Narcotic Drugs, Essay Example

Introduction

Narcotics are a major criminal problem in the USA today. Amongst the worst of these addictions is that of heroin use and smuggling.  It is without a doubt that heroin is one of the most addictive of all the drugs being used today “Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs in the world.  Few drugs carry with them so many potential hazards for the user – psychological, physical and social in equal measure.”  (Heroin.net, 2010).  Heroin addiction does not discriminate amongst the addicts, despite age, gender or socio-economic status. In the USA there is a very diverse range of addicts who have become dependent upon the drug. In addition to the immediate health hazards like liver failure and the lethal risk of overdose.  Those that share needles also place themselves at serious risk of contracting other serious diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. Trying to overcome heroin addiction on your own is virtually impossible. The best course of action is to get help from a prescribed treatment centre.

It is interesting to note that approximately half a million heroin addicts land up in jail each year. A majority of those in jail do not receive medical treatment for their addiction. The World Health Authority issued guidelines that stated the prisons should offer appropriate medical treatment to addicts. It is clear that most prisons are not abiding by these guidelines. The addicts also eventually get released from jail without any referral to medication or health support.  This sees them back on the streets and resorting to criminal activities in order to feed the habit. Subsequently these people find themselves back in jail and so the vicious cycle continues.

Classification of Narcotic Drugs In Use

The National Institute on Chemical Dependency (NICD) in the USA has defined the top 6 narcotics in the USA in accordance with the table illustrated below.  This to be differentiated from other drugs. (NICD, 2011)

Heroin and Morphine are at the top of this list; the narcotic Heroin having a substance 1 CSA schedule rating. The ratings being:

Schedule I

Is a classification of drugs not considered legitimate for medical use.

Schedule II

Is a classification of drugs considered to have a strong potential for abuse or addiction but that also have legitimate medical use.

Schedule III

Is a classification of drugs that have reduced  potential for abuse or addiction than Schedule I or II drugs and have a useful medical purpose.

Schedule IV

Is a classification of drugs of drugs that have reduced potential for abuse or addiction than those of Schedules I, II, and III. Included are diazepam and chloral hydrate.

Schedule V,

Is a classification of drugs that have less potential for abuse or addiction than those of Schedules I through IV. (NICD, 2011).

Forensic Evidence

In order to achieve a conviction for narcotic offences, the following forensic evidence is required. One of the first issues is identification of the substance in order to classify it (see above classifications).  This will determine if it is a controlled substance. Labs can also detect presence of drugs through blood samples, urine samples and vitreous samples.  Pharmacology reports can also be of assistance in terms of examination of the behavioural conditions related to particular substances.

Criminal Process

Owing to potential tampering and unreliability of Forensic evidence the Courts often seek to examine the Chain of Custody.  This being where evidence that will be presented at trial is not unique. For example the seizure of illegal narcotics. The chain of custody must follow three basic rules:

1. A testimony to the evidence in question i.e. substance report, a blood sample
2. The testimony of continuous possession i.e. who has held the evidence and a statement that this has not been tampered with or altered from the point of origin to that of presentation of evidence at court
3. Testimonies from all persons that had possession of the evidence from point of origin to exhibition in court as evidence.

This testimony (chain of custody) must be presented in court as part of the evidence procedure to secure a conviction for the alleged crime. It is also subject to cross-examination by the defence.

Works Cited

Heroin.net. (2010). Learn About Heroin Use, Abuse, and Treatment. Retrieved 9 15, 2010, from Heroin.net: http://heroin.net/

NICD. (2011). Drug Classifications, Health Risks of Illegal Drugs and Federal Penalties for Distribution of Illegal Drugs . Retrieved 6 8, 2011, from NICD: http://www.nicd.us/drugclassifications.html