Methamphetamine – also known as ‘Meth’ – is a chemical-based drug that can be created from a variety of toxic chemicals that are considered to be deadly upon human ingestion. Meth has been held responsible for a variety of crimes, changes in behavior, injuries, and deaths resulting from its usage; Meth is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs currently in circulation.

Meth is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of psychoactive substances; when ingested or taken, Meth increases alertness, concentration, energy levels, and in high doses, can induce euphoric feelings and enhance self-esteem as well as an individual’s sex drive.

As a result of these side effects, meth has a high potential for abuse and addiction; the drug activates the psychological reward system by triggering a cascading release of dopamine in the brain. Although Meth is highly illegal for recreational use, the drug is FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD, as well as exogenous obesity. When used legally for the treatment of such ailments, Meth is dispensed in the United States under the trademark name Desoxyn. 

Because Meth-induced neurotoxicity to dopaminergic neurons, chronic abuse of the drug may lead to symptoms which persist beyond the simple withdrawal period. Habitual users of Meth often go through severe withdrawal struggles that can last well beyond a year. 

Furthermore, research has found that over 20% of meth addicts experience a psychosis resembling schizophrenia which may persist for longer than six months following the use of the drug. In addition to the psychological harm precipitated by Meth use, physical harm, including cardiovascular damage, is common when the drug is abused.

Meth is an illegal drug, which is unlawful to possess under any circumstance. That being said the production of Meth is fairly common, particularly in desolate or impoverished areas throughout the United States. Meth is synthetically produced by illegal Drug Manufacturing operations called ‘Meth Labs’.

Amongst the multitude of classifications inherent to the drug industry within modernity – ranging in legality, accessibility, and punitive recourse concerning the possession of Meth, the following criminal charges may be applicable to individuals undertaking the use of Meth:

A charge furnishing details expressing the illegal possession of Meth may be defined as the unlawful, illicit, and prohibited ownership of Meth; however, the nature within which the individual suspect in question gained access to the Meth may also be associated with the investigation. 

Criminal charges expressing the illegal possession of Meth are subject vary in nature, which commonly involves the classification of Meth discovered on the person of the individual, the location within which the apprehension took place, the analysis of any or all criminal history belonging to the individual suspect, as well the implicit, intended usage of the Meth discovered on the individual suspect. 

Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is taken from the leaves of the cocoa plant. To produce cocaine, the leaves of the plant are dried, pulverized and reduced to powder form. Although cocaine is a byproduct of the cocoa leaf, it is typically synthetically altered. 

Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system and possesses numerous side effects, including the loss of appetite and a surge in adrenaline. More specifically, cocaine is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which ultimately mediates functionality of such neurotransmitters; as a result of these effects, cocaine is a highly addictive illegal drug. 

The possession, cultivation and distribution of cocaine are considered illegal in the majority of locations. When the drug is used recreationally, meaning it is not possessed or ingested for a medical purpose, severe punishments; including jail time will be placed on an individual for use, possession or intent to distribute.  

Although the cocaine possesses a free commercialization, the drug is illegal and has been severely scrutinized, as well as penalized, in virtually all legal jurisdictions throughout the world. 

Cocaine is a potent nervous system stimulant that will carry effects for its users for a timeframe between 15-30 minutes depending on the method of ingestion. When ingested, cocaine immediately increases alertness, feelings of well-being and euphoria, as well as energy and motor activity. 

Cocaine also increases feelings of competence as well as triggers a heightened sense of sexuality. In addition to these spikes, cocaine will also augment feelings of anxiety, paranoia and restlessness. When the user takes an excessive dose, tremors, convulsion and increased body temperature are likely.

Occasional cocaine use does not regularly lead to severe or even minor physical problems, however, when the drug is used habitually the user will place added stress and an increased workload on his or her heart. With excessive or prolonged use, cocaine can cause perpetual itching, severe hallucinations and paranoid delusions. 

When the drug is taken in heavy quantities the user is susceptible to an overdose and a marked elevation of blood pressure—this situation is life-threatening. 

Chronic use of cocaine will damage brain cells and prevent them from functionally adapting to the strong imbalances of transmitter levels. As a result of this, the receptors disappear from the cells surface or rapidly reappear on it, causing the brain to work in an “on” and “off” fashion. 

