In the argot of the drug world, it is "paraphernalia": the necessary accouterments to merchandising heroin. The small glassine envelopes, or "bags," used to package heroin are paraphernalia. So, too, are the legal, harmless powders used to dilute the drug, usually quinine, dextrose, lactose or mannite. According to a House Select Committee on Crime investigation in New York City, peddling paraphernalia has grown into a $5,000,000-a-year business.
One outlet, the Harlem Stationery Co., sold 52,000,000 glassine bags in 1969 alone, accounting for nearly 20% of the store's $500,000 sales. A Harlem drugstore,...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
