Drug dealers and drug traffickers are always motivated by higher profits and this is why it is very common to use different cutting agents when mixing drugs to increase quantity. Some of these chemicals that are cut into these illicit drugs can alter the effects of the drug. A lab in Afghanistan that is run by the Counter-Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) had identified many pharmacological substances that are commonly used when mixing heroin. This information was released in the 2009 World Drug Report last week just days before the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The cutting agents that were found in these tests include: Caffeine, Chloroquine, Phenolphthalein, and Paracetamol.
It has become a very lucrative business, providing cutting agents to drug traffickers. It is legal to purchase these cutting agents, and the trade of these agents is that of a low risk. Some drug enforcement agencies are attempting to create more awareness about this trade and also encourage different law enforcement legislation to help prevent these different chemicals from being sold for this particular purpose.
Caffeine can cause heroin to vaporize at low temperatures, which can be noticed by the user. The chemical chloroquine is an anti malarial drug, and does not alter the effects of heroin. It is very widely available and does come at a very low price, and does closely resemble the overall appearance of heroin. Phenolphthalein is used as an acid or base ingredient when mixed with heroin. This chemical was commonly known and used as a laxative, but was removed from the market. It does carry the potential to cause or increase the risk of cancer. Paracetamol is an over the counter pain killer, which is cheap and very easy to purchase. It has a very bitter taste and has mild analgesic properties that are used to disguise poorly made heroin that is sold.
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Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction.