Types of Drug Trafficked

Drugs can be grouped together based on the way they affect the body, how they are used or where they are used. Not all drugs are illegal, some drugs are used as medication to prevent and cure diseases and ailments.

However, trafficked drugs (also known as hard drugs) are dangerous for human consumption when used without a prescription or doctor’s supervision. They are more potent and toxic than medicine, both physically and mentally. They are also highly addictive. These highly addictive drugs are usually injectable and cause the most damage to organs and natural functions in the shortest amount of time. These trafficked drugs can be grouped into four main categories:

• Depressants, such as alcohol and hypnotics.
• Stimulants, such as cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription stimulants like Adderall.
• Opioids, such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine and methadone.
• Hallucinogens, such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and high-potency cannabis.

These are the main categories of drugs being trafficked, and they are all illegal in Nigeria and most other countries around the world.

Some drugs being trafficked in societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More today include: 

• Cocaine
• Cannabis or Indian hemp
• Heroin
• Amphetamines 

Cocaine: This is an addictive drug derived from coca or prepared synthetically, used as an illegal stimulant. It is a smooth, white, powder-like substance. It is highly addictive.

Cannabis/Indian Hemp: This is a plant-derived drug that contains psychoactive compounds, primarily THC. It affects the pleasure-seeking part of the brain, which is why many users feel a high after using this drug. It is illegal and dangerous to health. It can make users paranoid, experience memory loss, and have a rough outward appearance.

Heroin: Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, which is a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. People take it for pleasure, but usually become addicted as it is highly addictive.

Amphetamines: Amphetamines are drugs that can be legal or illegal. When they are prescribed by the doctor and used to treat health problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity, and narcolepsy, they are said to be used legally.

Unfortunately, amphetamines are also used illegally when consumed without a prescription, to get high or improve performance. It is very addictive and dangerous to health.