decontaminated a spill after a
traffickers are not faced with some of the bottle of liquid PCP had broken open inside a
problems affecting traffickers of other illegal soft-sided suitcase.
drugs. For instance, importers of cocaine and
heroin into the United States must transport their Investigative reporting has identified several
contraband over long distances from source trafficking operations in the Los Angeles area
countries and across international boundaries, capable of manufacturing 100-gallon quantities of
ultimately circumventing U.S. Customs Service PCP in a single operation. Airlines, buses, trains,
inspections. and private automobiles are used to transport PCP
from Los Angeles-area sources of supply to
PCP manufacturing and wholesale trafficking are secondary source cities located across the
controlled by a limited number of Los Angeles- country. The amounts transported generally
based street gangs, their affiliates, and similar range from 1 to 2 quarts, although several
trafficking groups. In contrast, PCP distribution is shipments seized in 1993 consisted of up to 5
carried out by a large number of smaller, gallons of PCP each.
independent groups of free-lance distributors and
individual retail sellers that operate in secondary PCP shipments are relatively small in volume
source cities, such as Chicago, New York City, because the liquid converts into a large number of
and Washington, DC, and in many smaller cities individual retail sales. For example, 1 gallon of
and suburban areas. According to law liquid PCP can be divided into 128 ounces and
enforcement officials and drug epidemiologists, each ounce can produce an estimated 50 retail
PCP is available in varying degrees in a limited bags of PCP-laced plant matter, totalling 6,400
number of U.S. cities, primarily Baltimore, bags per gallon. (Each bag contains enough plant
Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, matter to make 2 medium-sized cigarettes.)
Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Furthermore, the initial gallon can be expanded
by the distributor merely by diluting the liquid
with a commercially available solvent such as
Coleman's fuel. Transporting small volume
amounts of PCP also affords the trafficker a
measure of direct oversight and control over the
shipment that is not possible with bulk shipments.

6
Wholesale traffickers seldom accompany a Liquid PCP commonly has a yellowish hue. In
shipment of PCP from Los Angeles to secondary order to disguise it during transport, PCP often is
source cities; lower level associates, often placed in clear glass bottles or jars of Listerine,
recruited from gang territories in Los Angeles' apple juice, white wine, baby shampoo, or other
poor neighborhoods, typically transport the commercial products of a similar color. Also,
product while the trafficker travels by an colored glass bottles, including medicine
alternate route. Female couriers are used containers, vanilla extract bottles, and liquor
frequently in the belief that they are less likely to bottles, are used to disguise PCP during transport.
be scrutinized by law enforcement officials. For larger, bulk quantities, steel drums or
gasoline cans are used to transport PCP and its
Traffickers alter transportation conveyances, precursors. Plastic or aluminum containers
rouks, and methods of concealment according to seldom are used to store liquid PCP because of
perceived law enforcement pressure or to reduce the adverse chemical reactions that occur between
costs or time in transit. If a trafficker has lost his the solvents and the containers.
shipment of PCP to seizure or breakage at an
airport, he can ship PCP consignments by Due to interdiction efforts at major airports across
automobile or bus. A recent investigation in the the nation, drug traffickers also use express mail
Los Angeles area revealed that members of the services to transport PCP and its precursor
Bloods street gang directed their couriers through chemicals across the United States. Overnight
the Long Beach, California, Greyhound bus delivery services, such as Airborne, Express Mail,
station to preclude detection at larger bus stations Federal Express, and the United Pare,,:l Service
located in the Los Angeles area. are preferred by traffickers.

Many PCP couriers carry two suitcases when Use ofa friend's or relative's residence for
travelling on commercial carriers: one suitcase, delivery of drug parcels is common.
carried on board into the passenger cabin, Inconspicuous "drop houses" also are used;
contains clothing and personal items; the other usually, they are occupied by a trafficker's
contains the PCP shipment and is checked into subordinate. Use of drop houses helps to insulate
the luggage compartment. Upon detention by the trafficker from arrest, as well as preventing
interdiction authorities, the courier can deny the seizure of drugs and other incriminating
ownership of the second suitcase and display the evidence from the traffickers residence.
carry-on suitcase to bolster the plausibility of Reporting reveals that some traffickers ship drugs
that denial. by delivery services to a drop house, then fly by
commercial airlines to the destination city to
Transportation of PCP by public conveyance acquire the parcel.
exposes the trafficker to increased risks of
detection because of the strong odors and The primary drawback of shipping liquid PCP by
increased chances of spillage or breakage. the mail system is the high risk of breakage,
Therefore, coffee grounds, sheets of fabric because it is transported often in glass bottles.
softener, or other substances often are used to The fact that such breakage presents a hazard to
mask the potent odor of PCP liquid. For delivery service employees and to the public is of
example, in a recent investigation, a suspected little concern to the trafficker because this type of
PCP trafficker travelling from Dallas, Texas, to incident is viewed merely as a loss of product.
Los Angeles was detained and, upon alert from a
narcotics K-9 unit, was found to have $12,000 in
cash and two suitcases containing coffee
grounds.

