1
|
Antonio ADS, Wurzler GT, Bhering CDA, de Oliveira AS, Cohen LSDA, de Oliveira MAM, de Aquino Neto FR, Vanini G. Qualitative transformations of street-seized ecstasy over a decade: A case study in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:1198-1211. [PMID: 38691107 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The illegal drug market is constantly evolving, with new drugs being created and existing ones being modified. Adulterants are often added to the mix, and the primary substance may be secretly replaced by a new one. Once-known tablets can now be vastly different from what they are sold as, all due to the pursuit of profit and evasion of current drug regulations. These alterations in drug composition pose a threat to society, as their effects are still not well understood. Therefore, it is crucial for police intelligence and public health development to obtain the chemical profiles of illicit drugs. This study presents the chemical fingerprinting of ecstasy tablets seized in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) between 2012 and 2021. The tablet samples were weighed, extracted, diluted with methanol, and acidified before analysis using gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The major constituents found were MDMA and clobenzorex, with fewer occurrences of MDA, MDEA, and 2C-B. The results also indicate that the occurrence of mega-events in the study location impacted the chemical fingerprints of ecstasy. A total of 27 combinations of cutting agents, including caffeine, ephedrine, and anesthetics, were identified. Samples composed of clobenzorex were observed throughout the evaluated period in areas near highways, suggesting that this product is mainly used by truck drivers. These findings can help police intelligence units anticipate the behavior of the illicit market during major events, identify traffic routes, and support public health initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ananda da Silva Antonio
- Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Análises Forenses (NAF) - Laboratório de Apoio Ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (LADETEC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gleicielle Tozzi Wurzler
- Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Análises Forenses (NAF) - Laboratório de Apoio Ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (LADETEC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cecília de Andrade Bhering
- Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Análises Forenses (NAF) - Laboratório de Apoio Ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (LADETEC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriana Sousa de Oliveira
- Secretaria de Estado de Polícia Civil (SEPOL), Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana Silva do Amaral Cohen
- Secretaria de Estado de Polícia Civil (SEPOL), Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Martins de Oliveira
- Secretaria de Estado de Polícia Civil (SEPOL), Instituto de Criminalística Carlos Éboli (ICCE), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, GQA, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Francisco Radler de Aquino Neto
- Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Análises Forenses (NAF) - Laboratório de Apoio Ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (LADETEC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Vanini
- Instituto de Química, Núcleo de Análises Forenses (NAF) - Laboratório de Apoio Ao Desenvolvimento Tecnológico (LADETEC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zamengo L, Frison G, Bettin C, Badocco D, Ghezzo N, Di Pino G, Favaretto A, Pani A. Predicting heroin potency from the analysis of paraphernalia: A tool for overdose prevention projects. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 352:111834. [PMID: 37806165 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, fatal and non-fatal heroin-related overdoses have increased in northeastern Italy, and the change in potency of heroin available at street level has been identified as a prominent factor associated with acute toxicity. Two very different products, high-potency and low-potency heroin were becoming available on the street, and no clear morphological characteristics could be used to easily distinguish them. A theoretical model for predicting heroin potency from rapid analysis of cigarette filters was developed as part of an overdose prevention project. The model was derived from the analysis of real heroin samples and exploits the common presence of caffeine in heroin as an adulterant. It was tested on laboratory prepared filters, real filters used to prepare heroin injections, and other paraphernalia. The model showed strong predictive ability and was used to implement a rapid alert system to inform drug users and healthcare institutions about the potency of heroin or other psychoactive substances circulating in the area. Cigarette filters were used as standard material, but other paraphernalia were successfully tested. The developed model is a dynamic tool whose parameters can be updated according to the market characteristics, so it can be useful for laboratories involved in drug analysis and similar prevention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Zamengo
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy.
| | - Giampietro Frison
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy
| | - Chiara Bettin
- Laboratory of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology, DMPO Department, AULSS 3, Venice, Italy
| | - Denis Badocco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Di Pino
- Harm reduction activities, Department of Social Services, Municipality of Venice, Italy
| | - Alberto Favaretto
- Harm reduction activities, Department of Social Services, Municipality of Venice, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Turley B, Evans A, Benzio K. Comparative toxicology of syringe exchange and postmortem blood samples in the District of Columbia: Trends and affinity analysis. J Anal Toxicol 2023; 47:588-596. [PMID: 37530762 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional analysis aimed to understand the similarities and differences between drugs detected in syringes collected from syringe service providers in the District of Columbia and fatal overdose deaths captured by the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. Substance exposures for these fatal and non-fatal drug use outcomes have not been previously compared. Substance distributions were examined and a paired significance test was used to compare changes over time. Affinity analysis was employed to reveal substance co-occurrences. Between September 2020 and September 2022, 1,118 postmortem blood samples (PBSs) and 3,646 syringes exchange samples (SESs) were processed, with fatal overdoses increasing 24.1%. Polysubstance use was more commonly found in postmortem blood (82.5%) than in syringe samples (48.6%). Of samples containing opioids, 94.8% of blood samples and 86.3% of syringes contained fentanyl, fentanyl analogs or fentanyl precursors/metabolites. PBSs had double the frequency of co-occurring stimulants and opioids (43.9%) as SESs (21.8%). Major changes in occurrence frequency over time were found for opioid and stimulant exposure in both groups, especially in the increased occurrence of fluorofentanyl (>400%), methamphetamine (>90%) and xylazine (>60%), while the incidence of fentanyl, heroin and metabolite morphine declined. These results indicate that while fatal use and syringe exchange populations have distinct substance exposures, which may contribute to differences in mortality rate, their substance distributions have similar change magnitudes. This study highlights the utility of using multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive description of drug use patterns and discusses the limitations in reporting data from each source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Turley
- DC Department of Health, 899 North Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
- CDC Foundation, 600 Peachtree St NE #1000, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
| | - Alexandra Evans
- DC Department of Forensic Sciences, 401 E St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
| | - Katharine Benzio
- DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 401 E St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen M, Burn PL, Shaw PE. Luminescence-based detection and identification of illicit drugs. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:13244-13259. [PMID: 37144605 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp00524k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Luminescence-based sensing is capable of being used for the sensitive, rapid, and in some cases selective detection of chemicals. Furthermore, the method is amenable to incorporation into handheld low-power portable detectors that can be used in the field. Luminescence-based detectors are now commercially available for explosive detection with the technology built on a strong foundation of science. In contrast, there are fewer examples of luminescence-based detection of illicit drugs, despite the pervasive and global challenge of combating their manufacture, distribution and consumption and the need for handheld detection systems. This perspective describes the relatively nascent steps that have been reported in the use of luminescent materials for the detection of illicit drugs. Much of the published work has focused on detection of illicit drugs in solution with less work on vapour detection using thin luminescent sensing films. The latter are better suited for handheld sensing devices and detection in the field. Illicit drug detection has been achieved via different mechanisms, all of which change the luminescence of the sensing material. These include photoinduced hole transfer (PHT) leading to quenching of the luminescence, disruption of Förster energy transfer between different chromophores by a drug, and chemical reaction between the sensing material and a drug. The most promising of these is PHT, which can be used for rapid and reversible detection of illicit drugs in solution and film-based sensing of drugs in the vapour phase. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps, for example, how vapours of illicit drugs interact with the sensing films, and how to achieve selectivity for specific drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Chen
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - P L Burn
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - P E Shaw
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heroin detection in a droplet hosted in a 3D printed support at the miniaturized electrified liquid-liquid interface. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18615. [PMID: 36329050 PMCID: PMC9633610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21689-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple sensing protocols for the detection of illicit drugs are needed. Electrochemical sensing is especially attractive in this respect, as its cost together with the analytical accuracy aspires to replace still frequently used colorimetric tests. In this work, we have shown that the interfacial transfer of protonated heroin can be followed at the electrified water-1,2-dichloroethane interface. We have comprehensively studied the interfacial behavior of heroin alone and in the presence of its major and abundant cutting agents, caffeine and paracetamol. To maximally increase developed sensing protocol applicability we have designed and 3D printed a platform requiring only a few microliters of the aqueous and the organic phase. The proposed sensing platform was equipped with a cavity hosting a short section of Ag/AgCl electrode, up to 20 µL of the aqueous phase and the end of the micropipette tip being used as a casing of a fused silica capillary having 25 µm as the internal pore diameter. The volume of the organic phase was equal to around 5 µL and was present inside the micropipette tip. We have shown that under optimized conditions heroin can be detected in the presence of caffeine and paracetamol existing in a sample with 10,000 times excess over the analyte of interest. The calculated limit of detection equal to 1.3 µM, linear dynamic range spanning to at least 50 µM, good reproducibility, and very low volume of needed sample is fully in line with forensic demands.