The offenses attributed to Cocaine can include any of the following punitive measures: probation, random drug screening, fines, incarceration, mandatory rehabilitation, mandatory drug treatment programs, and the loss of license in the event of a Cocaine-DUI

Illegal drugs are substances, which an individual, by law, is not allowed to possess, use or distribute. The penalties attached to such use as associated with illegal drugs are dependent on the type of drug, the location in which the individual was arrested or detained, the quantity of the drug and the presence of prior arrests for a similar offense. Illegal drugs are often addictive and deadly in nature; illegal drugs are often damaging to an individual’s mental state and physical healthy.

The classification of which drugs are considered legal or illegal will vary from country to country. Furthermore, the punishments tied-into possession, use and the intent to distribute such drugs will also vary based on location. For instance, being found with a certain illegal drug may be legal (subject to fine) in one location, but it may carry grave felonious charges in another. 

Legal drugs are drugs that an individual is allowed to have. This classification of course depends on the jurisdiction in which the individual is located in. If an individual purchases legal or over the counter drugs, they will not be punished by a governing body or law enforcement agency. Additionally, an illegal drug can carry legal use, typically for a medicinal application. Heroin or Morphine for example, is an effective painkiller, but in a generic setting, these drugs are deemed illegal and highly dangerous. 

By contrast, illegal drugs are drugs that a person is not allowed to possess, use or distribute. If an individual is caught with illegal drugs they will be punished according to the applicable drug laws of the respective location. In some instances the individual in possession will be fined, but for more serious illegal drugs, the individual will have to go to court for a pending jail sentence. 

Ecstasy: Also referred to as MDMA, Ecstasy is a partial derivative of amphetamine and possesses effects similar to other drugs within the classification. Users of Ecstasy will feel a heightened sense of euphoria and an increased feeling of emotion, as well as sensitivity.

Cocaine: When in powder form, cocaine is snorted or ingested by the user. Cocaine is a stimulant that leaves the user feeling more alert, talkative, strong and confident. Cocaine is extremely addictive and is a popular street drug. In a crystallized form, Cocaine is referred to as Crack; when solidified, the Cocaine is smoked by the user. Highs from crack are typically very short and powerful in nature. Crack cocaine is cheaper than the powderized form and highly addictive. 

Hallucinogens: Also referred to as psychedelic drugs, hallucinogens create a range of perceptual distortion and various psychological symptoms. When a user is under the influence of these drugs, mushrooms, LSD or peyote for example, the individual will observe vibrant colors, transforming shapes and enhanced visions. 

Amphetamines: Amphetamines and methamphetamines are stimulants commonly abused by young people at parties or raves. These types of illegal drugs enhance the user’s energy levels, allowing the individual to stay up all night. Aside from recreational use, these forms of stimulants can be used to medicate individuals stricken with attention-deficit disorder. 

Rohypnol: This type of illegal drug is a tranquilizer similar to Valium or painkillers but approximately 10 times more potent. This classification of drugs is extremely addictive; Rohypnol is commonly abused either for it’s intoxicating, sedative or numbing characteristics. 

Steroids: These types of drugs are used as supplements to increase performance in athletics. 

Heroin: This type of opiate is extremely addictive, relatively cheap and popular in urban environments. Heroin is fast acting and poses a number of deadly health risks. Because street heroine may contain a number of impurities, the drug can obstruct blood vessels that are crucial for the brain, liver, lungs and kidneys. Heroin may be taken via a pill form or injected straight into the veins.

PCP: A synthetic drug, that comes in a white powder. PCP is easily dissolved in water or alcohol and is typically ingested via pill form. Users of PCP will experience severe distortions and heightened senses as well as vibrant illusions or images.

Marijuana: This popular drug comes from the leaves of the cannabis plant. Marijuana is smoked through a variety of instruments, such as a pipe, joint or bong. The typical effects of marijuana leave the user feeling relaxed and talkative. These effects typically plateau for roughly 90 minutes then taper off. 

Homemade drugs refer to any natural product that can be produced in one’s home, without specialized laboratory equipment. Homemade drugs, as a term, can encompass both legal drugs, such as teas or cold-fighting medicines, to highly illegal drugs, such as meth. 

The ability to produce a homemade drug is dependent on the complexity of the substance. Numerous homes are filled with chemicals and various agents that facilitate in the domestic process; for example, cleaning agents or paint is filled with chemicals that can be broken down or used to synthetically create homemade drugs. 

