Drugs in America

2.  Drugs- a medicine or other substance which
has a physiological effect when ingested or
otherwise introduced into the body.
 50-70% of people taken into custody test
positive for drugs
 Higher drug trade = higher the crime rate
 Possession, distribution, or sale violates
federal and/or state laws

3.  Controlled Substances Act- Federal Drug Law
that classifies drugs into categories:
 Medical Use
 Potential for abuse
 Lead to severe psychological/physical
dependency

4.  States have harsh penalties for drug offenders
 Mandatory sentences- Prison time that is not
negotiable
 Some states have forfeiture laws- state can
seize property/bank accounts acquired
through money made on the drug trade
 Some dealers try to make money
legitimately through money laundering

5.  Drug Charges:
 1. Possession- Having illegal substances
and/or substances used to manufacture or
cultivate drugs

6.  2. Possession with Intent to Sell- Having a
large amount (felony). Police do not have to
prove that the defendant was going to sell the
drugs; it is simply the amount

7.  3. Trafficking- Transporting drugs into the
US or across state lines

8.  4. Distributing- A situation in which a drug
manufacturer sells narcotics to a retailer or
wholesaler, which then sells the drugs to other
groups or individuals

9.  5. Paraphernalia- Any equipment, product,
or material that is modified for making,
using, or concealing drugs
 Two categories: User specific products and
dealer specific products