f. Cocaine is obtained by refining the leaves of the coca bush or plant.
The scientific name for this plant is Erythroxylon Coca Lamarck. Cocaine may
also be obtained from other species of Erythroxylon.
The narcotic is
crystalline, compared somewhat to sugar rather than to flour in appearance. It
causes a numbing sensation when a small amount is rubbed on a sensitive part of
the skin. The narcotic is classified as a stimulant.
(1) The sources of cocaine are as noted.
(a) The shrub is native to Peru, Columbia, and Bolivia.
Peru
provides the bulk of the coca leaves for commercial trade.
The species are
grown successfully in tropical regions.
Sizeable contributions are made by
Columbia, Northern Argentina, and Brazil.
(b) Recently, Cubans have been supplying the east coast with cocaine.
(2) The preparations of cocaine are as follows:
(a) The narcotic is generally diluted or "cut" on the illicit market
and sold in gram quantities.
(b) Cocaine is very plentiful and, therefore, easily purchased on the
illicit market.
(3) The use and symptoms of cocaine.
(a) Cocaine is classified in the stimulant or excitant group of drugs
as far as the effects on the nervous system are concerned. It is, therefore,
an extremely dangerous drug, especially when the user has a maladjusted
personality.
Extreme acts of violence can easily be committed while one is
under the influence of narcotics such as cocaine. The use of this drug creates
the desired effects for a very short period of time. Consequently, the user
resorts to "sniffing" or "snorting" with a quill.
This act was described
earlier.
(b) Great quantities of the coca leaf are imported to be used legally
in the manufacture of extracts and flavoring by such companies as the Coca-Cola
Bottling Company.
Workers constantly around the new leaves developed a new
pastime: they chew the coca leaf. In South America, it is called by the name
"coqueo." Where chewing is practiced by the workers in growing areas, it
inhibits the sensation of hunger.
This ultimately undermines the health and
stamina of the users. This is caused by their living in a constant state of
malnutrition. The common method of chewing involves the placing of a bit of
quick-lime on a coca leaf and placing both into the mouth.
As the chewing
process begins, the excess lime is blown out of the mouth.
(c) Constant use of the narcotic causes mental deterioration.
Physically, it causes nausea, digestive disorders, and sleeplessness. It also
causes a loss of appetite, emaciation, and tremors. Because of its toxicity
MP0100
6-10
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