7
Because PCP most commonly is encountered in streets of San Francisco in 1967, PCP has been
its volatile liquid form, postal, delivery, and law misrepresented as amphetamine, cocaine, delta-9
enforcement employees should exercise caution tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the psychoactive
when handling parcels suspected of containing ingredient in marijuana), ketamine, d-Iysergic
PCP. In addition, when liquid PCP is suspected, acid diethylamide (LSD), and peyote.
canine drug searches of the parcel should not be
executed because the strong odors emitted by the The primary reason for engaging in such
solvents cause serious damage to dogs' olfactory deception is that PCP's negative reputation-
organs. stemming from the severe physical and
psychological reactions to PCP intoxication-
DISTRIBUTION sometimes requires sellers to disguise the
substance to continue selling it, particularly to
PCP is the most versatile substance available to naive users. Nonetheless, despite its negative
illicit drug distributors and sellers for two main reputation on the streets, PCP is the drug of
reasons. First, because it appears in liquid, choice among certain groups of drug users. Its
powder, or tablet form, it can be administered use is considered a challenge whereby the user
intravenously, intranasally, orally, and through tries to maintain control under the influence of a
inhalation, offering the seller several ways to very powerful tranquilizer.
package and market the drug. Second, because
the effects of PCP intoxication vary widely, PCP Current retail-level PCP distribution closely
can be disguised as many other drugs, either in follows the sales techniques pioneered by crack
one of its various forms and colors or by sellers in the mid-to-Iate 1980's. Crack
adulterating another substance, such as marijuana distribution is characterized by a large number of
or mushrooms. Since its appearance on the sellers who rapidly and recurrently engage in

"-.\.•. ......
;,""I'''I'''''!I'I'I''I'''''':>I'''''''I'''''\i''''''''I'''''~1"'1 "1''''''..'''''''\' 1',,\"'1' 171" \ ' ..\ I \ ',.. ' I... . ...
. '_.'GUaUP
a. EJ IiJD ~
,"UU .QD
~ '

MCrazy Eddie n PCP packets.

8
single transactions. Although PCP
sales do not occur with the same
frequency as crack sales, and
comparatively few street sellers offer
PCP in addition to crack, the
availability of PCP in urban areas has
increased. This is a result of the
development of a bustling
marketplace where frequent
individual drug sales are the norm.
In many urban neighborhoods, drug
users now have access to a large
number of drug sellers involved in
retail sales of cocaine, crack, heroin,
marijuana, and PCP.

Distributors and sellers package PCP

or PCP-laced plant matter, typically
marijuana, mint, oregano, or parsley,
in small paper or plastic bags and
PCP on tobacco and parsley.
envelopes. Retail-level sellers
provide individual tobacco or
marijuana cigarettes dipped in liquid PCP. In the 1970's, distributors changed the color and
Commercially produced cigars or brown paper consistency of the PCP powder to match the
cigarettes, such as Shermans or Tijuana Smalls, characteristics perceived by the local user
are preferred for dipping into liquid PCP because population as indicative of a high-quality
little discoloration of the brown paper occurs; on product. Present day distributors rely on
white paper, the discoloration is discerned easily packaging with colorful names, characters, and
by law enforcement officials. PCP also can be designs to identify their product and enhance
injected into cigarettes with a syringe. customer loyalty. In New York City, some
packages are stamped with a number that
As is the case with cocaine and heroin, "brand indicates the block on which the PCP was
name" loyalty plays a large role in PCP sales at purchased. For example, an envelope stamped
the street level. PCP has been sold under "116" signifies that it was purchased at Madison
numerous street names (see appendix 1) Avenue and 116th Street in Manhattan.
including Angel Dust, Crystal, Embalming Fluid,
Hog, Killer Joints, Ozone, Rocket Fuel,
Supergrass, and Wack, all of which reflect the
wide range of its bizarre and volatile effects.

9
 Figure 5

PRICE
Selling Prices for PCP at
PCP in liquid form sells for $200 to $1,500 per Successive
ounce nationally. The lowest liquid ounce prices, Trafficking Stages
from $200 to $300, are reported in Los Angeles,
which is the source for most of the PCP trafficked
in the United States. Nationwide, the price for United States
Chemicals reqllired to manufacture
PCP in powdered form ranges from $500 to $1,200 1 gallon of PCP
per ounce. The price for a gallon of PCP ranges $500
from $5,000 to $10,000 in Los Angeles, and is
~
approximately $13,000 in New York City.
Individual cigarettes saturated with PCP cost from Los Angeles
Gallon sold to local Trafficker
$5 to $70 nationwide. $7,000 • $10,000
~
DEVELOPING TRENDS
United StRtes
Gallon divided into ounces
Recent investigations reveal that several Los (128 x $200 - $1,500 per ounce)
Angeles-based PCP traffickers are relocating their $25,600 • $192,000
manufacturing operations to lessen their risk of ~
detection by law enforcement officials. Reporting
Boston
indicates that remote, rural areas in Mississippi, Ounce processed into "dime" bags
Texas, and desert regions in California have been (50 x $50 per bag)
surveyed as possible clandestine PCP laboratory $2,500
sites. Desert environments, featuring arid ~
conditions, are preferred for manufacturing PCP. Boston
Estimated proceeds off sales from 1 gallon
A few PCP traffickers are circumventing Federal (128 oz. x $2,500)
regulations established under the Chemical $320,000
Diversion and Trafficking Act of 1988 (CDTA) by
manufacturing essential PCP precursors
themselves, rather than purchasing the precursors This emerging trend toward independent
from companies that are required to report such manufacturing of precursors has prompted DEA
transactions. to consider an amendment to the CDTA regarding
the registration of chemical firms and the addition
Figure 4 of other chemicals on the regulated
chemicals list.
PCP Prices
National Ranges PCP often is trafficked by polydrug
Powdered organizations, such as Los Angeles-
$2000 $2000 $2000
Ounce based street gangs that usually are
$1700 involved in distributing crack
cocaine. Since the mid-to-Iate
1980' s, crack traffickers have
established networks of distribution
in large metropolitan centers,
smaller cities, and rural areas. These
networks of distribution easily can
be used to traffic and to distribute
PCP. This creates the potential for
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 increased PCP availability at all
drug sales locations.