A natural product is a chemical compound or substance that is produced by a living organism found in nature that typically has a pharmacological or biological activity for use in drug discovery or drug design. All natural products can be classified or considered as such even if the substance can be prepared by total synthesis. The small molecules produced from natural organisms provide the source for the majority of FDA-approved agents and homemade drugs. As a result of this relationship, natural products continue to be one of the primary sources of inspiration for drug discovery. 

Homemade drugs, which typically come from natural products, may be extracted from tissues of terrestrial plants, microorganism fermentation broths or marine organisms. Those homemade drugs that come from crude or untreated extracts typically will contain novel, structurally diverse chemical compounds, which a natural environment is a rich source of. 

Chemical diversity in the earth’s natural environments is primarily based on geographical and biological diversity; as a result, researchers and scientists will travel around the world in hopes of obtaining samples to analyze and evaluate bioassays or drug discovery screens, which may in the future, yield beneficial drugs. This effort to search for natural drug sources is referred to as bioprospecting. 

Following evaluation of a natural product and the observation that the substance can be beneficial, the scientists must screen the agent to identify, select and process the natural products destined for medicinal use. 

Freebase Cocaine refers to the base form of cocaine (and not the salt form). Freebase cocaine is insoluble in water, whereas the hydrochloride salt is water soluble. Freebase cocaine is a different method or ingestion technique for the illegal drug–it is smoked rather than snorted or ingested

Smoking Freebase Cocaine possesses additional side effects; when smoked, the drug releases methylecogonidine into the user’s system due to the pryolysis of the substance—a common side effect which insulating or injecting powderized cocaine does not manifest.  

Research suggests that smoking freebase cocaine can be more cardiotxic (worse for the heart) than other routes of ingestion. This increased danger is due to the manifestation of methylecgonidine and its subsequent damaging effects on the lung and liver tissues.

Cocaine, in a pure form, is prepared by neutralizing its compounding salt with an alkaline solution, which aids in the precipitation to a non-polar basic cocaine form. The substance is further refined through an aqueous-solvent Liquid extraction. 

The offenses attributed to freebasing Cocaine can include any of the following punitive measures: probation, random drug screening, fines, incarceration, mandatory rehabilitation, mandatory drug treatment programs, and the possible loss of a driver’s license–will be initiated if the individual was driving while high.

Individuals who have been arrested or served documentation in the form of an arrest warrant displaying a Drug Cultivation charge, must cooperate with their arresting officers. Individuals arrested for cocaine possession or use should consult with legal professionals to expedite a plea or the trial process. Resisting – or fleeing from – a cocaine arrest can result in additional penalties. 

If an individual wishes to present an anonymous tip or report with regard to an offense involving illegal drugs or substances, they have to opportunity to contact the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) through their telephone number: (202) 307-1000

The Illicit or Illegal drug trade refers to the global black market, dedicated towards the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and subsequent sale of those drugs which are considered illegal and subject to drug prohibition regulation.

The majority of legal jurisdictions throughout the world prohibit the illicit drug trade, except for those sellers who are licensed to conduct business under the drug prohibition laws. Reports have estimated that the drug trade generated an estimated $321 billion dollars in 2005 in the United States, with a global GDP of roughly $36 trillion dollars in the same fiscal year. As a result of these figures, it may be estimated that slightly less than 1% of total global commerce is accounted for by the illicit drug trade. 

Within the scope of illicit drugs and controlled-substances, Drug Cultivation is defined as the production, creation, conception, or generation of a prohibited, illegal substance without the expressed permission of a governing body or administration. 

The realms and circumstances surrounding Drug Cultivation are extensive in their nature; due to the varied ingredients, legality, creation process, equipment, and availability with regard to the cultivation of specific drugs, Drug Cultivation – as well as its applicable legality – is vast.

Criminal Law involving Drug Cultivation is expansive in nature, which creates difficulty with regard to any absolution in the classification of a drug charge; however, the act of Drug Cultivation normally contingent on the amount of drugs discovered in the possession of those involved, as well as the intended use of the amassment of drugs in question.

In many countries throughout the world, the illicit drug trade (also known as drug smuggling) carries a severe penalty, including the death penalty (in nations such as Singapore and China). In the United States, Federal law dictates that first time offenders be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment which equates to a 1 to 3 average.

Drug trafficking is commonly regarded as the most serious of drug offenses in the world; however, sentencing is typically dependent on the type of drug (particularly how the drug is classified in the country into which it is being trafficked) and where the drugs are sold and how they are distributed. 

