The highly potent stimulant substance commonly referred to as cocaine is derived from the leaves of a South American plant. The plant is called the coca plant and the leaves of the coca plant are used to create the illegal drug known as cocaine.
Crack cocaine is a cheaper version on the drug based on a formula that some say was created by a government (USA) chemist during the CIA’s trafficking of cocaine into America and black neighborhoods during the 60’s and 70’s.
Cocaine hydrochloride is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca), which is indigenous to the Andean highlands of South America. In its extracted and purified form, it is one of the most potent stimulants of natural origin (Drug Enforcement Agency [DEA], 1995). For thousands of years, the Native Americans in the Andean region have chewed coca leaves to relieve fatigue, much as present-day Americans chew tobacco. Just as tea and coffee are brewed as refreshments or “pick-me-ups,” the Andean natives brewed coca leaves into a tea. Furthermore, Andean groups have historically burned or smoked various parts of the coca plant as part of their religious and medicinal practices (Siegel, 1982). However, none of these other uses has had the same impact as purified cocaine hydrochloride.
Trafficking Cocaine Into America
At the outset of the crack epidemic, cocaine was trafficked into America by the Central Intelligence Agency during the Reagan Era of the 1980’s. The main method of getting cocaine into America today is by submarine, and to a much larger extent, either over or under the Mexico-USA boarder. Some statistics indicate that between 60 and 70% of all cocaine that enters America comes in via the south west boarder. However, some cocaine does come in via human mules, big rig trucks, and via private aircraft.
The main suppliers of cocaine to the United States and the rest of the world are the drug cartels and drug lords in Columbia. Colombian drug lords enter into deals with Mexican drug cartels or drug smugglers to get their loads into the United States.
The bulk of the American cocaine trade, in major cities, are controlled by South American drug lords who are also the reason behind the creation of Mexican drug lords/traffickers who have begun to control major cities in the southern U.S.
Despite the best efforts of the Unites States’ “War on Drugs”, the cost of cocaine is lower than ever and the availability is greater than it was 25 years ago. Source
As you can see, the corrupt federal government of the United States has no measurable interest in curving the flow of cocaine in America. Why should they? I believe that if we remove every dollar from the drug trade out of the economies of the world the corrupted world financial establishment would collapse with the quickness. Its important to understand that cocaine, or illegal drugs, are never going anywhere and are here in part to the best efforts of factions within the United States power structure.
Effects of Cocaine on Its User
Low Dosage Addicts
- Feelings of euphoria along with an immediate rush.
- The cocaine high also provides for feelings of super strength, high confidence, and invincibility.
- Users of the drug also feel a sense of well being when on the drug.
- Cocaine users will often become more loquacious or either quiet.
- Along with an increased libido, cocaine users will often have higher levels of anxiety, agitation, and panic.
- Other side affects are unpredictable violence, aggressive behavior, paranoia, and dry mouth.
- Some coke heads and crack-fiends don’t even need as much sleep as a normal person would.
- Using cocaine also increases the breathing rate and heart pulse of the addict.
High Dosage Addicts
- Heavy cocaine users may experience a cocaine psychosis in which they begin seeing things, having delusions, and becoming increasingly violent.
- Strokes, Convulsions, and brain hemorrhaging is commonplace among heavier cocaine users.
- Kidney failure, hypothermia, chest pains, and sleep disorders are also caused by heavy cocaine users.
Addiction is also a common side effect of habitual cocaine use. Addiction creates crimes which is why Texas takes a harsh approach on drug crimes and the prosecution of such. When people are hopelessly addicted to cocaine, or crack, they tend to steal from and rob their friends and family and in some cases turn to a life of crime to support their drug habits. Its no mystery why there are so many people in jail for drug crimes.
Criminal Penalties For Cocaine Possession in Texas
| Amount of Cocaine | Offense Classification | Penalty |
| Less than 1 gram | State jail felony | Up to 2 years in prison – $10,000 Fine |
| 1 gram- 3.99 grams | Third degree felony | 2-10 yrs. in prison – $10,000 Fine |
| 4- 199 grams | Second degree felony | 2- 20 yrs. in prison – $10,000 Fine |
| 200- 399 grams | First degree felony | 5- 99 yrs. in prison – $10,000 Fine |
| 400 grams + | Enhanced First degree felony | 10- 99 yrs. in prison – $100,000 Fine |
In Texas, being found to be in possession of cocaine is a serious criminal offense punishable in accordance with the terms outlined in the chart/table above. You could be in for a jail term of anywhere from up to 2 years – 99 years in prison for a felony offense related to cocaine. All cocaine related criminal offense are felony class crimes due to the harsh stance on cocaine, and other dangerous drugs by the State of Texas.
In Texas, any conviction related to controlled substances will result in a suspension of your drivers license for at least 6 months. Law enforcement officers can also charge you with possession of cocaine if they find drug on your person, of stashed in any of your other possession like a home, vehicle, gym locker, et cetera.
If you’ve been arrested in connection with any type of cocaine related felony offense we strongly recommend talking with a Houston, Texas area criminal justice specialist with regard to representation in the court of law. You will need legal representation for cocaine related criminal cases because a public defender may not have enough time to invest in your case or enough time to provide a strong legal defense. Under the law, you have a right to an attorney, but you don’t have a right to a good one. This is why its always best to invest some time and energy into the hiring of a top criminal defense lawyer with experience fighting drug charges.