10
 ------- - -I

PCP USE AND EFFECTS

PCP USE steadily from 1,529 during the second half of
1991 to 3,286 during the first half of 1993-an
The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse increase of 115 percent (see figure 8). Cities
(see appendix 2) showed that lifetime and past having high or increased PCP abuse rates include
year PCP use among the U.S. household Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York,
population decreased from 1985 to 1990 (see Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington,
figure 6); however, 1991 and 1992 survey data DC (see figure 9).
indicate an end to this downward use pattern.
From 1990 to 1992, the number of Americans Reporting from DAWN indicates that the
aged 12 years and older who used PCP at least smoking of PCP continues to be the predominant
once increased from 6.0 million to 8.1 million, route of administration used by patients admitted
while the number who had used PCP in the past to DAWN emergency rooms for PCP and PCP
year increased from 307,000 to 467,000. combination-related problems (see figure 10).
Nevertheless, the number of past year users in However, the percentage of patients who
1992 remained significantly below the number indicated that smoking was their primary method
reported in 1985 when 1.2 million Americans of administration decreased from 86 percent in
reported using PCP at least once yearly. 1990 to 75.4 percent in 1992. The percentage of
patients who administered PCP orally increased
According to the 1993 National High School from 7.5 percent to 17.8 percent in the same time
Senior Survey on Drug Abuse, PCP use among period.
12th graders has declined significantly over the
past 8 years (see figure 7). From 1985 through DA WN reporting further shows that, nationally,
1992, the percentage of seniors who used PCP at approximately 73 percent of the admissions to
least once in their lifetime decreased from 4.9 hospital emergency rooms for PCP and PCP
percent to 2.4 percent. Comparable declines also combination-related problems in 1992 were male,
were reported during that same period in the and over 76 percent were between 20 and 39
percentage of seniors who used PCP during the years of age.
past year, past month, and on a daily basis. This
diminished use is believed to be due in large part Rates of PCP use detected through urinalysis of
to a significant increase among 12th graders in recently booked male and female arrestees, as
the perceived risk of harm associated with PCP reported by the Drug Use Forecasting Program
usage. However, data from the current survey (DUF), remained relatively low and stable in
indicate increases in lifetime and past month use 1992 when compared to rates for cocaine and
of PCP for the class of 1993. marijuana. Cities having the highest percentage
of positive urinalyses for PCP among booked
Reporting from the Drug Abuse Warning male arrestees were Kansas City (9%) and
Network (DAWN) shows that the estimated Philadelphia (5%) (see figure 11). Cities having
number of metropolitan-area PCP-related the highest percentages of positive results among
emergency room episodes, which had declined at booked female arrestees were San Jose (6%),Los
a substantial rate from 1989 through 1992, rose Angeles (4%), and Washington, DC (4%) (see
figure 12).

11
 PCP Use: Survey Data
Figure 6

Frequency of PCP Use Past Month

Among the U.S. Past Year
Population

Ever Used
(not to scale)

1985 1988 1990 1991 1992

Survey was not taken in 1986, 1987, and 1989.
Source: National Household Survey on Drug Abuse

Figure 7

Frequency of PCP Use Among

High School Seniors

Class of
1965 1966 1967 1966 1969 1990 1991 1992 1993
Source: National High School Senior Survey on Drug Abuse

12
PCP and PCP Combinations Emergency Room Episodes
Figure 8

Nationwide Metropolitan-Area Emergency Room

PCP Abuse Episodes*

1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 1st

Half Half Half Half Half Half Half Half Half
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

Figure 9

Metropolitan Areas Having the Highest Number

of PCP Emergency Room Episodes*

Metropolitan 1990 1991 1991 1992 1992 1993***

Area 2nd Half 1st Half 2nd Half 1st Half 2nd Half 1st Half
Baltimore
Boston
55
29 ..
26
..
130 135
44
231
31
297
••
Chicago 538 502 177 261 228 269
Los Angeles
New Orleans
485
31 ..
572 431
••
479
41
630
46
755
26
New York 316 162 252 .. 633 571
Philadelphia
San Diego ..
55 34
55
34
31
100
31
97
43
177
46
San Francisco 124 142 51 76 .. 84
Washington, DC 343 228 215 256 374 ..
Estimates are based on DAWN data and generated from probability samples.
Precise estimates not available or estimate is less than 10, which also describes data from the
following metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Buffalo, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis,
Newark, Phoenix, Seattle, and st. Louis.
Preliminary and subject to update.

13
Figure 10

PCP and PCP Combinations Use:

Hospital Emergency Rooms Admissions

$oute of Administrationl

1990 1991 1992

Other*
6.8%

Race

1990 1991 1992

Black
Other 40.6% Other
!~"T"':'":~===l 1.3% ""'r--==l .7%
Hispanic
23.3%

• Other routes of administration include inhaling. injecting. and sniffing.

