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IRMS to study a common cocaine cutting agent: phenacetin
Virginie Ladroue1, Laurence Dujourdy2, Fabrice Besacier1
1Institut National de Police Scientifique, Laboratoire de Lyon, 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 69134, Ecully Cedex, France.
Drug Testing and Analysis
|November 19, 2016
Summary
Stable isotope analysis of phenacetin, a banned drug often found in cocaine, revealed it may originate from a single source. This finding helps trace illicit drug supplies and understand manufacturing origins.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Chemistry
- Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
Background:
- Phenacetin, a pharmaceutical linked to acetaminophen, is banned due to severe health risks (nephritic, carcinogenic).
- It is frequently identified as a cutting agent in illicit cocaine seizures, posing public health and law enforcement concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of stable isotope analysis for tracing the origin of phenacetin.
- To differentiate between phenacetin manufacturers and identify common sources in seized drug samples.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 228 seized phenacetin samples and 8 known standards over six years.
- Utilized Gas Chromatography (GC) and Elemental Analysis - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (EA-IRMS).
- Measured stable isotope ratios of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
Main Results:
- Isotopic values of commercial phenacetin standards showed significant variation, suggesting potential for manufacturer discrimination.
- Most seized phenacetin samples exhibited a narrow range of isotopic values, indicating a likely single or limited number of smuggling sources.
- Stable isotope analysis was effective in excluding common origins for some samples.
Conclusions:
- Stable isotope analysis is a valuable tool for investigating the provenance of phenacetin.
- The study suggests that seized phenacetin predominantly originates from a limited number of sources, aiding in the disruption of illicit drug supply chains.