Adulteration of drugs including cocaine, meth, and heroin is prevalent in street drug markets. Dealers add substances to increase bulk or mask poor quality. Common adulterants in street heroin include starches, sugars, talc, and quinine. By the 1990s, substances like levamisole and acetaminophen were used, with cocaine frequently cut with levamisole and lidocaine. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl differs markedly in its scale and potency compared to past practices of drug adulteration, leading to significant public health concerns.
Illicit drugs aren't tested by the FDA or pure, nor as advertised by drug dealers. Dealers cut drugs to increase bulk and maximize sales.
By the 1990s-2000s, adulterants included toxic agents like levamisole and acetaminophen, which were often added to street drugs.
Cocaine has been one of the most adulterated street drugs since the 1980s, with over 70% of street cocaine in some cities containing levamisole.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is unprecedented in its scale and potency, distinguishing it from previous drug adulteration trends.
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