The Evolution Toward Designer Benzodiazepines in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault Cases

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) presents significant toxicological challenges due to the variety of substances used.
• Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are frequently employed in DFSA owing to their rapid onset and ease of administration.
• Designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs) pose emerging threats due to structural modifications, increased potency, and limited toxicological data.

Approach:

• This review examines the toxicological analysis of BZDs and DBZDs in forensic casework.
• It details the pharmacokinetic properties (ADME) of these drug classes.
• The analysis of BZDs and DBZDs in biological samples such as blood, urine, and hair is discussed.

Key Points:

• DBZDs are a growing concern in DFSA, often outpacing regulatory control.
• Short half-lives of many BZDs and DBZDs necessitate highly sensitive analytical techniques for detection.
• Accurate identification of BZDs and DBZDs and their metabolites is crucial for forensic investigations.

Conclusions:

• Sensitive analytical methods are essential for detecting BZDs and DBZDs in biological matrices within short timeframes.
• Understanding the pharmacokinetics of these drugs aids in interpreting toxicological findings in DFSA cases.
• This review highlights the ongoing challenges and necessary advancements in the forensic analysis of BZDs and DBZDs.