Detection of smuggled cocaine in cargo using MDCT

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Radiology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Illicit drug smuggling via bottled liquids poses a significant challenge at border control.
• Conventional screening methods like fluoroscopy are ineffective at detecting dissolved drugs in liquids.
• Cocaine smuggling in wine bottles represents a specific and persistent threat.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) screening method.
• To enable the detection of cocaine-containing vessels concealed within shipments of bottled liquids.
• To differentiate between contaminated and uncontaminated bottles in cargo.

Main Methods:

• MDCT scans were performed on confiscated wine bottles containing cocaine solutions.
• Reference data were acquired from scans of commercial wines and sugar solutions.
• Data analysis involved measuring the mean peak Hounsfield units (HU) for quantification.

Main Results:

• The MDCT method successfully detected dissolved cocaine in wine bottles noninvasively and rapidly.
• A direct correlation was observed between increasing Hounsfield units and cocaine concentration.
• Simulated testing confirmed the ability to distinguish cocaine-contaminated from uncontaminated bottles.

Conclusions:

• The developed MDCT technique is an effective screening tool for identifying cocaine-contaminated bottles in cargo.
• This noninvasive approach allows for the discreet inspection of suspicious shipments.
• The method enhances border security by providing a reliable way to detect hidden illicit substances.