BURLEIGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

PresentsDrug Identification

By Nathan McLeish & Brandon Rosen

Metro Area Narcotics Task Force Phone Numbers

MANTF OFFICE 701-382-9820 MANTF On-Call 701-391-3274 Nate McLeish 701-400-9737 Brandon Rosen 701-989-1063

Objectives

Identify the top drugs that are abused in North Dakota

Identify common terms for drugs of abuse

Understand price ranges for drugs of abuse

Identify the effects that drugs of abuse have on individuals

Top Five Drugs of Abuse in North Dakota

Marijuana Methamphetamine Prescription Medications Cocaine Heroin

Why do people take drugs?

To feel good - to have novel feelings, sensations, experiences and to share them

To feel better - to lessen anxiety, worries, fear, depression, and hopelessness.

Addiction - to lessen withdrawal symptoms

Marijuana/Cannabis Most widely abused illegal drug THC levels determine potency High grade vs. low grade Nug vs. Schwag

Marijuana Continued; Marijuana is an addictive drug with

significant health consequences. Short term: memory loss, distorted

perception, trouble with thinking, problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease muscle strength, increase heart rate and anxiety.

Long term: According to HIH, studies show that someone who smokes five joints per week may be taking in as many cancer causing chemicals as a full pack of cigarettes.

Marijuana continued: The Institute of Medicine conducted a

comprehensive study in 1999 to assess the potential health benefits of marijuana and its constituent cannabinoids. The study concluded that smoking marijuana is not recommended for the treatment of any disease condition. In addition, there are more effective medications currently available.

In addition, in a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, THC was shown to be less effective than standard treatments in helping cancer patients regain lost appetites.

Marijuana continued:

Marijuana affects many skills required for safe driving: alertness, the ability to concentrate, coordination, and reaction time. These effects can last up to 24 hours after smoking marijuana. Marijuana use can make it difficult to judge distances and react to signals and signs on the road.

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Drugs prices for Marijuana High Grade Marijuana “NUG”

$350-$480 per ounce, $60 for 1/8 Low Grade Marijuana “SCHWAG”

$150-$250 per ounce

Marijuana Grows

Marijuana Grow Common items needed

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Hashish

Hashish and Hashish Oil Hashish is the concentrated resin

produced by the cannabis plant Hashish on average is eight to ten times

more potent than marijuana HASHISH OIL;

Highly concentrated cannabis with purity that may reach 60%. 30-40 times stronger than cannabis and up to four times as strong as hashish. Because of its concentration of THC, hash oil is the closet to pure THC available to users.

Marijuana Paraphernalia

Marijuana Paraphernalia continued:

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Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a methylated form of amphetamine which is able to produce more intensified amphetamine effects

Methamphetamine crosses the blood brain barrier more rapidly which increases its psychoactive effects.

Crystal Methamphetamine ICE has the appearance of a clear, chunky crystals

resembling shaved ice or broken glass whereas methamphetamine is normally found as an off white powder

ICE is smoked in a manner similar to crack cocaine The ICE high lasts from 2-24 hours depending on a

person’s biochemistry A crack cocaine high lasts 15-20 minutes Users refer to smoking ICE as a “cool smoke” and

easier to smoke than powdered methamphetamine ICE stimulates the brain more than powdered meth

Meth Prices

$200 for a gram $450-$700 for 1/8 of an ounce “eight-

ball” $2000-$4000 per ounce

How Meth is used?

Injected Snorted Smoked Orally

Meth signs of Abuse Rapid weight loss Nervous energy No need for sleep Aggressiveness Mean temperament Compulsive Excited talk Smacking of the mouth

Short Term Effects of Meth use Physical

Heart Rate rises Blood Pressure

rises Pupil size increases Energy increases Appetite decreases No need for sleep Slower reaction

time

Psychological Confidence

increases Alertness increases Mood swings Sex drive increases Energy/Talkactive Boredom Loneliness Timid/Sketchy

Long Term Effects of Meth Use Confusion Concentration Hallucinations Fatigue Memory loss Insomnia

Irritability Paranoia Panic reactions Depression Anger Psychosis

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine

Methamphetmaine

Meth Paraphernalia

Meth Paraphernalia

Meth Paraphernalia

Meth Paraphernalia

Meth Paraphernalia

Meth Paraphernalia

Clandestine Lab Awareness

Facts about Clan Labs

Many clandestine labs are discovered as a result of a fire or explosion

Clean-up costs for a clandestine lab can range from $15,000.00 to $500,000.00

All clan labs use dangerous chemicals that are flammable, explosive, or toxic

All clan labs are transported at one time or another

Types of Clan Labs

P2P (BIKER GANGS) RED PHOSPHORUS (MEXICAN) NAZI (ANHYDROUS AMMONIA) current

trend--most encountered in North Dakota

Stationary Mobile

Current Trends in Labs

Mexican Drug Cartels currently make 95% of the methamphetamine consumed in the US

Lab seizures are increasing in some states, decreasing in others

Dramatic decrease in lab numbers in ND Ingredients still readily available Recipes available on the internet

Clan Lab continued:

There are approximately 48 different methods to illegally manufacture Methamphetamine.

