An alarming trend among drug users has emerged over the last year that has troopers extremely alarmed. Heroin has been showing up on the streets of Indiana in a frequency that makes it the most abused narcotic, even passing cocaine. In the year 2011, heroin was the second most purchased drug by Indiana State Police undercover officers, second only to marijuana.

Heroin, also known as, “smack”, “horse”, “brown sugar” and “Big H”, among other names, is usually seen in the form of a brown or white powder, but sometimes comes in the form of a black sticky substance, commonly known as black tar heroin.  The drug originates from the Asian poppy plant in its crude form. It is transported into Indiana by drug couriers for distribution on the street for monetary gain by drug dealers.

Heroin delivers a high very similar to the high of opiate pain killers like Oxycontin and Opana,
(a feeling of euphoria). It is introduced into the body by injecting, snorting or smoking and can cost up to $400 – $500 a gram on the street in its pure form.

The recent increased enforcement action on prescription medications seems to be one of the reasons heroin has made such a rise in use. Addicts’ being unable to manipulate the dosage of painkillers is another reason for the rise. Heroin is very dangerous, with addicts and first time users being exposed to serious health related conditions, including fatal overdoses and addiction. Users who inject the drug are also prone to diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis and Aids.

The Indiana State Police is asking anyone who has knowledge of drug dealers to contact the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. All callers can remain anonymous.