14
 PCP Use by Arrestees*
Figure 11

Male Arrestees (% Positive)

Metropolitan
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
Area
Chicago 11 14 12 15 8 3
Cleveland -- 4 3 1 1 2
Dallas -- •• 1 •• *. 3
Kansas City -- 2 4 4 5 9
Los Angeles 5 5 4 5 3 3
Manhattan 3 3 3 3 2 2
New Orleans 18 6 3 4 2 3
Philadelphia -- 1 2 2 3 5

Phoenix 2 1 •• •• •• ••
St. Louis -- 8 7 5 4 1
San Diego 6 5 5 4 2 2
San Jose -- -- 14 9 7 4
Washington, DC -- -- 14 6 4 4

Figure 12

Female Arrestees (% Positive)

Metropolitan
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
Area
Cleveland -- -- .. 1 1

Dallas 0 1 •• .. ••
Ft. Lauderdale -- .. 1 .. ..
Kansas City -- 3 4 2 3

Los Angeles 6 7 3 2 4
Manhattan 1 2 3 2 2
New Orleans 4 4 2 1 1

-- ..
Philadelphia

Phoenix 1
1
2
1
.. .. 3

0
SI. Louis -- 9 3 1 1

San Diego 3 2 1 1 1
San Jose -- 15 13 7 6
Washington, DC -- 15 4 2 4
• Positive by urinalysis. (1993 Drug Use Forecasting Program (DUF) data are not available.)
•• Less than 1 percent, which also largely describes data from the following metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Birmingham, Denver,
Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale (male only), Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, Omaha, Portland, and San Antonio.

SOURCE: National Institute of Justice/DUF

15
PCP EFFECTS
Sensations Following the Use of PCP
PCP is classified as an hallucinogen under the
CSA. However, significant differences exist • feeling of depersonalization
between PCP and other hallucinogens such as • sense of distance and estrangement from
LSD. First, PCP by itself can lead to overdose surroundings
and death. Second, PCP is the only • slow body movements
hallucinogenic substance that laboratory animals • poor muscular coordination and dull impulses
will self-administer in controlled experiments. 2 • staggered body movement
Furthermore, the hallucinogenic effects of PCP • blocked, sparse, purposeless speech
• auditory and visual hallucinations
differ from those of LSD. While LSD tends to
• feelings of impending doom or death
produce visual psychedelic illusions, PCP often
• dulling of touch and pain sensations
causes distorted perceptions in the form of mind- • feelings of strength, power, and invulnerability
body disassociation and sensory deprivation. 3 In
addition to hallucinogenic effects, the effects of
PCP can mimic those of stimulants and
depressants, presenting unique problems for law convulsions, seizures, respiratory depression, and
enforcement officials and medical personnel cardiovascular instability. In addition, use of
when encountering PCP abusers. The effects of PCP induces a.mnesia. 6 Depending upon the
PCP intoxication depend on dosage, social dosage, the effects of PCP intoxication can last
setting, personality traits, route of administration, from 1 or 2 hours up to 48 hours. There is no
and other factors. Many experienced users snort single antidote or drug that will allay the effects
PCP powder because this route of administration of PCP intoxication. 7
is a more effective method of controlling the
effects than smoking or oral ingestion, both of Once ingested, PCP is stored in the body's fat
which proved to be more potent. 4 cells for up to several months and, in a process
known as enterogastric recirculation, it can
PCP affects the normal transmission of chemical reenter the bloodstream during exercise or fasting
signals between nerve cells and other organs, well after the initial effects have dissipated,
particularly the areas of the brain that control creating a "flashback" effect. 8 In addition, PCP
pain, emotional expression, aggression, vision, can be transferred through the placenta from a
hearing, and motor movement. 5 A low dosage (2 pregnant user to the fetus. Due to the
to 5 milligrams) of PCP produces mild recirculation process, PCP can be transferred to
depression, then stimulation. A moderate dosage the fetus even though the mother had ceased
(from 10 to 15 milligrams) of PCP can produce u using PCP prior to becoming pregnant. Babies
desirable sensory deprived state, high blood that are born exposed to PCP may experience
pressure, combative behavior, inability to talk, a symptoms of withdrawal or intoxication from
rigid robotic attitude, confusion, agitation, and days to months after birth. Also, the breast milk
paranoid thinking. High dosages (above 20 of PCP-using mothers has been shown to contain
milligrams) can result in catatonia, coma, PCP.9

1 Bertram G. Katzung, Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, p. 444; 6Inaba, pp. 144-5.
Oakley Ray and Charles Ksir, Drugs. Society. & Human 7Minyard, p. 16.
81naba, p. 145.
Behavior, fifth ed., 1990, p. 314.
J Darryl S. Inaba and William E. Cohen, Uppers, Downers, All 9Inaba, pp. 173, 179.
Arounders, 1989, p. 144.
• Feldman, et ai, p. 32.
5 Testimony of Dr. Frank E. Minyard, PCP-A Killer on the Rise,
Report of the Select Committee on Narcotics .Abuse and
Control, 1978, p. IS.

16
 DEA FIELD DIVISION ASSESSMENTS

ATLANTA FIELD DIVISION creating a "code of silence," has hampered

investigative efforts directed against the major
Area of Responsibility: The Atlanta Field distributors.
Division is responsible for DEA Resident Offices
(RO's) located in Georgia, North Carolina, South PCP commonly is purchased in ounce bags of
Carolina, and Tennessee. plant matter from New York sources of supply,
often Belizian nationals. Usually, 2 ounces are
Summary: Use of PCP is not reported to be purchased at a time; they cost $600 and are
prevalent in the Atlanta metropolitan area. referred to as "double ounces." The ounce bags
DAWN data have shown no PCP-related then are transported to Boston and divided into
emergency room mentions since September bags or envelopes that retail for $50 each. This
1990. When available, liquid PCP costs process allows the distributor to reap a $2,500
approximately $1,000 per ounce. profit on each "double ounce" of PCP.

