Lecture
New applications for old techniques – rapid analysis of old and new drugs by mobile divices
- at -
- ICM Saal 5
- Type: Lecture
Lecture description
The drug market has been in a state of flux for several years: among the "usual suspects" there have been changes such as declining heroin production, new smuggling variations of cocaine, and many new precursor chemicals for synthetic drugs. Additionally, new psychoactive substances (NPS) are on the market, mimicking the effects of already prohibited narcotics, but often exhibiting different structural elements or complete structures, making them legally available as research chemicals. These NPS are often far more potent than the actual narcotics and extremely dangerous – not only for users and the testing laboratory, but especially for the police officers who seize them, classify the substance and package the substances for further forensic examination. Another source of potential danger is seemingly harmless carrier materials that have been treated with NPS, such as notepaper send as mail in correctional facilities.
Drug analysis has long been an integral part of forensic science. Thanks to advancements in techniques such as near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy, these devices can now be made so small and compact that they can be used not only in laboratories, but also by the police as mobile devices. These techniques can be used on sealed, transparent containers, such as resealable bags without opening them. Thus minimises the risk of intoxication from the substances contained within. Ion mobility spectrometry is already being used to screen mail screening in correctional facilities.
To use the devices effectively, suitable databases are needed. These can only be expanded with the help of forensic laboratories, since only these have access to the relevant and novel samples. Correct interpretation of the results depends on the applicant
having the right skills and experience. This presentation provides an overview of the legal situation regarding drugs in Germany, the creation of the databases and the validation of the devices. Furthermore, this covers how mobile spectrometers are used by the police in North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the training of employees at the State Criminal Police Office.
Drug analysis has long been an integral part of forensic science. Thanks to advancements in techniques such as near-infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy, these devices can now be made so small and compact that they can be used not only in laboratories, but also by the police as mobile devices. These techniques can be used on sealed, transparent containers, such as resealable bags without opening them. Thus minimises the risk of intoxication from the substances contained within. Ion mobility spectrometry is already being used to screen mail screening in correctional facilities.
To use the devices effectively, suitable databases are needed. These can only be expanded with the help of forensic laboratories, since only these have access to the relevant and novel samples. Correct interpretation of the results depends on the applicant
having the right skills and experience. This presentation provides an overview of the legal situation regarding drugs in Germany, the creation of the databases and the validation of the devices. Furthermore, this covers how mobile spectrometers are used by the police in North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the training of employees at the State Criminal Police Office.
