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Systematic analytical characterization of new psychoactive substances: A case study.
Joana Lobo Vicente1, Hubert Chassaigne1, Margaret V Holland1
1European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), Chemical Assessment and Testing Unit, via E. Fermi, 2749, TP 281, I-21020 Ispra (VA), Italy.
Forensic Science International
|February 15, 2016
Summary
Belgian Customs identified new psychoactive substances (NPS) like 5F-AMB and PX-3, previously disguised as "white pigments". Advanced techniques and chemoinformatics were crucial for accurate identification of these legal highs.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Analysis
Background:
- New psychoactive substances (NPS) are emerging globally, posing challenges to regulatory control due to structural modifications of existing illicit drugs.
- The increasing availability of NPS through online channels necessitates rapid and accurate identification methods for law enforcement and customs.
- Customs authorities require advanced analytical capabilities to identify NPS that are often mislabeled or disguised.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize two unknown substances seized by Belgian Customs, suspected to be NPS.
- To demonstrate the application of advanced analytical techniques and chemoinformatics for NPS identification.
- To support the development of science-based policies for managing NPS through accurate chemical characterization.
Main Methods:
- Gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for initial analysis.
- Advanced techniques including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy ((1)H and (13)C), High-Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HR-MS/MS), and Raman spectroscopy for complete characterization.
- Utilization of a chemoinformatic platform for data management, unification, and integration of analytical and structural information.
Main Results:
- The two seized samples, initially declared as "white pigments", were definitively identified as the NPS 5F-AMB and PX-3.
- Comprehensive analytical data from multiple advanced techniques provided unambiguous structural elucidation.
- The chemoinformatic platform successfully integrated diverse analytical data, facilitating efficient identification.
Conclusions:
- Advanced analytical techniques combined with chemoinformatics are essential for the rapid and accurate identification of novel psychoactive substances.
- Effective collaboration between customs laboratories and scientific institutions like the JRC is vital for combating the NPS market.
- The study underscores the importance of robust scientific support for policy-making regarding NPS control.
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