The “Super Labs” in Mexico utilize the Ephedrine-Reduction or Red Phosphorous Method, that produce 100-200 lbs per “Cook”.

Approximately 95% of the labs seized in North Dakota utilize the Lithium-Reduction (“Nazi”) Method

Ephedrine Reduction HI Method

The most popular method by far by Mexican Super labs accessibility of chemicals easy to manufacture

Chemicals needed Ephedrine or pseudo, red phosphorus,

hydriodic acid (iodine crystals), sodium hydroxide, organic solvents (ether, freon, acetone), and hydrogen chloride gas (sulfuric acid and salt)

Ephedrine Method Nazi Method

Fastest Growing in popularity Predominately in the Mid-West and ND

Chemicals Needed Ephedrine or pseudo, anhydrous ammonia,

sodium or lithium metal, sodium hydroxide, organic solvents (ether, camping fuel, acetone), and hydrogen chloride gas (sulfuric acid and salt)

Nazi Method Hazards Anhydrous Ammonia - Corrosive and toxic

gas, irritant to eyes, nose, and throat. Can cause frostbite and burn skin. May be fatal if inhaled

Sodium and Lithium Metal - water and air reactive. Corrosive, flammable solid.

Sodium Hydroxide - Causes severe eye and skin burns. Respiratory tract irritant, Corrosive.

P2P Method

Used to be most popular in 1980’s big with the Biker Gangs low yield ratio

Chemicals Needed Phenyl-2-propanone, methylamine, mercuric

chloride, alcohol (methanol, ethanol, or isopropyl), aluminum strips, hydrochloric acid, and acetone

Basic Chemical Requirements

Precursor Reagent Solvent Catalyst

Precursors

A chemical that is essential to the production of a controlled substance and for which no substitution can be made.

Pseudoephedrine/Ephedrine – Meth

Reagents Chemical which reacts upon precursor

causing it to chemically change Iodine-meth Sulfuric Acid (battery acid) – Meth Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid) – Meth Epson Salt (Meth) Anhydrous Ammonia - Meth

Reagents

Catalyst

Chemical which speeds up a reaction process and/or causes it to go to greater completion.

Red Phosphorous – Meth Lithium Metal – Meth Sodium Metal – Meth Hydrogen (H2) – Meth Thorium Nitrate – P-2-P

Catalyst

Solvent Medium (liquid) in which a chemical

operation takes place. Coleman fuel, acetone, starting fluid,

naptha, methanol, toluene, - Meth

Other Clan Lab Requirements

Water source Electrical source Knowledge of process Privacy

Equipment needed for Clan Labs

Reaction vessels Heating mantles Funnels (Buchner) Miscellaneous glassware Compressed gas cylinder Rubber gloves, air purifying respirators,

etc… Grinders

Clan Lab Equipment

The most important aspect of working in a Clan Lab Environment

Safety!

Signs of Meth Labs

What to look for; Large number of blister packs Coffee filters stained pink or brown Red, pink, gray, or white stained cookware/jars Odor of cat urine, ammonia, ether, or acetone Little or no traffic during the day Residents never put out the trash Covered windows Occupant unemployed but seems to have

plenty of cash

First On-Scene

Protect Personal Safety Avoid contact Minimize exposure Do not smoke in or near clandestine drug lab Never touch, taste or smell any type of

equipment or chemicals in or near a clandestine drug lab

First On-Scene Safety Rules

Do not enter an unknown environment Observe from a distance Do not unnecessarily expose yourself Always request assistance Stay upwind and up gradient Avoid areas of odor, discoloration, visibility

impairment, etc. Evacuate immediate area

Clan Lab Evidence

LAB CERTIFIED PERSONNEL SHOULD BE THE ONLY ONES HANDLING AND PROCESSING LABORATORY EVIDENCE

WAIT UNTIL THOSE PERSONNEL ARRIVE

If you suspect a Meth Lab… Call the Metro Area Narcotics Task Force Do not attempt to stop the chemical

reaction Do not turn any electrical switches; as

this could trigger an explosion

Cocaine Is white crystalline substance chemically

known as benzoylmethylecgonine, which comes from the coca plant

Powerful stimulant with both physical and psychological addictive properties

Cocaine is extracted from the coca leaf of the plant

Cocaine History In 1886 Coca-Cola contained cocaine as one of its

ingredients During this time cocaine was touted as a cure for

many illnesses Medical uses of cocaine Classified under Federal Law as a scheduled II

substance which indicates a high potential for physical and/or psychological dependence but there is an accepted med use. Today it is used as a topical anesthetic in nose and throat surgery due to its vasoconstrictive properties

Cocaine Pharmacological Effect Powerful CNS stimulant which is capable of

producing both physical and psychological dependance

Cocaine hydrochloride (powder) is the most common form of cocaine powder sold in the US

Cocaine can be inhaled, snorted, injected, and smoked once converted into “crack”

Cocaine alters neurotransmitters and prevents their re-absorption into the system (dopamine)

Cocaine Effects on the body

Increase in mood, energy and confidence Decrease in appetite, weight loss Psychosis Increases in blood pressure and heart rate Heart attack, stroke, Seizure

Crack Cocaine Cocaine base (Crack Cocaine)

Cocaine converted to its base – a purer form that is smoked

Pharmacological effects When smoked, the onset of action is within

seconds, duration of action is 10 to 15 minutes and a “crash” so severe following use that the user seeks out more crack to smoke

Cocaine

Cocaine Prices $100 per gram $1500-$2000 per ounce

Prescription Medications Commonly used prescription drugs Opioids are mostly used to treat pain ex.

