Cocaine is derived from the coca plant. It is a stimulant drug, which means that it speeds up messages travelling between the brain and the rest of the body.

Cocaine comes in several forms:

• Cocaine hydrochloride is a powder and the most common form of the drug. It is usually sniffed through the nose but may also be injected. 
• If the hydrochloride is removed through a chemical process, the drug is converted to ‘free base’ cocaine, which is predominantly smoked or injected.
• ‘Crack’ is another form of ‘free base’ cocaine that comes as small rocks or crystals and is usually smoked or injected.

In Australia, cocaine is most commonly found in powder form (usually a white or off-white colour) and is normally sold in ‘points’ (0.1g) or grams.