BOSTON FIELD DIVISION Larger distributors purchase gallons of liquid

PCP in New York City. However, rather than
Area of Responsibility: The Boston Field selling it in ounce quantities in Boston, they
Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in prefer to process it themselves into smokeable
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New plant matter and package it into Baggies for
Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. immediate sale at the retail level.

Summary: Outside of the greater Boston area, CHICAGO FIELD DIVISION

PCP availability is limited in Massachusetts. In
Maine and Vermont, it is reported as unavailable. Area of Responsibility: The Chicago Field
In Connecticut, PCP is mixed with embalming Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in
fluid (formaldehyde and methanol), applied to Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, and
mint leaves and marijuana, and smoked in Wisconsin.
hollowed-out cigars. Cigarettes also are dipped
in the PCP and embalming fluid mixture. PCP Summary: Although PCP in powdered form
microdots and tabiets are available in small rarely is encountered in the division, liquid PCP
amounts in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. increasingly is becoming available in the Chicago
Throughout the division, prices for PCP range area. An estimated 50 percent of the PCP
from $25 to $35 per cigarette and from $200 to available in Chicago originates from sources of
$500 per ounce. supply in Los Angeles. In Chicago, PCP is
distributed almost exclusively by local street
In Massachusetts, PCP is sold in urban gangs. Widespread availability of PCP is
neighborhoods, specifically Boston, East Boston, reported in African-American communities in the
South Boston, Charlestown, Cambridge, South and West Sides where it is called "water."
Somerville, and the Hyde Park/Roslindale areas. PCP is available in the city's Northwest Side,
Distributors operating in Charlestown typically particularly among Hispanics. Investigative
travel by car or train to New York City weekly to reporting indicates that Chicago is a source city
replenish their PCP supplies. Charlestown for precursor chemicals used in the manufacture
distributors operate in an environment where they of PCP.
are well known by users who are disinclined to
testify against them. This situation, described as

17
In northwestern Indiana, PCP is distributed DENVER FIELD DIVISION
primarily by the Spanish Gangster Disciples
street gang, which is affiliated with similar gangs Area of Responsibility: The Denver Field
in Chicago and East Chicago in Indiana. Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in
Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
PCP usually is encountered in one of three
forms: mint leaves sprayed with PCP that are Summary: PCP is virtually unavailable
wrapped in tin foil and that sell from $10 to $20; throughout the Denver Division. PCP treatment
"sherm sticks," consisting of "More" brand admissions have never comprised more than 0.2
cigarettes dipped in PCP that sell for $10; and percent of total drug admissions in the past 6
"happy sticks," hand-rolled tobacco cigarettes years in Colorado. Only three PCP admissions
dipped in PCP that sell for $10 each. Prices for were reported in the State in 1992.
ounces of liquid PCP range from $200 to $400.
When available, powdered ounces of PCP cost DETROIT FIELD DIVISION
from $1,500 to $2,000. The Minneapolis RO
reports that liquid ounces of PCP can cost as Area of Responsibility: The Detroit Field
little as $150. Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in
Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.
PCP in powdered form, known as "tic" on the
street, is used primarily by Hispanic youth in the Summary: PCP-laced cigarettes cost from $10
Northwest Side of Chicago. It is beige in color, to $15 and are referred to as "sherms" in Detroit.
is packaged in foil, and costs from $13 to $20. Bottles containing 1/8 ounce of PCP cost from
$60 to $80 each with 114 ounce bottles selling for
Emergency room mentions in Chicago for PCP approximately $120 each.
and PCP combinations have increased lately.
HOUSTON FIELD DIVISION
DALLAS FIELD DIVISION
Area of Responsibility: The Houston Field
Area of Responsibility: The Dallas Field Division is responsible for DEA District Offices
Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in (DO's) and RO's located in Alpine, Austin,
Amarillo, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Midland, and Beaumont, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Eagle
Tyler, Texas, as well as the State of Oklahoma. Pass, El Paso, Galveston, Laredo, McAllen, and
San Antonio, Texas.
Summary: In Dallas, the use of crack in
conjunction with liquid PCP remains relatively Summary: The availability of PCP in the
prevalent withnn certain communities. PCP is Houston Division is limited. Liquid PCP
readily available and abused in the African- commonly is transported to Houston from Los
American community in the north section of Angeles by African-American traffickers. In
Tulsa, Oklahoma. PCP also is reported to be November 1993, 2 kilograms of PCP were seized
used in conjunction with crack cocaine in Tulsa. at the Sierra Blanca, Texas, checkpoint by the
PCP-laced cigarettes cost from $5 to $10 each. U.S. Border Patrol. The PCP originated in Los
Prices for 1 ounce of PCP range from $600 to Angeles and was destined for Houston. It was
$900. contained in a 1 gallon can wrapped in grey
plastic and masking tape.

18
LOS ANGELES FIELD DIVISION MIAMI FIELD DIVISION

Area of Responsibility: The Los Angles Field Area of Responsibility: The Miami Field
Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in Division is respomdble for DEA DO's and RO's
Riverside, Santa Ana, and Santa Barbara, located in Florida, the Commonwealth of Puerto
California, in addition to Nevada, Hawaii, and Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Country
Guam. Offices located in The Bahamas, Barbados, the
Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica.
Summary: The primary manufacturers/
traffickers of PCP are African-Americans who Summary: According to Mr. James N. Hall,
live in or have ties to the south-central area of Executive Director of the Up Front Drug
Los Angeles or Compton, California. Many of Information Center in Miami, telephone calls to a
these are members of one of the 1,100 known drug abuse hotline regarding PCP increased in
street gangs that operate in Los Angeles, 1993. In addition, PCP is believed to be the
primarily under the auspices of the two major substance sold in some homosexual dance-clubs
gangs, the Bloods and the Crips. The Crips gang in Miami under the street name "Special K" and
is larger and stronger and, therefore, is involved touted as ketamine, a PCP analogue. PCP
more heavily in the manufacture and trafficking availability is very limited throughout the rest of
of PCP. the division.

