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Mephedrone (methylmethcathinone) in toxicology casework: a Northern Ireland perspective

Simon H Cosbey1, K Laota Peters, Amy Quinn

  • 1Forensic Science Northern Ireland, 151 Belfast Rd., Carrickfergus BT38 8PL. Simon.cosbey@FSNI.x.gsi.gov.uk

Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|January 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Mephedrone, a stimulant drug, was analyzed in casework involving impaired driving and sudden death. This study found mephedrone intoxication directly caused two deaths and was present in 32 impaired driving cases.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a beta-keto analogue of 4-methylmethylamphetamine, gained popularity as a legal high in the UK before its 2010 control.
  • It possesses stimulant and psychoactive properties, making it relevant to forensic investigations.

Observation:

  • Casework data from late 2009 to end of 2010 involving mephedrone was surveyed.
  • Blood samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), alongside other analytical techniques for alcohol and drugs of abuse.

Findings:

  • Mephedrone was detected in 12 fatal cases, with two deaths attributed to intoxication (blood concentrations 2.1 and 1.94 mg/L).
  • It was also found in 32 impaired driving cases, with blood concentrations up to 0.74 mg/L (mean 0.21 mg/L).

Implications:

  • Recreational mephedrone use can lead to significant blood concentrations, posing risks in impaired driving scenarios.
  • The findings highlight the forensic significance of mephedrone in toxicology casework, particularly concerning driving impairment and fatalities.

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