Morphine, Central Nervous system (CNS)

depressants are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders ex. Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines

Stimulants are prescribed to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD)e

Abuse of Prescription Opioids

The main prescription opioids people in ND abuse are:

Oxycodone (OxyContin) Hydrocodone (Vicodin) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Codeine Meperidine (Demerol)

Violations of Law Involving Prescription Medications

1. Unlawful Possession 2. Unlawful delivery of legitimately

prescribed drugs 3. Altering/Fraudulent Prescriptions 4. Theft of Prescription Drugs

Heroin Heroin is a narcotic which acts on the

CNS as both a depressant and analgesic It’s pain relief properties are 2-3 times

more potent than morphine, and its ability to produce euphoria is ten times more effective than morphine

It often is mixed with other substances (sugar, starch or poison (strychnine)

Heroin

Signs of Heroin Use

Club Drugs

What are club drugs? Club drugs include a variety of drugs used at

bars and dance parties, especially by high school and college students

Many people wrongly believe club drugs are safe

Some club drugs are also used as date rape drugs!

Rohypnol Rohypnol is 10 times stronger than

Valium Often ordered on-line Physical effects Decreased blood pressure, slurred

speech, impaired judgement, trouble walking, muscle pain blackouts

Ketamine

Ketamine is a white powder, which can be added to drinks, snorted or smoked

Ketamine has no smell or taste, so it is hard to detect

Moderate to high doses can lead to a feeling in which a person’s senses shut down

High doses can cause heart attack, stroke, coma and death

GHB GHB is made in illegal labs At moderate doses GHB can cause coma-

like sleep If GHB is mixed with alcohol, overdose

and death can result

Club Drugs and Date Rape

GHB, Rohypnol, and Ketamine have been linked to date rape

People who take these drugs may be unable to resist sexual acts

MDMA (Ecstasy)

Ecstasy Ecstasy use began in clubs but has

spread to other social settings Physical effects Ecstasy provides an intense euphoric

high Provides energy for dancing Causes increases in heart rate, blood

pressure, nausea, loss of appetite, jaw tightness and teeth clenching (“pacifier use”)

Ecstasy kills nerve cells in the brain

Hallucinogens

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) Phencyclidine (PCP) Psilocybin and Psilocin (Mushrooms)

LSD LSD is sold as tablets or dissolved onto

blotter paper It has a slightly bitter taste

PCP (Angel Dust) PCP – is a unique drug which has varying

effects, at different dose levels. PCP can be a stimulant, a depressant, produce psychotic effects and analgesia

PCP can not be placed in one drug category; it is the only drug which can fit in all three major drug categories and considered by many to be the “worst” psychoactive drug found.

PCP

Psilocybin and Psilocin (Mushrooms)

Effects similar to LSD Psychoactive effects are dose related and

usually a pleasant experience is reported in about 15 minutes and peaks in about 90 minutes

Spark and Stardust Referred to as “herbal synthetics” Dramatic use of these drugs in ND as well

as nationwide Biggest consumers are high

school/college age students as well as “inmates” at transitional centers

Spark Chemical name JWH-018 1-Pentyl-31-Pentyl-3 (1-naphthoyl) Sold as Red X Dawn-Spark, K2, Karma Kind,

Herbal Insight, Purple Stick Kraton, Spice, Gold and many others

**Effects are very similar to THC. Affinity to the cannabinoid receptor is 5 times greater than THC

Sold for between $20-45 dollars at stores

Inhalents Inhalants

Toxic substances which are voluntarily inhaled for the purpose of altering moods

contain extremely dangerous multiple compounds such as alcohol, ketone, Freon, and hydrocarbons

symptoms often mask those of the common cold

Inhalents Dry cleaning fluid Spot remover Degreaser Whipped cream Whippets Gas Liquid/local

anesthetics Airplane glue Rubber cement

Spray paint Hair spray White-out or thinner Air freshener Asthma spray Nail polish Nail polish remover Lighter fluid VCR head cleaner

Guns and Weapons Guns and weapons are found at most

search warrants encountered by members of the drug task force

Often, drug dealers carry weapons to further their criminal activities

Guns

Signs of Narcotic Trafficking

Pay Owe Sheets “Ledgers” Pay owe sheets are ledgers kept by drug

dealers for purposes of drug transactions This evidence is very important to have when

prosecuting an individual for possession with intent to distribute

Pay Owe Sheets

Pay Owe Sheets

Money

Money is what keeps drug dealers in business

The best way to damage a drug organization is to take their money and assets using asset forfeiture

Money

Money

Hidden Compartments

Hidden Compartments

Hidden Compartments

Asset Forfeiture

Any Questions?