Controlled Substances:

Drug use and abuse is a common practice today.  Many people admit to experimenting with drugs and illegal substances.  The use of illegal drugs such as those listed below is extremely dangerous and could cause serious medical complications.  Although common drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin are still used in society, many people are using drugs known as designer drugs, which are just as dangerous. 

Designer drugs, which include ecstasy, GHB, and ketamine, are not meant for human consumption and can contain very dangerous chemicals.  Many of these drugs are produced in overseas laboratories or in people's homes.   There is no way to determine the exact chemical makeup of these drugs.

What drugs look like and how they are used:

Ketamine: An animal tranquilizer that is suspended in water.  It is dried out and forms a white powder, which is snorted.  Ketamine gives a feeling of numbness and happiness.

Ecstasy: Usually found in a pill form.  Ecstasy is swallowed like any medication.  It gives a feeling of euphoria and general happiness.  This is a very commonly abused substance among younger adults and teenagers.

Heroin: White or black powdery substance that is usually mixed with water and then injected.  Heroin can be inhaled as well.

Marijuana: Green leafy vegetable matter.  Marijuana has a very distinct odor.  Recently marijuana has been found laced with PCP.  This laced marijuana is known as "wet".    Marijuana is smoked in cigars, rolling papers, or pipes.

Cocaine: White powdery substance usually packaged in plastic zip-top bags.   Crack is a form of cocaine that is cooked with baking soda, which makes it a solid form.  Crack is usually an off-white or yellow color and comes in pieces or "rocks".   Cocaine is usually inhaled, but can be injected.  Crack cocaine is smoked using a pipe or similar device.

Penalties for violating the Drug Act: A person who violates the drug act can face penalties ranging from a fine to a life sentence in prison.  The sentences and fines vary greatly depending on the individual case and the amount of narcotics sold or found on a person.  Generally speaking, anyone who possesses narcotics with the intent to sell or distribute them commits a felony and could be sentenced up to 15 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.  Anyone who possesses narcotics or drug paraphernalia commits a misdemeanor and could face up to 3 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.  There are sentence enhancements for those who sell or distribute narcotics in a school zone, and those that sell narcotics and carry or possess a firearm.

The North Coventry Police Department takes a pro-active stance on narcotics investigations and actively pursues any and all information about drug dealers and drug sales.  If you have any information regarding drug sales or dealers, please contact North Coventry Police Department Detectives Division at 610-323-8360.  All information is kept confidential and is greatly appreciated.