Case ReportInspection and analysis of mixed drugs recently seized in China
Introduction
Amphetamines and ketamine are currently the most widely used illicit drugs in China. In recent years, use of mixed drugs has become a trend in drug abuse [1]. A new kind of illicit mixed drug oral solution has become prevalent in China recently, which is named Shenxianshui (SXS) by drug addicts. SXS means that one would have feelings of elation and exhilaration after taking it. This solution contains amphetamines, ketamine and other psychotropic drugs as well as a few new psychoactive substances.
Identification and quantitative inspection of the illicit drugs are important for conviction and sentencing as well as drug intelligence. Conclusions drawn from qualitative and quantitative identification of drugs may be applicable in drug investigation and intelligence to identify drug smuggling and trafficking network [2], [3]. In accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, qualitative and quantitative analysis are required for mixed drugs with more than two drug compositions, conclusions from which may form the basis for conviction and sentencing. In addition, mixing of drugs is considered drug manufacturing crime since it aims to change drug composition and function. Thus, qualitative and quantitative identification of the SXSs become urgently demanded. Last year (2013), we (China Fujian Judicial Expertise Center) accepted and identified 86 bottles of substances seized in 13 cases. This paper presents a summary of and report on identification outcomes.
Section snippets
Materials and chemicals
Methamphetamine hydrochloride (MA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine hydrochloride (MDMA), tenamfetamine hydrochloride (MDA), ketamine hydrochloride, 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B), nimetazepam and caffeine were purchased from Evidence Identification Center (Ministry of Public Security) while heptadecane (internal standard) and other drugs were from Aladdin, Shanghai, China. Acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, sodium hydroxide and other affiliated chemicals were purchased from Fuzhou
Evaluation of instrumental analysis methodology
Effectiveness of GC–FID and GC–MS methodology for amphetamines and ketamine analysis has been reported in literature. Please refer to [4], [5], [6], [7], [8] for research progress and report on condition optimization.
Searching of substances to be inspected was carried out with mass spectrum library NIST11 to preliminarily identify SXS component. Comparison of retention time at chromatographic peak and mass spectrum between standard substances and substance to be inspected is required for
Conclusion
SXSs is a kind of prevalent mixed drug oral solution recently seized in China. The paper presents a summary of the GC–MS and GC–FID inspection results of SXSs samples. Appearance, component and drug concentration of SXSs vary from case to case and those of SXSs in the same case may also vary from each other. Consequently, the suspected SXSs seized shall be sampled and sent for inspection one by one. The suspected SXSs with the same packaging seized from the same case of drug-related crime, as
Funding
The Technology Project of Education Department in Fujian: A (JA12349).
Acknowledgment
The authors wish to thank the Technology Project of Education Department in Fujian: A (JA12349) for financial support.
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