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Death after 25C-NBOMe and 25H-NBOMe consumption
Luca Morini1, Marzia Bernini2, Sara Vezzoli2
1Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, via Forlanini, 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Forensic Science International
|September 13, 2017
Summary
A teenager died by drowning after consuming 25C-NBOMe and 25H-NBOMe, potent hallucinogenic drugs. These novel psychoactive substances were detected in his blood and urine, alongside THC, indicating a potential overdose scenario.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) pose challenges in forensic toxicology.
- The 25-NBOMe class of compounds are potent synthetic hallucinogens.
- Accurate detection and quantification methods are crucial for post-mortem investigations.
Observation:
- A deceased teenager was found after exhibiting agitated and confused behavior post-party.
- Autopsy revealed drowning as the cause of death, prompting toxicological analysis.
- Blotter papers seized at the scene tested positive for 25-NBOMes.
Findings:
- LC-MS/MS analysis identified and quantified five 25-NBOMes (25B, 25C, 25D, 25H, 25I) in blood and urine.
- 25C-NBOMe and 25H-NBOMe were confirmed in biological samples and blotter papers.
- Detected 25C-NBOMe levels in blood were potentially toxic, with THC also present.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical role of advanced analytical techniques in identifying emerging NPS.
- The presence of toxic levels of 25C-NBOMe suggests a significant contribution to the subject's behavioral state.
- Forensic laboratories must be equipped to detect and quantify these potent substances for accurate cause-of-death determination.