Collapse
|
6
|
Griffin A, Henry J, Kirkbride KP, Painter B, Linacre A. A survey of the effects of common illicit drugs on forensic DNA analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 336:111314. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
7
|
Lópes T, Fernández Campos A, Cassella RJ. Determination of adulterants of cocaine in Real banknotes in Brazil by HPLC-DAD. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
8
|
Ferris TJ, Haigh LD, Jenner SJ. Identification of Common Cutting Agents in Latent Fingerprints by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Electrospray Ionization – Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-qToF-MS). ANAL LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2022.2033255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor J. Ferris
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Lisa D. Haigh
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Doyle MR, Gannon BM, Mesmin MP, Collins GT. Application of dose-addition analyses to characterize the abuse-related effects of drug mixtures. J Exp Anal Behav 2022; 117:442-456. [PMID: 35142382 PMCID: PMC9327442 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Polysubstance use makes up a majority of drug use, yet relatively few studies investigate the abuse-related effects of drug mixtures. Dose-addition analyses provide a rigorous and quantitative method to determine the nature of the interaction (i.e., supraadditive, additive, or subadditive) between two or more drugs. As briefly reviewed here, studies in rhesus monkeys have applied dose-addition analyses to group level data to characterize the nature of the interaction between the reinforcing effects of stimulants and opioids (e.g., mixtures of cocaine + heroin). Building upon these foundational studies, more recent work has applied dose-addition analyses to better understand the nature of the interaction between caffeine and illicit stimulants such as MDPV and methamphetamine in rats. In addition to utilizing a variety of operant procedures, including drug discrimination, drug self-administration, and drug-primed reinstatement, these studies have incorporated potency and effectiveness ratios as a method for both statistical analysis and visualization of departures from additivity at both the group and individual subject level. As such, dose-addition analyses represent a powerful and underutilized approach to quantify the nature of drug-drug interactions that can be applied to a variety of abuse-related endpoints in order to better understand the behavioral pharmacology of polysubstance use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Doyle
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio
| | - Brenda M Gannon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Melson P Mesmin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Gregory T Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dasgupta N, Figgatt MC. Invited Commentary: Drug Checking for Novel Insights Into the Unregulated Drug Supply. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:248-252. [PMID: 34528056 PMCID: PMC8824693 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobias et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191 (2):241–247) present a novel analysis of time trends in fentanyl concentrations in the unregulated drug supply in British Columbia, Canada. The preexisting knowledge about unregulated drugs had come from law-enforcement seizures and postmortem toxicology. As both of these data sources are subject to selection bias, large-scale drug-checking programs are poised to be a crucial component of the public health response to the unrelenting increase in overdose in North America. As programs expand, we offer 2 guiding principles. First, the primary purpose of these programs is to deliver timely results to people who use drugs to mitigate health risks. Second, innovation is needed to go beyond criminal justice paradigms in laboratory analysis for a more nuanced understanding of health concerns. We provide examples of the role adulterants play in our understanding of drug harms. We also describe the applications and limitations of common laboratory assays, with implications for epidemiologic surveillance. While the research and direct service teams in British Columbia have taken groundbreaking steps, there is still a need to establish best practices for communicating results to sample donors in an approachable yet nonalarmist tone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Dasgupta
- Correspondence to Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (e-mail: )
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Losacker M, Hundertmark M, Zoerntlein S, Roehrich J, Hess C. Chiral pharmacokinetics of tetramisole stereoisomers – enantioselective quantification of levamisole and dexamisole in serum samples from users of adulterated cocaine. Drug Test Anal 2022; 14:1053-1064. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.3227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Losacker
- Department of Forensic Toxicology Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz Mainz Germany
| | - Marica Hundertmark
- Department of Forensic Toxicology Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz Mainz Germany
| | - Siegfried Zoerntlein
- Forensic Science Institute, Dez. 33 Chemistry/Toxicology, State Office of Criminal Investigation Rhineland‐Palatinate Mainz Germany
| | - Joerg Roehrich
- Department of Forensic Toxicology Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz Mainz Germany
| | - Cornelius Hess
- Department of Forensic Toxicology Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz Mainz Germany
- Reference Institute for Bioanalytics Bonn Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Laposchan S, Kranenburg RF, van Asten AC. Impurities, adulterants and cutting agents in cocaine as potential candidates for retrospective mining of GC-MS data. Sci Justice 2022; 62:60-75. [PMID: 35033329 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is one of the most widely used illicit drugs worldwide. Cocaine powders seized by the Police may contain numerous other substances besides the drug itself. These can be impurities originating from the coca plant or the production process, or be purposely added to the drug formulation as adulterants and cutting agents. In forensic laboratories, identification of cocaine is routinely done through GC-MS analysis, but other components are often ignored even if the method allows for their detection. Yet, they can provide valuable insight into the history of a seizure and its potential connection to other samples. To explore this idea, an extensive review of common impurities and adulterants encountered in cocaine is presented. Based on their incidence, concentration in the end product and compatibility with GC-MS methods, their overall usefulness as candidates for the statistical investigation of existing forensic data is evaluated. The impurities cis- and trans-cinnamoylcocaine, tropacocaine, norcocaine and N-benzoylnormethylecgonine as well as the adulterants lidocaine, procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, caffeine, acetylsalicylic acid, phenacetin, ibuprofen, levamisole, hydroxyzine and diltiazem are promising candidates to provide additional forensic intelligence. Future research on optimized routine GC-MS methods, signal reproducibility, comparison, statistics and databases is suggested to facilitate this concept. Ultimately, such an approach may significantly advance the amount of information that is extracted from routine casework data, elucidate developments in the cocaine markets in the past and facilitate Police work in the future. Preliminary assessment of existing data from the forensic laboratory of the Amsterdam Police has been included to show that the detection of the identified target impurities is feasible, and that small adjustments to the analysis method could significantly increase the detectability of these analytes in prospective drug screenings. Forensic intelligence based on retrospective data mining of cocaine containing casework samples may thus be realized with minimal additional laboratory efforts by using already available instrumentation, samples and data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Laposchan
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, The Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben F Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, The Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands.