For example, if the illicit drugs are sold to or distributed by minors, the penalties for trafficking may be harsher or more lenient depending on the country. Although the penalties are exceedingly harsh in the majority of nations throughout the world, the exorbitant profits and constant demand for illicit drugs are more than enough reason to encourage traffickers and smugglers from participating in the illicit drug trade.

Street Drugs is a colloquial term that is used to classify an illegal drug that possesses a market of supply and demand in an urban or suburban environment. Common street drugs include: Crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, heroin and ecstasy. 

These drugs are all illegal in nature—with the exception of marijuana which has been rendered legal or decriminalized in 12 states throughout the country—and highly addictive. As a result of their addictive characteristics, street drugs possess a constant market—there are always buyers and sellers in a given community.

Street drugs are addictive as a result of their psychological and physical side effects. Although each street drug administers a different feeling on its user, all street drugs possess some sort of worth to its buyer. For example, ecstasy transforms the user into a euphoric and forgiving individual, while marijuana enables the user to relax and put his or her mind at ease. These psychological side effects, however, are not infinite in nature and as a result, yield a horrible withdrawal period, causing the user to become addicted. 

Recreational drug use refers to the use of a drug, typically a psychoactive substance or street drugs, with the intention of creating or enhancing an individual’s recreational experience or activity. This form of use, however, is highly controversial and often labeled as drug abuse, particularly when the drug in question is classified as a dangerous street drug. The recreational use of street drugs, in the majority of jurisdictions throughout the United States, is deemed illegal. 

The penalties attached to the use, distribution or possession of street drugs will vary depending on the drug in question, the quantity and the intent of the individual. In addition, if the individual has a long history of abusing or selling street drugs the penalties attached will invariably be more severe.

Depressants: These types of street drugs are psychoactive in nature, meaning they temporarily diminish the function or activity of a specific part of the body or mind. Examples of such effects include: sedation, anxiolysis and hypotension. Due to these effects, such forms of street drugs possess a “down” quality to them. These types of street drugs are held in contrast to “uppers” or stimulants which cause the user to feel a heightened sense of awareness and an overwhelming feeling of strength. 

Antihistamines: These types of street drugs will inhibit the release or action of histamine; these are legal or over the counter forms of medication that may be used and sold for an illegal purpose. 

Hallucinogens: These types of street drugs can be subdivided into three broad categories: dissociatives, delirants and psychedelics. Hallucinogens may cause subjective changes in thought, emotion consciousness and perception. Unlike other forms of street drugs, this classification does not merely amplify familiar states of mind, but induces experiences that differ from ordinary states of consciousness. 

Speed is an amphetamine, which is a classification of a psycho stimulant drug of the phenethylamine family. All forms of these drugs produce increased energy, focus and wakefulness in association with a steep decline in appetite and fatigue. When used recreationally, speed is regarded as a performance enhancer or party drug. Recreational users of speed take the drug so they can stay out all night and maintain a heightened sense of awareness and energy; similar to ecstasy or cocaine, the drug is commonly taken in rave settings. 

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction reports that the typical retail price of diluted speed in Europe will vary between 3 and 15 pounds or $4 to $21 dollars. 

Physical effects of speed include the following: hyperactivity, dilated pupils, blood shot eyes, dry mouth, headache, restlessness, twitching, tremors, palpitations, numbness, insomnia, dizziness, diarrhea, blurred vision, hypotension, fever, hypertension, the grinding of teeth, itchy skin, convulsions. These symptoms are typically attached to a light dosage of speed; with chronic and or high doses of speed, the user will experience the following side effects: stroke, heart attack, seizure and in some cases, death can occur. 

Psychological Effects of Speed include the following: a heightened sense of awareness, increased libido, a euphoric sense, increased alertness, concentration, energy, self-esteem, self-confidence, sociability, paranoia, obsessive and repetitive behaviors, excessive feelings of power, strength and superiority. With chronic or high doses, the user will experience the following psychological effects: severe agitation and mood swings and psychosis—the user will lose grip with reality.

Speed is a highly addictive drug that contains numerous withdrawal effects. Withdrawal symptoms of speed primarily consist of the following feelings or ailments: mental fatigue, mental depression, anxiety, increased agitation, excessive sleep, vivid or lucid dreams, suicidal thoughts and an increased appetite. The severity of these symptoms will depend on the length of time and the amount of speed used; for occasional use these symptoms will last for days and weeks or months for chronic use. 

