The large majority of heroin is illegally manufactured and imported, which originates largely from the Indian sub-continent.

Heroin accounts for the majority of the illicit opiate abuse in America.

Heroin usually appears as a white or brown powder.

When sold at street level heroin is likely to have been diluted or cut with a variety of similar powders. The main dilution is glucose. However, the practice of using other substances such as caffeine, flour and talcum powder is a constant danger to users