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Postbus 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Popovic A, Morelato M, Baechler S, De Grazia A, Tahtouh M, Roux C, Beavis A. Understanding Australian methylamphetamine drug markets through relational, temporal and spatial analyses. Drug Test Anal 2021; 14:481-495. [PMID: 34655507 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In the area of illicit drugs, forensic case data have proven effective at detecting links between seizures and providing greater insights into illicit drug markets. This research explored the application of mathematical and statistical techniques to several chemical profiles of Australian methylamphetamine seizures. The main aim was to create and deliver a method that would expand the use of illicit drug profiling for strategic intelligence purposes, contributing to the fight against illicit drug trafficking. The use of comparison metrics and clustering analysis to determine links between existing illicit drug specimens and subsequent new specimens was evaluated and automated. Relational, temporal and spatial analyses were subsequently used to gain an insight into illicit drug markets. Relational analysis identified clusters of seizures central to the network. Temporal analysis then provided insights into the behaviour of distribution markets, specifically the emergence and extinction of certain clusters of seizures over time. Spatial analysis aided the understanding of the inter-jurisdictional nature of illicit drug markets. These analyses allowed for the generation of strategic intelligence relating to when and where the Australian methylamphetamine illicit drug market was the most active. Additionally, the strategic level trends identified clusters of seizures that were worth investigating further. These clusters were explored through a case study, which exploited additional chemical profiling data to provide drug market knowledge at an operational level. In turn, the intelligence produced at various levels could allow relevant law enforcement agencies to take necessary measures in disrupting markets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Popovic
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marie Morelato
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Baechler
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adrian De Grazia
- Specialist Operations Forensics, Australian Federal Police, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Tahtouh
- Specialist Operations Forensics, Australian Federal Police, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claude Roux
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison Beavis
- Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
West H, Fitzgerald J, Hopkins K, Li E, Clark N, Tzanetis S, Greene SL, Reid GE. Early Warning System for Illicit Drug Use at Large Public Events: Trace Residue Analysis of Discarded Drug Packaging Samples. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2021; 32:2604-2614. [PMID: 34460248 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.1c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by Locard's exchange principle, which states "every contact leaves a trace", a trace residue sampling strategy has been developed for the analysis of discarded drug packaging samples (DPS), as part of an early warning system for illicit drug use at large public events including music/dance festivals. Using direct analysis in real time/mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry, rapid and high-throughput identification and characterization of a wide range of illicit drugs and adulterant substances was achieved, including in complex polydrug mixtures and at low relative ion abundances. A total of 1362 DPS were analyzed either off-site using laboratory-based instrumentation or on-site and in close to real time using a transportable mass spectrometer housed within a mobile analytical laboratory, with each analysis requiring less than 1 min per sample. Of the DPS analyzed, 92.2% yielded positive results for at least one of 15 different drugs and/or adulterants, including cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine, as well as numerous novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Also, 52.6% of positive DPS were found to contain polydrug mixtures, and a total of 42 different drug and polydrug combinations were observed throughout the study. For analyses performed on-site, reports to key stakeholders including event organizers, first aid and medical personnel, and peer-based harm reduction workers could be provided in as little as 5 min after sample collection. Following risk assessment of the potential harms associated with their use, drug advisories or alerts were then disseminated to event staff and patrons and subsequently to the general public when substances with particularly toxic properties were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry West
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - John Fitzgerald
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Katherine Hopkins
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Eric Li
- Agilent Technologies Australia, Mulgrave, Victoria 3170, Australia
| | - Nicolas Clark
- North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Stephanie Tzanetis
- Harm Reduction Victoria, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051, Australia
- Harm Reduction Australia, Leura, New South Wales 2780, Australia
| | - Shaun L Greene
- Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Gavin E Reid
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cutting agents in cocaine: A temporal study of the period 2015-2017 in the Northern Region of Colombia. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 327:110911. [PMID: 34450541 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is a naturally occurring psychostimulant drug available worldwide. Drug trafficking networks adulterate pure cocaine with cutting agents to increase their earnings. This study presents a descriptive statistical analysis of the cutting agents found in 2118 cocaine samples that were seized in the Northern Region of Colombia (in the period 2015-2017). The data used in this study was drawn from the GC-MS analytical reports of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences -Colombia, Northern Region. Results showed diverse cutting agents in seized cocaine samples, from which the most commonly used are caffeine, phenacetin, lidocaine, imidazole and levamisole. In addition, cocaine samples showed different mixtures of the above cutting agents, predominantly caffeine/phenacetin and caffeine/lidocaine/phenacetin mixtures.
