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Chemical Profiling of Illicit Heroin Samples.
F Besacier1, H Chaudron-Thozet1
1Forensic Science Laboratory, Lyon, France.
Forensic Science Review
|August 11, 2015
Summary
Forensic chemists can now better compare illicit heroin samples using a comprehensive chemical fingerprinting method. This approach analyzes major constituents, impurities, solvents, inorganic compounds, and stable isotopes for reliable drug profiling.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Profiling
Background:
- Forensic chemists require methods to establish similarities between illicit drug seizures.
- Comparative analyses involve comprehensive examination of drug exhibit characteristics.
- Developing analytical methods for drug fingerprinting is crucial for forensic investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review complementary methods for the chemical profiling of illicit heroin samples.
- To describe analytical parameters for each presented method.
- To determine the most reliable procedure for complete characterization of illicit heroin.
Main Methods:
- Identification and quantitation of major constituents (opium alkaloids, adulterants, diluents).
- Characterization of trace-level impurities (e.g., neutral byproducts).
- Examination of residual solvents, inorganic compounds, and multi-element stable isotope analysis (e.g., 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 2H/1H, 18O/16O).
Main Results:
- Various complementary methods for chemical profiling of heroin were described.
- Analytical parameters for each method were discussed.
- The study presented a comprehensive approach to heroin analysis.
Conclusions:
- Combining the analysis of major constituents with impurity or residual solvent analysis provides the most reliable characterization of illicit heroin.
- Comprehensive chemical profiling enhances the ability to link drug seizures.
- This review offers a framework for standardized heroin analysis in forensic settings.