There may be as few as a dozen actual PCP NEWARK FIELD DIVISION

manufacturing organizations operating within the
greater Los Angeles area. These organizations Area of Responsibility: The Newark Field
are responsible for supplying a significant Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in
volume of PCP to the eastern and midwestern Atlantic City and Camden, New Jersey.
United States. Reporting indicates that PCP
manufacturers fill large orders for PCP, up to Summary: In New Jersey, the major PCP
multigallons, within a relatively short period of consumer market is Trenton. PCP also is readily
time. available in Mercer County. PCP is purchased in
New York City and is distributed primarily by
One major investigation was initiated as a result African-Americans. There is limited PCP
of a purchase of 70 gallons of ether from a availability in Union and Cape May Counties.
chemical supplier in Las Vegas, Nevada. The All ethnic groups are involved in PCP
purchaser was a controlling member of Los distribution. Prices within the division range
Angeles' Grape Street Crip gang. A subsequent from $190 to $600 for ounce quantities of liquid
search of the subject's home in Perris, California, PCP, while powdered ounces cost from $1,000 to
revealed approximately 70 pounds of precursor $1,200. Ounce quantities are sold commonly in
chemicals that could have been manufactured vanilla extract bottles. PCP cigarettes cost
into 153 gallons of finished PCP. approximately $10 each. There were only two
arrests for PCP possession in 1993.
In Las Vegas, a resurgence of PCP trafficking is
taking place within the African-American
community. It has become the secondary drug,
behind crack, trafficked by street gangs in the
area. Ounce quantities cost from $250 to $300.
The price per gallon of PCP has dropped to
approximately $3,000 for local customers; but,
for out-of-state buyers, the price is typically
$8,000 to $10,000 per gallon.

19
NEW ORLEANS FIELD DIVISION PHILADELPIDA FIELD DIVISION

Area of ResponsibiHty: The New Orleans Field Area of Responsibility: The Philadelphia Field
Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in
Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Summary: PCP availability is limited throughout Summary: Although PCP abuse is not
the New Orleans Division. considered widespread, PCP is readily available
in most areas of the division. It is distributed
NEW YORK FIELD DIVISION almost exclusively by African-Americans in
inner-city areas. Nevertheless, a recent
Area of Responsibility: The New York Field investigation identified a Jamaican organization
Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in distributing ounce quantities of PCP in the
Albany, Buffalo, Long Island, and Rochester, New Philadelphia area. Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles,
York. and New York City have been identified as
source cities for most of the PCP sold in
Summary: The majority of the PCP available in Pennsylvania.
western New York State is believed to originate
from small laboratory operators based in the The Pittsburgh RO reports that PCP is not
Buffalo or Rochester areas. However, most of the available in Western Pennsylvania. In Delaware,
PCP available in New York City is believed to PCP is sold primarily in the northern portion of
originate in California. The availability of PCP on the State.
Long Island is reported to be limited.
Gram quantities of PCP, typically sold in plastic
In New York City, PCP is sold in bags that cost vials, cost $30, while ounce quantities can be
from $10 to $20 in the vicinity of West 144th purchased for $700. Some distributors in the
Street and Bradhurst Avenue. The brand name of Philadelphia area freeze parsley laced with PCP,
these bags is "Blue Madman." On Park Avenue then dice it into fine flakes that can be measured
between East 115th and 116th Streets, PCP is sold easily into retail-level portions or rolled into
in foil packets called "tins" that cost $10 each. A tobacco or marijuana cigarettes. Small plastic
third PCP selling location was identified as 7th bags containing enough leaf for 3 to 8 cigarettes
Avenue between West 121st and 123rd Streets cost $10. One bundle of 10 bags costs from $40
with bags of PCP referred to as "Angel." These to $60 wholesale. Ounce quantities of the liquid,
bags also sell for $10 or $20 each. which can yield 30 to 40 bundles, cost $450 to
$500. Recently, the price has declined to $350
Jamaican distributors in the Upper East Side of per ounce due to increased supplies.
Manhattan, reportedly under the auspices of the
Spangler Posse, sell ounce quantities of PCP PHOENIX FIELD DIVISION
powder for approximately $500. Street sellers
carry small bottles of liquid PCP and will dip a Area of Responsibility: The Phoenix Field
customer's cigarette into it for $20. Division is responsible for a DEA DO in Tucson
and RO's located in Nogales, Sierra Vista, and
PCP prices throughout the division range from $7 Yuma, Arizona.
to $10 per bag or envelope containing 5 grams of
mint or parsley sprayed with PCP. Ounces of Summary: PCP availability is limited
liquid PCP cost approximately $300, while throughout the Phoenix Division.
powdered ounces range from $500 to $1,200. The
price for a gallon of liquid PCP is approximately
$13,000.