Collapse
|
16
|
Mahintamani T, Ghosh A, Jain R. Serious health threats of novel adulterants of the street heroin: a report from India during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/8/e242239. [PMID: 34433525 PMCID: PMC8388263 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and a consequent nationwide lockdown in India for several weeks had restricted the access to street heroin and treatment for substance abuse. Use of cutting agents to increase the volume or psychoactive effect has been widely practised under such circumstances. Our patient with opioid use disorder chased heroin with an unknown cutting agent to enhance psychoactive effect from the limited quantities of heroin. He suffered from an abrupt onset sedation, weakness, postural imbalance, slurred speech, cognitive dysfunctions and disinhibited behaviour. Symptoms rapidly reversed following abstinence and initiation of buprenorphine–naloxone. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of the adulterant revealed high concentrations of benzodiazepines and barbiturates, alongside the usual cutting agents—caffeine and acetaminophen. Abrupt reduction in availability of ‘street drugs’ in conjunction with poor healthcare access can lead to the use of novel adulterants with potentially serious clinical and public health implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tathagata Mahintamani
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Abhishek Ghosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rajeev Jain
- Toxicilogy Department, Central Forensic and Science Laboratory, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
White CM, Browne T, Nafziger AN. Inherent Dangers of Using Non-US Food and Drug Administration-Approved Substances of Abuse. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S129-S141. [PMID: 34396559 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Use of US Food and Drug Administration-approved substances of abuse has innate risks due to pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of the medications, but the risk when using nonapproved drug products is much greater. Unbeknownst to the user, the dose of active ingredients in substances of abuse can vary substantially between different products because of manufacturing practices or improper storage. Even naturally occurring substances of abuse can have extensive dosage variability because of effects of the growing season and conditions, or differences in harvesting, storage, or manufacture of the finished products. Many illicit substances are adulterated, to make up for intentional underdosing or to enhance the effect of the intended active ingredient. These adulterants can be dangerous and produce direct cardiovascular, neurologic, hematologic, or dermatologic reactions or obscure adverse effects. Finally, an illicit substance can be contaminated or substituted for another one during its manufacture, leading to differences in adverse events, adverse event severity, or the drug interaction profile. Substances can be contaminated with microbes that induce infections or heavy metals that can damage organs or cause cancer. This milieu of undisclosed substances can also induce drug interactions. For reasons that are discussed, individuals who use substances of abuse are at increased risk of morbidity or mortality if they develop coronavirus disease 2019. Health professionals who treat patients with acute, urgent events associated with substances of abuse, or those treating the chronic manifestations of addiction, need to appreciate the complex and variable composition of substances of abuse and their potential health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Michael White
- Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.,HOPES Research Group, UConn and Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Thom Browne
- Rubicon Global Enterprises & Colombo Plan Secretariat, Huachuca City, Arizona, USA
| | - Anne N Nafziger
- Bertino Consulting, Schenectady, New York, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vearrier D, Grundmann O. Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Abuse Potential of Opioids. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S70-S88. [PMID: 34396552 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Opioids were the most common drug class resulting in overdose deaths in the United States in 2019. Widespread clinical use of prescription opioids for moderate to severe pain contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic with the subsequent emergence of fentanyl-laced heroin. More potent analogues of fentanyl and structurally diverse opioid receptor agonists such as AH-7921 and MT-45 are fueling an increasingly diverse illicit opioid supply. Overdose from synthetic opioids with high binding affinities may not respond to a typical naloxone dose, thereby rendering autoinjectors less effective, requiring higher antagonist doses or resulting in a confusing clinical picture for health care providers. Nonscheduled opioid drugs such as loperamide and dextromethorphan are associated with dependence and risk of overdose as easier access makes them attractive to opioid users. Despite a common opioid-mediated pathway, several opioids present with unique pharmacodynamic properties leading to acute toxicity and dependence development. Pharmacokinetic considerations involve half-life of the parent opioid and its metabolites as well as resulting toxicity, as is established for tramadol, codeine, and oxycodone. Pharmacokinetic considerations, toxicities, and treatment approaches for notable opioids are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Vearrier
- Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Screening of seized drugs utilizing portable Raman spectroscopy and direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS). Forensic Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2021.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
20
|
Cuesta MJ, de la Fuente D, Tejedor E, Tejedor JM, Benedí J. Stability of seized cocaine during 60 months of storage. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL: REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2021.100172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
21
|
Silvestre A, Basilicata P, Coraggio L, Guadagni R, Simonelli A, Pieri M. Illicit drugs seizures in 2013-2018 and characteristics of the illicit market within the Neapolitan area. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 321:110738. [PMID: 33647570 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The study presents results of toxicological analysis performed on seized material in Neapolitan area in the period from 2013 to 2018. A constancy in THC and heroin percentages is evidenced (%THC ~10% and ~11.5% for marijuana and hashish; heroine: 20-24%), with mean values exceeding the European data. Data on cocaine revealed a constant increment of active principle percentage over the studied period (from 40% in 2013 to ~65% in 2018), with peak of 70% in 2017; also, number of samples exceeding the mean value increased over years. Active principles contents resulted higher than the ones reported in other Italian area ever the same period; marijuana was prevalent on hashish, confirming an Italian trend different from other European countries. A map of the Campania region evidenced two main "storage" districts, one corresponding to the city center and the second located in the northern part. If compared with literature data on the presence of local mafia, these areas are perfectly superimposable to those with the highest risk of homicides, thus confirming the degree of radicalization of local organizations and the relative weight of proceeds from drugs sale. Moreover, such radicalization within the territory seems to be the main reason of the absence of new psychoactive substances among the seized material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Silvestre
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - P Basilicata
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - L Coraggio
- Department of Economics and Statistics. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - R Guadagni
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - A Simonelli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - M Pieri
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Science-Legal Medicine Section. University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chagas FO, Hespanhol MC, da Silva LHM, Patrício PR, Maldaner AO, Soares TS, Castro ASB, Marinho PA. An optical sensor for the detection and quantification of lidocaine in cocaine samples. Analyst 2020; 145:6562-6571. [PMID: 32780050 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01246g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
An optical sensor (OS) was synthesized by mixing 10,12-pentacosadiinoic acid (PDA) with a triblock copolymer for use in the detection/quantification of lidocaine (LD) in seized cocaine hydrochloride (seized CH) samples. In the presence of LD, the OS presented a chromatic transition from blue to red, while no chromatic transition was observed for other typical cocaine adulterants or cocaine hydrochloride. Isothermal titration calorimetry analysis revealed specific interactions between the PDA molecules of the OS and the LD molecules, with these interactions being enthalpically favorable (-1.20 to -36.7 kJ mol-1). Therefore, the OS color change only occurred when LD was present in the sample, making the OS selective for LD. Consequently, LD was successfully detected in seized CH samples, irrespective of the type of adulteration. The OS was used for the quantification of LD in seized CH samples containing different adulterants, providing a linear range of 0.0959 to 0.225% (w/w), a precision of 7.2%, an accuracy ranging from -10 to 10%, and limits of detection and quantification of 0.0110% (w/w) and 0.0334% (w/w), respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francielle O Chagas
