may take the form of an ordinary eye dropper with a hypodermic needle wedged
into the end. The needle is kept in place by forming a collar with a piece of
US currency. This is used because of the toughness of the paper.
(b) Container, or "choker" - This item is used to put the narcotic
into solution. An old tablespoon or teaspoon is used. The handle is bent so
that the spoon sits upright without being held.
Another "choker" is an
ordinary metal bottle cap with a paper clip twisted around it.
Addicts are
then able to hold the cap steady while applying heat to it. Heat is necessary
as it is used to force the heroin into solution faster.
As the heroin and
water mix, the addict will place a small piece of cotton, called "satch cotton"
into the cooker. This cotton is used when the addict draws the solution into
the hypodermic syringe. That way any impurities are held in the cotton and do
not clog the needle. This "satch cotton," as well as the "cooker" should be
preserved in any investigation.
(c) Tourniquet, or "tie rag" - The user has been taught by his
associates that he must use some sort of tourniquet while administering the
narcotic. It may take almost any form. It may be a piece of rubber hose, a
man's belt, or just a piece of cloth or rag.
(d) The "works" are usually kept close to the addict so that he has
no fear of being able to use it when necessary. He might keep the implements
in an empty cigarette pack. He could keep them wrapped in a piece of cloth or
handkerchief and hidden on his body.
Or, he might hide the "works" in a
vehicle or in any one of many places around his home.
d. Codeine is less potent than morphine or heroin in terms of inducing
euphoria. When withdrawal symptoms occur they are less severe than with the
more potent drugs. Codeine, an opium derivative, appears in tablet, capsule,
or liquid form.
Although most commonly taken orally, it may be injected.
While it is used in several ways, its primary use is in the cough medicines.
It is rarely used by drug addicts, except to avoid withdrawal until heroin is
obtained.
e. Demerol and methadone are the synthetic opiates.
(1) Demerol and methadone are very popular in the practice of medicine
as pain relievers. They are also used for treating drug addiction.
(2) They
are
depressants
and
cause
physical
and
psychological
dependence.
(3) They appear as white powder, various size white tablets, and in
sterile solution and are odorless.
(4) Usually, these opiates exert their greatest effects on the central
nervous system through the brain and the spinal cord. They decrease or numb
the patient's perception of pain; they alter the psychological reaction
associated with pain and induce lethargy or sleep.
6-9
MP0100
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