Heroin is a byproduct of opium; upon the extraction of morphine – which is inherent to the naturally-occurring Poppy Plant – this substance can be ingested in a variety of methods. Despite the effects of Heroin, which have been classified as a sedating and numbing, Heroin is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs in circulation.

Heroine can be smoked or ingested through the nasal cavity; however, a prominent form of Heroin usage involves its injection through the use of intravenous needles – this method of usage has accounted for a multitude of contracted diseases and infections

The dangers of Heroin are vast; they can range from psychological devastation to physical damage. Consistent Heroin usage results in an advanced tolerance to the drug on the part of the user, requiring the user gradually increase the dosage to achieve his/her desired results – the has accounted for a multitude of Heroin-related death as a resulting from an overdose of the drug.

A charge expressing the possession of Heroin is defined as the unlawful, illicit, and prohibited ownership of Heroin; however, the nature within which the suspect gained access to the Heroin may also be associated with the investigation. Criminal charges expressing the illegal possession of Heroin will vary in nature. The specifics associated with the charge will involve the classification of Heroin discovered on the person, the location within which the apprehension took place, the analysis of any or all criminal history belonging to the individual suspect, as well the implicit, intended usage of the Heroin discovered on the individual suspect. 

Drug Trafficking is defined as the illegal sale, production, transport, movement, and distribution of illegal drugs and controlled-substances attained through unlawful means. The notion of trafficking within the scope of legality is not specific to activity involving drugs; human trafficking – the illegal and bartering and transport of human beings – is considered to be one of the most egregious violations of human rights.

Drug Trafficking supersedes the notion of Drug Possession strictly in the sheer volume of the quantity of drugs discovered in the possession of a Drug Trafficking ring or operation; however, applicable legality and classification varies on a state-by-state and nation-by-nation basis. 

International Drug Trafficking takes place as a result of the innate accessibility to certain items – chemical and natural – used in the production and manufacturing of specific drugs. For example, the Coca bean, which is instrumental in the production of Cocaine, is indigenous to South America; as a result, Drug Trafficking operations located in South America most-commonly focus on Cocaine

Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine. Crack, as oppose to the powderized form of cocaine, can be smoked. In a pure form, a crack rock will appear as an off-white nugget with jagged edges and in possession of a density similar to candle wax. Purer forms of crack rocks will resemble a hard brittle plastic in a crystal form—the crack snaps when it is broken. 

Crack acts as an anesthetic; when smoked, the drug numbs the tongue and mouth. In addition to these physical effects, crack possesses a number of psychological effects by altering the brain chemistry of its user.  When smoked, crack cocaine manipulates the neurological system to create a sense of euphoria, supreme confidence, a drastic loss of appetite, insomnia, increased alertness, a heightened sense of energy and most drastically a deadly craving for more cocaine. 

The initial effect of crack cocaine is to release an obscene amount of dopamine—a brain chemical that induces feelings of euphoria– into the user’s system. The typical high off crack cocaine will last from 5-10 minutes; after this time the dopamine levels in the brain plummet, leaving the user horribly depressed and in need of more. 

Once the high wears off, the typical response among users is to have another hit; however, the levels of dopamine in a human’s brain take an exceedingly long time to replenish causing each hit taken in succession to lead to a less intense high. The use of cocaine in a binge fashion, during which the drug is taken repeatedly and at an increasingly high dose, will lead to a state of increasing instability, paranoia and restlessness. The administration of the drug in this setting may result in a full-blown paranoid psychosis, in which the user loses touch with his or her self and reality in general.

As a result of the effects of the dopamine levels in the brain, crack cocaine is widely thought to be the most addictive form of cocaine and one of the most addictive forms of drugs in the world. 

Cocaine is regarded, according to the United Nations, as a Schedule 1 drug. This classification labels all forms of cocaine, including crack, as an illegal drug for non-state-sanctioned production, manufacturing, export, import, distribution, trade, use and possession. In the United States, cocaine is regarded as a Schedule II drug, based on the Controlled Substances Act. 

This classification labels the drug as having a high abuse potential but also in possession of a medicinal purpose. Under the DEA listing of schedule 1 substances, crack is not considered separate from cocaine, because they are in essence, the same drug compound in different forms. That being said, the drugs are attached with disproportionate sentences as mandated by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for crack cocaine versus powder cocaine. For example, the 5-year minimum sentence for trafficking 500g of powdered cocaine, will be imposed with a 100:1 ratio for the mere possession of 5 grams of crack cocaine.