- Grupo de Análises e Educação para a Sustentabilidade (GAES), Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologias Analíticas Avançadas (INCTAA), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
A brief overview on the importance of analyzing drug adulterants in the treatment of non-fatal overdose and substance use disorder of street cocaine. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
24
|
Onoka I, Banyika AT, Banerjee PN, Makangara JJ, Dujourdy L. A review of the newly identified impurity profiles in methamphetamine seizures. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:194-205. [PMID: 32637907 PMCID: PMC7327898 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Forensic intelligence of synthetic illicit drugs suffers a problem of continuous introduction of new synthetic methods, modification of the existing routes of manufacture, and adulterations practiced by criminal networks. Impurity profiling has been indispensable in methamphetamine intelligence based on precursors, synthetic routes, and chemical modifications during trafficking. Law enforcement authorities maintain the credibility and integrity of intelligence information through constant monitoring of the chemical signatures in the illicit drug market. Changes in the synthetic pattern result in new impurity profiles that are important in keeping valuable intelligence information on clandestine laboratories, new synthetic routes, trafficking patterns, and geographical sources of illicit Methamphetamine. This review presents a critical analysis of the methamphetamine impurity profiles and more specifically, profiling based on impurity profiles from Leuckart, Reductive amination, Moscow, Emde, Nagai, Birch, Moscow route; a recent nitrostyrene route and stable isotope signatures. It also highlights the discrimination of ephedrine from pseudoephedrine sources and the emerging methamphetamine profiling based on stable isotopes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Onoka
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P.O Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Andrew Toyi Banyika
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P.O Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Protibha Nath Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P.O Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - John J Makangara
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, P.O Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Laurence Dujourdy
- Agrosup Dijon, Department of Engineering and Process Science, Research Support Service Agrosup Dijon - DSIP - Bât. Longelles 26 bd Dr Petitjean, BP 87999 21079, Dijon Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Analytical findings in used syringes from a syringe exchange program. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 81:102770. [PMID: 32442881 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since it's first implementatation in 1984, Syringe Exchange Programs (SEP) are a critical component of harm reduction interventions among people who inject drugs.. The aim of this work was to use a scientific analytical approach to obtain drug use information through the analysis of the content of used syringes. METHODS 357 syringes were collected in New York City and submitted to qualitative analysis. Screening analysis was performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and confirmatory analysis by liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF). RESULTS Of the 357 syringes analyzed, 275 (77.0%) were positive for one or more substances. The most common drug of abuse identified was heroin/related substances (72.0%), followed by cocaine/related substance (34.9%), fentanyl/related substance (13.5%), methamphetamine/related substance (7.6%) and furanylfentanyl (3.6%). Quinine/quinidine (18.5%) was the most common cutting agent detected, followed by levamisole (12.0%), caffeine (11.6%), lidocaine (11.6%), and phenacetin (6.9%). CONCLUSION Analysis of samples collected from a drug street scenario allows the identification of new substances being injected and provides information to harm reduction programs to identify strategies to reduce drug abuse.
Collapse
|
26
|
Joubert V, Trébuchet M, Mikic M, Silvestre V, Schiphorst A, Loquet D, Stemmelen A, Ladroue V, Besacier F, Akoka S, Remaud GS. Isotopomics by isotope ratio monitoring by
13
C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry on cutting agents in heroin: A new approach for illicit drugs trafficking route elucidation. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:449-457. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Joubert
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Matéo Trébuchet
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Mariana Mikic
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Virginie Silvestre
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Anne‐Marie Schiphorst
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Denis Loquet
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Anaïs Stemmelen
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Virginie Ladroue
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Fabrice Besacier
- Institut National de Police Scientifique (INPS)Laboratoire de Lyon (LPS69) Ecully Cedex France
| | - Serge Akoka
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| | - Gérald S. Remaud
- Elucidation of Biosynthesis by Isotopic Spectrometry Group, CEISAMUniversity of Nantes‐CNRS UMR6230 Nantes France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lefrancois E, Belackova V, Silins E, Latimer J, Jauncey M, Shimmon R, Mozaner Bordin D, Augsburger M, Esseiva P, Roux C, Morelato M. Substances injected at the Sydney supervised injecting facility: A chemical analysis of used injecting equipment and comparison with self-reported drug type. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 209:107909. [PMID: 32145660 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Providing information about substances injected can reduce the negative impact of illicit drug consumption and support people who inject drugs to make informed decisions. In Australia, information about drugs injected relies largely on periodic self-report surveys. For the first time, the analysis of the residual content of used injecting equipment was conducted in a supervised injecting facility (SIF) located in Sydney, Australia. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the substances injected by clients through: (1) chemical analyses of the content of used syringes; (2) comparison of these results with clients' self-reported drug use; and (3) assessing the usefulness of analysing other injecting equipment to detect substances used. During one week in February 2019, syringes and other injecting equipment were collected at the Sydney SIF. Their residual content was analysed by gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry. Heroin was the most commonly detected substance (present in 51% of syringes), followed by methamphetamine (22%) and oxycodone (10%). In addition to the main psychoactive substance, cutting agents reported in the literature were also detected in used syringes. The main psychoactive substance identified by laboratory analysis reliably corresponded with users' self-reported drug type. Analytical confirmation of substances injected allows for the provision of better targeted harm reduction messaging based on timely and objective data. The approach used is amenable to clients and feasible in the Australian SIF context. Upscaling and wider implementation could be done through Needle and Syringe Programs, and would support the early detection of harmful substances entering drug markets and better inform harm reduction strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Lefrancois
- School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Lausanne, Avenue Forel 15, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Vendula Belackova
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia; Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of New South Wales
| | - Edmund Silins
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, 22-32 King St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Julie Latimer
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Marianne Jauncey
- Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, 66 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Ronald Shimmon
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Dayanne Mozaner Bordin
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Marc Augsburger
- University Centre of Legal Medicine (CURML), Chemin de la Vulliette 4, CH-1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Esseiva
- School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Lausanne, Avenue Forel 15, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claude Roux
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Marie Morelato