20
SAN DIEGO FIELD DIVISION Summary: PCP is available in limited quantities
within inner-city areas of several divisional cities.
Area of Responsibility: The San Diego Field It is trafficked and abused almost exclusively by
Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in African-Americans. Liquid PCP sells for $3S0
Calexico, Carlsbad, and San Ysidro, California. per ounce when available. The Kansas City RO
reports that PCP is sporadically available and
Summary: PCP availability is limited sells for $1 ,SOO per liquid ounce.
throughout the San Diego Division. However,
anecdotal reports indicate that PCP availability WASHINGTON, DC FIELD DIVISION
and use are increasing somewhat in the San
Diego area. Area of Responsibility: The Washington, DC
Field Division is responsible for DEA RO's
SAN FRANCISCO FIELD DIVISION located in Maryland, Virginia, and West
Virginia.
Area of Responsibility: The San Francisco
Field Division is responsible for DEA RO's Summary: PCP is readily available in several
located in Fresno, Monterey, Sacramento, and areas within the division, particularly the District
San Jose, California. of Columbia and its suburbs in northern Virginia,
Prince Georges County (Maryland), and
Summary: PCP is available in limited quantities Baltimore. African-American traffickers
in northern Californian cities and is used dominate the wholesale markets. The majority of
predominantly in Hispanic and African-American the PCP is transported from Los Angeles and
communities. The price for a cigarette laced with New York City. In tum, Washington, DC, has
PCP has declined from $20 to $S to $10 each. become a source city for PCP available in
Reports indicate that partially processed PCP is Baltimore and northern Virginia. PCP typically
transported from Los Angeles to the San Joaquin is purchased in the Los Angeles area and
Valley-Fresno area for final processing. transported by bus or by private or commercial
vehicles to the District of Columbia. Often
SEATTLE FIELD DIVISION female couriers are used to transport ounce
quantities of liquid PCP cross-country. Express
Area of Responsibility: The Seattle Field mail and postal services also are used to ship PCP
Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in into the division.
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and
Washington. PCP availability has increased recently in the
District of Columbia, where Phillies "Blunts"
Summary: PCP availability is limited brand cigars, gutted and filled with marijuana
throughout the Seattle Division. However, dipped in liquid PCP, are becoming popular.
anecdotal reporting indicates that PCP-laced PCP laced with gasoline, referred to as "octane,"
marijuana cigarettes (sherms) are being smoked is sold by some groups. Among some users in
more frequently in the Seattle area. the southern suburbs of Baltimore, liquid PCP is
referred to as "South Baltimore Wine" and is
ST. LOUIS FIELD DIVISION consumed in minimal doses to obtain a "mellow"
effect.
Area of Responsibility: The St. Louis Field
Division is responsible for DEA RO's located in At the retail level, PCP-laced plant material in
Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebrl;lska, and South packets of tinfoil sell for $20 each, and are
Dakota. referred to as "tins" on the street. Slightly larger
portions known as "cans" (3S-millimeter film
canisters) sell for $SO each.

21
 APPENDIX 1
PCP-RELATED STREET TERMINOLOGY
ace, AD, amoeba, angel dust, angel hair, angel beam me up Scotty, beaming
mist, angel puke, animal, animal tranquilizer, -used to describe intense high from smoking
aurora borealis, belladonna, black whack, crack dipped in liquid PCP.
blast, boat, busy bee, buzz, Cadillac,
cannabinol, cjgarrode cristal, CJ, columbo, bummer trip
cozmos, crazy coke, cristal, crystal, crystal -unsettling and threatening experience from
joints, crystal T, cycline, cyclones, D, Detroit PCP intoxication. II
pink, devil's dust, dipper, DOA, dog, double
dipper, drink, dummy dust, dust, dust joint, burning out
elephant tranquilizer, embalming fluid, -sustained and regular PCP use for a period of
energizer, erth, fake STP, flakes, fresh, fuel, time as short as 1 week.
good, goon, goon dust, gorilla tab, green, green getting burnt
tea, heaven and hell, herms, hog, horse tracks, -temporary acute ill effects of PCP
horse tranquilizer, ice, jet fuel, juice, K, K- intoxication.
blast, kaps, killer joints, killer weed, KJ, kools, being burnt
krystal, krystal joint, KW, LBJ, leaky bolla, -chronic adverse condition from frequent
leaky leak, lemon 714, lenos, little ones, live use, cumulative effects of impaired physical,
ones, lovely, magic, magic dust, mean green, mental, and social functioning (uncoordinated,
millt leaf, mintweed, mist, monkey dust, forgetful, unreliable, distracted,
monkey tranquilizer, more, new acid, new uncomprehending); a pale and gaunt
magic, niebla, oil, orange crystal, ozone, P, appearance in more serious cases. 12
parsley,paz, PCPA, peace, PeaCe Pill,
peaceweed, peanut butter, peep, Peter Pan, pig buzzed, wasted, ozoned, overdosed
killer,polvo,polvo de angel,polvo de estrellas, -terms used to describe stages of PCP
puffy, rocket fuel, scaffle, scuffle, sheets, intoxication.
sherman, sherms, skuffle, smoking, snorts, buzzed
spores, star dust, stick, :super, super grass, -mild euphoria, stimulation, activity is
super joint, super kools, super weed, surfer, enjoyed, appearance of straight and drug-free
synthetic cocaine, synthetic THC, T, TAC, T- behavior is the intent.
buzz, tea, THC, tic, tish, titch, trank, TT-l, wasted
TT-2, TT-3, wack, water, weed, whack, white -body-wide anesthetic effect especially in
powder, wobble weed, wolf, worm, yellow legs and feet, difficulty in coordinating body
fever, zombie weed, zoom. IO movements, slurred speech, walking described
-street names for PCP. as amusing (the ground turned into sponge or
marshmallows), users recognize slow body
amphetamine, cannabinol, cocaine, hashish, movements, awkward and unbalanced,
heroin, ketamine, LSD, MDA, mescaline, rpeeding up of thought processes, enjoyable
peyote, psilocybin, quaalude, STP, THC out-of-body-type experience (observing
-names of other illicit drugs used to sell PCP to oneself).
unsuspecting customers. ozoned
-user becomes incoherent and immobile,
Angel, Blue Madman, Cliffhanger, Crazy although still conscious.
Eddie, Do It Jack, Lethal Weapon, Maddog, overdosed
Mad Man, OPP, Purple Rain, Red Devil -loss of consciousness. 13
-brand names used to sell PCP.
II Feldman, et aI, p. 43
10 Ronald L. Linder, et aI, PCP: The Devil's Dust, 1981, pp. 9-10. 12 Feldman, et aI, pp. 43, 98, 174.
13 Feldman, et aI, p. 39.

