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Non-invasive detection of cocaine dissolved in beverages using displaced Raman spectroscopy
C Eliasson1, N A Macleod, P Matousek
1Central Laser Facility, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX, United Kingdom.
Analytica Chimica Acta
|December 25, 2007
Summary
Raman spectroscopy can detect cocaine in alcoholic beverages within glass bottles. This non-invasive method offers rapid, effective screening for illicit substances, aiding in combating drug trafficking.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Illicit drug trafficking poses significant challenges to law enforcement.
- Current detection methods for concealed substances can be time-consuming and invasive.
- Need for rapid, non-destructive techniques for on-site screening of illicit compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Raman spectroscopy for detecting cocaine.
- To assess the feasibility of identifying cocaine concealed within alcoholic beverages in glass bottles.
- To determine the detection limits and acquisition times for this application.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Raman spectroscopy for chemical analysis.
- Sample preparation involved adulterating cocaine (75% purity) in an alcoholic beverage (rum).
- Acquisition time was set to 1 second for spectral analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained a clear Raman signature of cocaine with good signal-to-noise ratio.
- Detection demonstrated in a 0.7 L brown glass bottle containing an alcoholic beverage.
- Estimated detection limit of approximately 9 g of pure cocaine per 0.7 L with 1-second acquisition.
Conclusions:
- Raman spectroscopy shows significant potential for the rapid, non-invasive detection of cocaine in beverages.
- Portable Raman instruments can be employed for effective on-site screening.
- This technique can enhance efforts to combat drug trafficking.
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