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fatigante WL, Mukta S, Lawton ZE, Bruno AM, Traub A, Gasa AJ, Stelmack AR, Wilson-Frank CR, Mulligan CC. Filter Cone Spray Ionization Coupled to a Portable MS System: Application to On-Site Forensic Evidence and Environmental Sample Analysis. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:336-346. [PMID: 32031391 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.9b00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of field-borne sample matrices and the instrumental constraints of portable mass spectrometers (MS) often necessitate that preparative steps are added prior to ambient MS methods when operated on-site, but the corresponding decrease in throughput and experimental simplicity can make field operation impractical. To this end, we report a modified ambient MS method, filter cone spray ionization (FCSI), specifically designed for simple, yet robust, processing of bulk forensic evidence and environmental samples using a fieldable MS system. This paper-crafted source utilizes low-cost laboratory consumables to produce a conical structure that serves as a disposable, spray-based ionization source. Integrated extraction and filtration capabilities mitigate sample heterogeneity and carryover concerns and expedite sample processing, as characterized through the analysis of a variety of authentic forensic evidence types (e.g., abused pharma tablets, counterfeit/adulterated tablets, crystal-based drugs, synthetic marijuana, toxicological specimens) and contaminated soil samples. The data presented herein suggests that the FCSI-MS design could prove robust to the rigors of field-borne, bulk sample screening, overcoming the inefficiencies of other ambient MS methods for these sample classes. Novel applications of FCSI-MS are also examined, such as the coupling to trace evidence vacuum filtration media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William L Fatigante
- Department of Chemistry , Illinois State University , Normal , Illinois 61790 , United States
| | - Shahnaz Mukta
- Department of Chemistry , Illinois State University , Normal , Illinois 61790 , United States
| | - Zachary E Lawton
- Department of Chemistry , Illinois State University , Normal , Illinois 61790 , United States
| | - Alessandra M Bruno
- Department of Chemistry , Illinois State University , Normal , Illinois 61790 , United States
| | - Angelica Traub
- Department of Chemistry , Illinois State University , Normal , Illinois 61790 , United States
| | - Alyssa J Gasa
- Department of Chemistry , Illinois State University , Normal , Illinois 61790 , United States
| | - Ashley R Stelmack
- Department of Chemistry , Illinois State University , Normal , Illinois 61790 , United States
| | - Christina R Wilson-Frank
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
- Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory , Purdue University , West Lafayette , Indiana 47907 , United States
| | - Christopher C Mulligan
- Department of Chemistry , Illinois State University , Normal , Illinois 61790 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Morelato M, Franscella D, Esseiva P, Broséus J. When does the cutting of cocaine and heroin occur? The first large-scale study based on the chemical analysis of cocaine and heroin seizures in Switzerland. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 73:7-15. [PMID: 31330276 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicit drug profiling can provide knowledge about illicit drug markets, informing on the level of distribution and its evolution in space and time. Illicit drug profiling is usually limited to impurities originally present in the illicit drug (e.g. alkaloids, co-extracted compounds or by-products). However, the benefit of a comprehensive analysis of cutting agents in drug seizures for law enforcement agencies, intelligence and health policy has not been thoroughly investigated in the literature and is the focus of this research. AIM This research aims at assessing when and how cutting (i.e. adulteration and dilution) occurs in the supply chain by analysing cocaine and heroin seizures made between 2006 and 2015 in Switzerland. METHODS Cocaine and heroin seizures made along the supply chain by law enforcement agencies in the Western region of Switzerland were investigated for adulteration and dilution. A total number of 7841 cocaine and 3476 heroin specimens coming from 1341 and 721 seizures, respectively, were analysed. RESULTS The results show that, for both illicit drugs, adulteration and/or dilution occur before arrival into Switzerland as well as in Switzerland. While cocaine is adulterated and diluted, heroin is only adulterated. Interestingly, the same mixture of adulterants (i.e. caffeine-paracetamol) is used to cut heroin at each step in the supply chain. CONCLUSION Gaining knowledge about adulteration and dilution at different stages in the supply chain enhances our understanding of drug markets. It also highlights differences along the supply chain and in the distribution of both drugs in Switzerland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Morelato
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Davide Franscella
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Esseiva
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julian Broséus
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Université de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gameiro R, Costa S, Barroso M, Franco J, Fonseca S. Toxicological analysis of cocaine adulterants in blood samples. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 299:95-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
31
|
Determination of cocaine adulterants in human urine by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. Anal Bioanal Chem 2019; 411:3447-3461. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-019-01797-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
32
|
Simpson KJ, Moran MT, Foster ML, Shah DT, Chung DY, Nichols SD, McCall KL, Piper BJ. Descriptive, observational study of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical arrests, use, and overdoses in Maine. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e027117. [PMID: 31036710 PMCID: PMC6501962 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Maine Diversion Alert Program grants healthcare providers access to law enforcement data on drug charges. The objectives of this report were to analyse variations in drug charges by demographics and examine recent trends in arrests, prescriptions of controlled substances and overdoses. DESIGN Observational. SETTING Arrests, controlled prescription medication distribution and overdoses in Maine. PARTICIPANTS Drug arrestees (n=1272) and decedents (n=2432). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Arrestees were analysed by sex and age. Substances involved in arrests were reported by schedule (I-V or non-controlled prescription) and into opioids, stimulants or other classes. Controlled substances reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration (2007-2017) were evaluated. Drug-induced deaths (2007-2017) reported to the medical examiner were examined by the substance(s) identified. RESULTS Males were more commonly arrested for stimulants and schedule II substances. More than two-thirds of arrests involved individuals under the age of 40. Individuals age >60 were elevated for oxycodone arrests. Over three-fifths (63.38%) of arrests involved schedule II-IV substances. Opioids accounted for almost half (44.6%) of arrests followed by stimulants (32.5%) and sedatives (9.1%). Arrests involving buprenorphine exceeded those for oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, tramadol and morphine, combined. Prescriptions for hydrocodone (-56.0%) and oxycodone (-46.9%) declined while buprenorphine increased (+58.1%) between 2012 and 2017. Deaths from 2007 to 2017 tripled. Acetylfentanyl and furanylfentanyl were the most common fentanyl analogues identified. CONCLUSIONS Although the overall profile of those arrested for drug crimes in 2017 involve males, age <40 and heroin, exceptions (oxycodone for older adults) were observed. Most prescription opioids are decreasing while deaths involving opioids continue to increase in Maine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Simpson
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew T Moran
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Dipam T Shah
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Y Chung
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kenneth L McCall
- Pharmacy Practice, University of New England College of Pharmacy, Portland, Maine, USA
| | - Brian J Piper
- Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Skoupá V, Jeništová A, Setnička V, Matějka P. Role of TiO 2 Nanoparticles and UV Irradiation in the Enhancement of SERS Spectra To Improve Levamisole and Cocaine Detection on Au Substrates. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:4540-4547. [PMID: 30840826 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The original goal of this study was the employment of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the analysis of real cocaine samples (containing adulterants) on composite Au-TiO2 nanomaterials to achieve low detection limits suitable for the analysis of illicit drugs and controlled substances and to exploit the photodegradation activity of TiO2 to recycle the SERS substrate for repeated analyses. The photodegradation (self-cleaning) effects of the Au-TiO2 composite nanomaterials by ultraviolet (UV) radiation are known. These effects were investigated on large-area SERS substrates immersed in the TiO2 nanoparticle aqueous suspension. The cocaine samples were measured on electrochemically gold-plated platinum targets. Surprisingly, the intensity of SERS spectra of the pure cocaine did not change after immersion in a suspension of TiO2 under UV irradiation. However, for some real cocaine samples, the overall intensity of the SERS spectra was even higher after the treatment by TiO2 and UV radiation as compared to the usual Au substrate. This unexpected signal amplification (valuable for illicit drug detection) was found to be caused mainly by the contained levamisole, which is used as a medical drug and is one of the frequent adulterants of cocaine. Both the sole effect of TiO2 on the levamisole spectrum intensity and the role of UV irradiation were inspected separately. Finally, an investigation of both the TiO2 and UV radiation treatments was performed, demonstrating (i) the necessity of both factors for selective SERS signal enhancement of the adulterant and (ii) the revision of general anticipation of the role of TiO2 in SERS systems.
