Documentary profile of two teens -- Carlitos and Romina -- as they struggle to overcome an addiction to paco.

© 2008 Maria Fortiz-Morse
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Paco is a highly addictive drug made from the toxic refuse of cocaine production. Known as 'the poor man's drug', single dose or 'hit' of paco is USD 30 cents.

Smoked in a pipe, paco's physiological affect on the lungs and brain are immediate. The effects of continual consumption include malnutrition, pulmonary edema and heart attacks. Addicts, especially children, can die from consumption in as little as three months.

Many addicted teens pay for their addiction by engaging in armed robbery and sex work.

Health officials estimate that tens of thousands of teens have already become addicted to paco, and their numbers are steadily increasing.