22
dime, dime up peanut butter
-packaging PCP for retail sales; liquid PCP is -PCP added to peanut butter (New Orleans).
poured over parsley in mason jars, then placed in
smaller individual containers such as film pipe
canisters; five "dimes" equate to a "lid." -piperidine.

fifties, 50's rocket fuel

-street-level packages of PCP wrapped in heat- -PCP and cocaine (Chicago).
sealed plastic that sell for $50 each in New York
City; these packages are transported to Boston Sernyl
where they are broken down into smaller sales -brand name for PCP made for human use by
units and generate up to $300 for each "50" Parke, Davis and Company; withdrawn as an
purchased initially. investigational drug in 1967 and licensed to
another company as an anesthetic, for animal use,
ghostbusters named Sernylan. 14
-crack dipped ~n liquid PCP.
shake and bake
greened out -PCP poured over parsley; the parsley then is
-high on PCP. spooned onto aluminum foil and folded into
packets for retail sale.
greens
-parsley flakes laced with PCP. sherms
-marijuana cigarettes laced with PCP; derived
illy, milk, wet from the belief that it "hits you like a Sherman
-PCP mixed with embalming fluid tank."15
(formaldehyde and methanol), often aplied to
mint leaves and marijuana and smoked in space cadet
hollowed-out cigars; cigarettes also are dipped in -crack dipped in liquid PCP.
the PCP and embalming fluid mixture
(Connecticut). space basing
-smoking crack dipped in PCP.
ketamine, Ketalar 2-(o-Chlorophenyl)-2-
(methylamino)cyclohexanone speedboat
-PCP analogue. -marijuana, PCP, and crack combined and
smoked; chips of crack are rolled into marijuana
lid cigarettes and then dipped into liquid PCP; sold
-five "dimes" of PCP. on street for $10 to $20 per joint.

lovely tic
-PCP and marijuana (southern California). -PCP in powder form.

missile basing tragic magic

-crack dipped in liquid PCP. -crack dipped in PCP.

moonwalking whack
-taking slow and exaggerated steps while under -mixture of crack and PCP.
the influence of PCP.

octane 14 Ray, p. 313.

-PCP cut with gasoline (Washington, DC). 15 Ray, p. 314.

23
~~~--~ -------------------

APPENDIX 2
DEFINITIONS
The NATIONAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON DRUG ABUSE, sponsored by the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a series of
national surveys to measure the prevalence and frequency of drug use among the U.S.
household population aged 12 and over. The survey samples the civilian non-institutionalized
population living in households, college dormitories, and military installations and, therefore,
does not include some segments of the U.S. population which may contain a substantial
proportion of drug users, such as transients and those who are incarcerated. The SAMHSA
publishes survey results on an annual basis.

The NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SURVEY is a series of nationwide studies of

drug use frequency and related attitudes among high school seniors in the United States. The
survey is conducted annually by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research
and funded by research grants from the SAMHSA. In addition to high school seniors, the
study includes the recently-added national surveys of 8th- and 10th-grade students. For the
1993 survey, approximately 50,000 8th-, lOth-, and 12th-grade students across the country
were questioned.

The DRUG ABUSE WARNING NETWORK (DAWN) is a large-scale data collection

system implemented in 1972 and designed to be an indicator of the severity, scope, and nature
of the nation's substance abuse problem. The purpose of DAWN is to provide data on the
incidence of drug abuse related episodes from participating hospital emergency rooms located
in 21 U.S. metropolitan areas. DAWN is managed by the SAMHSA.

The NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE (NIJ) established the Drug Use Forecasting
Program (DUF) in 1987 to identify and monitor trends in drug use among arrestees in the
United States. Each quarter, at central booking facilities in 24 participating jurisdictions,
arrestees are asked to participate in a voluntary, anonymous interview and to provide a urine
specimen. Urine samples are analyzed to detect the use of amphetamines, barbiturates,
benzodiazepines (such as valium), cocaine, marijuana, methadone, methaqualone, opiates,
PCP, and propoxyphenes (such as Darvon). Urinalysis testing results are published by the NIJ
on a quarterly and annual basis.

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 DISTRIBUTION

The White House

National Security Council
Office of National Drug Control Policy

Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation/DIU
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Immigration and Naturalization Service
INTERPOL/US NCB
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
U.S. Marshals Service

Department of the Treasury

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Internal Revenue Service
U.S. Customs Service
U.S. Secret Service

Department of Defense
Defense Intelligence Agency
National Security Agency

Central Intelligence Agency/CNC

Department of State

U.S. Coast Guard

DEA Headquarters
DEA Field Offices
DEA Laboratories

EI Paso Intelligence Center

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
National Drug Intelligence Center

International Association of Chiefs of Police (Narcotics Committee)

National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies
National Sheriffs' Association

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