Collapse
|
34
|
Goodchild SA, Hubble LJ, Mishra RK, Li Z, Goud KY, Barfidokht A, Shah R, Bagot KS, McIntosh AJS, Wang J. Ionic Liquid-Modified Disposable Electrochemical Sensor Strip for Analysis of Fentanyl. Anal Chem 2019; 91:3747-3753. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Goodchild
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Defence Science
and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JQ, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Lee J. Hubble
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Lindfield, New South Wales 2070, Australia
| | - Rupesh K. Mishra
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Zhanhong Li
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - K. Yugender Goud
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Abbas Barfidokht
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Rushabh Shah
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Kara S. Bagot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | | | - Joseph Wang
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Fiorentin TR, Krotulski AJ, Martin DM, Browne T, Triplett J, Conti T, Logan BK. Detection of Cutting Agents in Drug‐Positive Seized Exhibits within the United States. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:888-896. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Taís R. Fiorentin
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
| | - Alex J. Krotulski
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
| | - David M. Martin
- Drug Enforcement Administration Educational Foundation 2020 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC 20006
| | - Thom Browne
- The Colombo Plan 31 Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7 Sri Lanka
| | - Jeremy Triplett
- Kentucky State Police Central Forensic Laboratory 100 Sower Blv Frankfurt KY 40601
| | - Trisha Conti
- Vermont Forensic Laboratory 45 State Drive Waterbury VT 05671
| | - Barry K. Logan
- The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation 2300 Stratford Ave Willow Grove PA 19090
- NMS Labs 3701 Welsh Road Willow Grove PA 19090
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Haddad A, Comanescu MA, Green O, Kubic TA, Lombardi JR. Detection and Quantitation of Trace Fentanyl in Heroin by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2018; 90:12678-12685. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b02909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abed Haddad
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, City University of New York Graduate School and University Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department of Chemistry, City University of New York, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Mircea A. Comanescu
- Ph.D. Program in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Specialization, City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 West 59th Street, New York, New York 10019, United States
| | - Omar Green
- Ionica Sciences, Inc., McGovern Center for Venture Development in the Life Sciences, 413 Weill Hall, 526 North Campus Drive, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Thomas A. Kubic
- Ph.D. Program in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science Specialization, City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 West 59th Street, New York, New York 10019, United States
| | - John R. Lombardi
- Department of Chemistry, City University of New York, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10031, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Stam NC, Gerostamoulos D, Gerstner-Stevens J, Scott N, Smith K, Drummer OH, Pilgrim JL. Determining the effective dose of street-level heroin: A new way to consider fluctuations in heroin purity, mass and potential contribution to overdose. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 290:219-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
38
|
Cocaine/levamisole-associated autoimmune syndrome: a disease of neutrophil-mediated autoimmunity. Curr Opin Hematol 2018; 25:29-36. [PMID: 29211697 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Levamisole was previously used for its immunomodulatory properties to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers. However, because of serious side-effects, it was taken off the market in the United States. Recently, levamisole has reemerged as a popular cocaine adulterant. Some individuals who consume levamisole-adulterated cocaine can develop a life-threatening autoimmune syndrome. In this review, the medical consequences of levamisole exposure and postulated mechanisms by which levamisole induces these adverse effects are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Although agranulocytosis and cutaneous vasculitis are the major findings in patients who develop cocaine/levamisole-associated autoimmune syndrome (CLAAS), more recent experience indicates that other organ systems can be involved as well. Current studies point to neutrophil activation and neutrophil extracellular trap formation with subsequent antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-mediated tissue injury as a possible mechanism of CLAAS. SUMMARY In the past decade, the detrimental effects of levamisole have reemerged because of its popularity as a cocaine adulterant. Although infrequent, some individuals develop a systemic autoimmune syndrome characterized by immune-mediated agranulocytosis and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-mediated vasculitis. Mechanistically, neutrophil antigens appear to be a major player in inducing CLAAS. Prompt cessation of levamisole exposure is key to treatment, although relapses are frequent because of the addictive effects of cocaine and the high prevalence of levamisole within the cocaine supply.
Collapse
|
39
|
de Jong M, Florea A, Vries AMD, van Nuijs ALN, Covaci A, Van Durme F, Martins JC, Samyn N, De Wael K. Levamisole: a Common Adulterant in Cocaine Street Samples Hindering Electrochemical Detection of Cocaine. Anal Chem 2018; 90:5290-5297. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mats de Jong
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anca Florea
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anne-Mare de Vries
- NMR and Structure Analysis Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Durme
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - José C. Martins
- NMR and Structure Analysis Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 S4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Samyn
- Drugs and Toxicology Department, National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Wael
- AXES Research Group, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Piper BJ, Suarez MJ, Piserchio JP, Shah DT, Simoyan OM, McCall KL, Desrosiers CE, Nichols SD. Illicit and prescription drug misuse as reported to the Maine Diversion Alert Program. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 285:65-71. [PMID: 29453006 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic is rapidly evolving and new tools are needed to combat drug abuse. The Maine Diversion Alert Program (DAP) is an informational resource that facilitates communication about drug arrests between the criminal justice and healthcare fields. The objectives of this report were to: (1) describe the illegal and prescription pharmaceuticals reported to the DAP; (2) determine if the drugs implicated in arrests changed from the first to latter half of 2016; (3) identify the demographic and other characteristics of arrestees; and (4) outline the strengths and limitations of the DAP for other areas considering implementing similar programs. METHODS The arrests (N=2,368, 31.4% female, mean age=33.7, SD=9.9, Min=18, Max=71.5) reported to the DAP were examined. Drugs were classified by Drug Enforcement Administration Schedule (I-V, non-controlled prescription) and into families (opioids, stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, and other). A comparison between the first and second half of 2016 and arrest by county was completed. RESULTS Arrests involved 2,957 substances (drugs and paraphernalia). Most arrests (80.6%) involved a single drug. One-third (33.2%) of arrests involved illicit drugs (i.e. Schedule I) and three-fifths (59.8%) were for controlled prescription medical drugs (i.e. Schedule II-V), and a minority (6.8%) involved non-controlled prescription drugs (e.g. gabapentin, bupropion). Opioids (e.g. heroin, buprenorphine, and oxycodone) accounted for over-half (51.3%) of arrests followed by stimulants (29.0%, e.g. cocaine), and sedatives (7.6%). Arrests for oxycodone significantly decreased (51.9%) and alprazolam increased (89.3%) during 2016. Arrestees for non-controlled prescription drugs were older than arrestees for illegal drugs. Arrests, correcting for population, were most common in more urban (e.g. Androscoggin and Cumberland) counties. CONCLUSIONS Opioids (illicit and prescription) account for over half of all arrests. However, arrests for oxycodone decreased while arrests for benzodiazepines, and especially alprazolam, increased in 2016. The DAP is a novel source of information for healthcare decisions and can empirically inform law enforcement about drug misuse and addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Piper
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA.
