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Phenacetin and cocaine in a body packer
1Laboratorio di Tossicologia Forense, Istituto di Medicina Legale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F.Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy. nadiafucci@rm.unicatt.it
Forensic Science International
|April 7, 2004
Summary
A case report details acute intoxication from cocaine mixed with phenacetin. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed phenacetin in 24 packages found in a patient
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Cocaine adulteration poses significant public health risks.
- Phenacetin is a dangerous adulterant found in illicit drug supplies.
- Acute intoxication cases require rapid and accurate identification of substances.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male presented with acute intoxication symptoms.
- Twenty-four drug packages were discovered within the patient's gastrointestinal tract.
- The packages contained a mixture suspected to be cocaine adulterated with phenacetin.
Findings:
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis confirmed the presence of phenacetin.
- The adulterant was identified in the ingested cocaine packages.
- This case highlights the prevalence of phenacetin in street cocaine.
Implications:
- Confirms phenacetin as a common adulterant in illicit cocaine.
- Underscores the need for advanced analytical techniques in toxicology.
- Informs public health strategies for managing drug-related harms.