Prohibition led inexorably to control of the heroin business by organised crime. Jewish gangsters such as Meyer Lansky dominated distribution in the 1920s. It's the money, stupid. After 33 years as a police officer in three of the country's largest cities, that is my message to the righteous politicians who obstinately proclaim that a war on drugs will lead to a drug-free America. Pure heroin is rarely sold on the street.
Injection is the most practical and efficient way to administer low-purity heroin.
Snorting is most widespread in those areas where high-purity heroin is easy to obtain. When injected, heroin provides an extremely powerful rush. After 4 to 8 hours, the effects start to wear off. Tolerance develops to the respiratory depressant, sedative, analgesic, emetic and euphorigenic effect. Injecting can be a risky business in prohibitionist society.