Cocaine is an intense, euphoria-producing stimulant drug with strong addictive potential, derived from coca leaves grown in Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia
. The active ingredient in cocaine is cocaine hydrochloride, which is extracted from the coca leaves
. The manufacturing process involves several steps:
- Coca leaves : The leaves of the coca plant are grown in South America, primarily in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia
- Soaking, filtering, and drying : The leaves are soaked, filtered, and dried to extract the active ingredient
- Powdering : The extracted powder is mixed with solvents and pressed and heated to create cocaine hydrochloride
Cocaine is often diluted with various substances, such as sugars, local anesthetics, cornstarch, talcum powder, flour, or baking soda, to increase profits for dealers
. The drug can be administered in various ways, including inhalation, snorting, or injection
. Both cocaine and crack, a form of cocaine, are highly addictive and can lead to serious health risks
