A powerful drug present in the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca). It stimulates the central nervous system and has effects similar to the amphetamines. It was originally used as a local anaesthetic. The illegal drug is usually the soluble hydrochloride. This can be converted into the free-base form (known as crack cocaine) by dissolving in water and heating with sodium bicarbonate. Cocaine is a class A drug in the UK. It can be detected by Scott’s test.

Cocaine