| | - Michael J Suarez
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | - John P Piserchio
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | - Dipam T Shah
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sulaiman M, Kunalan V, Yap ATW, Lim WJL, Ng JJY, Loh SWX, Chan KB. Heroin in Malaysia and Singapore. Drug Test Anal 2018; 10:109-119. [PMID: 28670869 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Clandestine heroin laboratories have been a feature of the Malaysian illicit drug scene since soon after the abuse of heroin emerged in 1972. The first few clandestine heroin laboratories which synthesised heroin via the acetylation of imported morphine were uncovered in 1973 and 1977. By the mid-1980s, this type of laboratory was replaced by heroin-cutting laboratories whereby imported high-grade heroin was cut to street heroin. This was to meet the rising demand for the drug owing to the rapid escalation of the number of drug users. Over the years, the most significant change in the composition of the street heroin is the decrease in its purity from 30%-50% to 3%-5%. Caffeine has remained the major adulterant and chloroquine is detected in virtually all recent seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angeline T W Yap
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Wendy J L Lim
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Joey Joo Yee Ng
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - Samuel Wei Xiong Loh
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| | - K B Chan
- Illicit Drugs Laboratory, Applied Sciences Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lefrançois E, Augsburger M, Esseiva P. Drug residues in used syringes in Switzerland: A comparative study. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:874-879. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pierre Esseiva
- School of Criminal Justice; University of Lausanne; Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Martello S, Pieri M, Ialongo C, Pignalosa S, Noce G, Vernich F, Russo C, Mineo F, Bernardini S, Marsella LT. Levamisole in Illicit Trafficking Cocaine Seized: A One-Year Study. J Psychoactive Drugs 2017; 49:408-412. [PMID: 28813206 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1361558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine use is increasing around the world and its purity is frequently altered through dilution, substitution, contamination, and adulteration. Sugars, talc, starch, and carbonates represent the principal diluents of cocaine, while phenacetin, levamisole, caffeine, and lidocaine are its major adulterants in Europe. Levamisole is used because it is an odorless powder, with physical properties similar to cocaine, and it has reasonable cost and availability, being widely used in veterinary medicine. For this study, we analyzed 88 cocaine samples. The seized cocaine analyzed showed an average purity of 55% and the most frequent adulterants identified were: levamisole (31.8%), caffeine (6.8%), lidocaine (2.3%), acetaminophen (2.3%), and phenacetin (1.1%). Our aim is the study of the presence of levamisole, over other adulterants in seized cocaine samples, due to its recognized human toxicity. The chronic use of levamisole-adulterated cocaine represents a serious public health issue because it may be responsible for side-effects such as dermal vasculopathy, leukoencephalopathy, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, multiple emboli, and several other effects. Moreover, aminorex can cause idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, presenting another harmful and mostly lethal side-effect from cocaine cut with levamisole. In conclusion, levamisole determination should be performed in routine toxicological analysis in deaths due to cocaine use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Martello
- a Pharmacist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Massimo Pieri
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Cristiano Ialongo
- c Medical Doctor, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Stefano Pignalosa
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Gianluca Noce
- d Chemist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesca Vernich
- e Biologist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Carmelo Russo
- b Biologist, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Federico Mineo
- f Biotechnologist, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- g Full Professor, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Luigi Tonino Marsella
- h Associate Professor, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Villar Núñez MDLÁ, Sánchez Morcillo J, Ruíz Martínez MA. Purity and adulteration in cocaine seizures and drug market inspection in Galicia (Spain) across an eight-year period. Drug Test Anal 2017; 10:381-391. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - José Sánchez Morcillo
- Departamento de Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica; Universidad de Granada; Granada Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gyarmathy VA, Péterfi A, Figeczki T, Kiss J, Medgyesi-Frank K, Posta J, Csorba J. Diverted medications and new psychoactive substances—A chemical network analysis of discarded injecting paraphernalia in Hungary. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
46
|
Kudlacek O, Hofmaier T, Luf A, Mayer FP, Stockner T, Nagy C, Holy M, Freissmuth M, Schmid R, Sitte HH. Cocaine adulteration. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 83-84:75-81. [PMID: 28619473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is a naturally occurring and illicitly used psychostimulant drug. Cocaine acts at monoaminergic neurotransmitter transporters to block uptake of the monoamines, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. The resulting increase of monoamines in the extracellular space underlies the positively reinforcing effects that cocaine users seek. In turn, this increase in monoamines underlies the development of addiction, and can also result in a number of severe side effects. Currently, cocaine is one of the most common illicit drugs available on the European market. However, cocaine is increasingly sold in impure forms. This trend is driven by cocaine dealers seeking to increase their profit margin by mixing ("cutting") cocaine with numerous other compounds ("adulterants"). Importantly, these undeclared compounds put cocaine consumers at risk, because consumers are not aware of the additional potential threats to their health. This review describes adulterants that have been identified in cocaine sold on the street market. Their typical pharmacological profile and possible reasons why these compounds can be used as cutting agents will be discussed. Since a subset of these adulterants has been found to exert effects similar to cocaine itself, we will discuss levamisole, the most frequently used cocaine cutting agent today, and its metabolite aminorex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Kudlacek
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tina Hofmaier
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Luf
- Medical University of Vienna, Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix P Mayer
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Constanze Nagy
- checkit!-Suchthilfe Wien gGmbH, Gumpendorferstraße8, 1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Holy
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Schmid
- Medical University of Vienna, Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Waehringerstrasse 13a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Center for Addiction Research and Science - Medical University Vienna, Waehringerstrasse 13A, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Broséus J, Baechler S, Esseiva P. A response to “The importance of economic context in interpreting forensic data on drug trafficking networks”. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 273:e22-e23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
48
|
Sena LCS, Matos HR, Dórea HS, Pimentel MF, de Santana DCAS, de Santana FJM. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop and high-performance liquid chromatography to the analysis of cocaine’s major adulterants in human urine. Toxicology 2017; 376:102-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
49
|
Ladroue V, Dujourdy L, Besacier F, Jame P. IRMS to study a common cocaine cutting agent: phenacetin. Drug Test Anal 2017; 9:479-484. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Ladroue
- Institut National de Police Scientifique, Laboratoire de Lyon; 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt 69134 Ecully Cedex France
| | - Laurence Dujourdy
- Institut National de Police Scientifique, Service Central des Laboratoires; 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt 69134 Ecully Cedex France
| | - Fabrice Besacier
- Institut National de Police Scientifique, Laboratoire de Lyon; 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt 69134 Ecully Cedex France
| | - Patrick Jame
- Institut des Sciences Analytiques; 5 rue de la Doua 69100 Villeurbanne France
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yusoff MZ, Chang KH, Abdullah AFL. Attenuated total reflectance – Fourier transform infra-red spectral profiling of illicit heroin for forensic intelligence. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1275794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Zawawi Yusoff
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Department of Chemistry Malaysia, Kelantan Branch , 16100 Panji, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Kah Haw Chang
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Fahmi Lim Abdullah
- Forensic Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia , 16150 Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|