The packets often are stamped with the dealer's trademark. If a customer likes the heroin they ask for the same trademark again. Cartoon characters and other symbols are also used to identify dealer's packets, said Benton. Benton said a packet is a common dosage, but as a person gets addicted they need more to get high. Heroin, derived from morphine, comes in a powder form.
Water is added to it and then it is cooked to become liquefied.
The liquid is then strained through cotton and injected into the body by a needle. Heroin is used by all classes of people. Heroin is usually transported from source places like New York, New Jersey and Atlanta, said Benton. It is a dangerous drug because it is one of the most addictive drugs there is. He said he believes there is heroin in Gastonia and the drug will eventually move to Cleveland County.