A systematic approach to the analysis of illicit drugs for DNA with an overview of the problems encountered.

Due to the restricted nature of illicit drugs, it is difficult to conduct research surrounding the analysis of this drug material for any potential DNA in sufficient quantities acceptable for high numbers of replicates. Therefore, the current research available in peer reviewed journals thus far regarding analysing illicit drugs for DNA has been performed under varying experimental conditions, often using surrogate chemicals in place of illicit drugs. The data presented within this study originated from the analysis of genuine illicit drugs prepared both in controlled environments and those seized at the Australian border (and therefore from an uncontrolled environment) to determine if DNA can be obtained from this type of material.

Comparison of three DNA extraction methods tested on illicit drug-related powders.

The detection of human DNA on and within illicit drug preparations is novel and a focus of current research. Previous studies have indicated that certain drug-related powders present in illicit drug preparations can interfere with downstream DNA analysis when directly added to the PCR. Therefore, it is important to determine if these drug-related powders are effectively removed during the DNA extraction or whether traces of powder remain to interfere with DNA processing.

Recovery of integrated and surface trace DNA from illicit drug tablets.

In many parts of the world, tablets are a commonly encountered form of illicit drug preparation. Whilst previous research has investigated the feasibility of detecting trace DNA on illicit drug capsules, this has not been performed for tablets. Tablets have a unique substrate surface and therefore the amount of DNA transferring to them and persisting on them may be different to capsules; there may also be differences in the collection efficiency and the outcome of downstream DNA processing and analysis steps.

DNA on drugs (part 2): An extended study into the transfer and persistence of DNA onto illicit drug capsules using realistic scenarios.

Capsules are now the main form of ecstasy rather than tablets in Australia and therefore their examination is of interest to forensic drug chemists in Australia and possibly elsewhere. Recently, we used controlled experimental conditions to show that capsules may be a source of DNA that can be used to identify those involved in production and distribution of illicit drugs. The question remains: in realistic scenarios where there are more unknowns, can we still detect DNA, and determine whose it is, on the exterior of capsules? The concept of comprehensive forensic intelligence and investigations - utilizing both biological and chemical signatures - relating to illicit drug preparations (i.

A survey of the effects of common illicit drugs on forensic DNA analysis.

Profiling of DNA associated with illicit drug packages and paraphernalia is a common investigative tool. In addition, research is being conducted regarding the analysis of trace DNA present within illicit drugs and on capsules. The application of trace DNA analysis to illicit drugs has the potential to identify individuals involved in their manufacture and distribution.

Impurity profiling of methamphetamine synthesized from methyl α-acetylphenylacetate.

The group of P2P precursors including α-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN), α-phenylacetoamide (APAA) and methyl α-acetylphenylacetate (MAPA) has become increasingly popular in Europe and other parts of the world in the last decade. Previous investigations have reported the use of APAAN in the synthesis of amphetamine and methamphetamine and identified a range of characteristic impurities. This research has expanded upon the current literature by investigating the use of MAPA in the synthesis of methamphetamine.

Impurity profiling of methamphetamine synthesised from α-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN).

The rise in popularity of 'designer' precursor compounds for the synthesis of amphetamine-type stimulants poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies. One such precursor is α-phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN). APAAN emerged in Europe in 2010 and quickly became one of the most popular precursors for amphetamine synthesis in that region.

DNA on drugs! A preliminary investigation of DNA deposition during the handling of illicit drug capsules.

DNA profiling from capsules and tablets offers a complementary tool to that of chemical profiling when investigating the manufacture and trade in illicit drugs. By sampling the outside of capsules, individuals who may have handled them during production, assembly or distribution may have deposited their DNA and can be identified if matched to a nominated profile or one on a relevant DNA database. The profiles can also be compared to those found on other capsules to potentially link various drug seizures.

A Fatality Involving Furanylfentanyl and MMMP, with Presumptive Identification of Three MMMP Metabolites in Urine.

The prevalence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) on the illicit drug market continues to grow, with new analogs being routinely synthesized. Routes of administration for these compounds are also diversifying, and recent research has shown an increase in the incorporation of NPS into vaping liquids. Among the most commonly encountered NPS are the cathinone and fentanyl analogs.

Investigating the appearance of new psychoactive substances in South Australia using wastewater and forensic data.

New psychoactive substances (NPS) have increased in use and popularity worldwide. Wastewater analysis has been successfully applied to evaluate illicit drugs use within a population. However, for NPS, such an approach may be limited due to low doses of NPS combined with their ever-changing composition and usage.

Detailed investigations into the Akabori-Momotani reaction for the synthesis of amphetamine type stimulants: Part 2.

The Akabori-Momotani reaction can be used to synthesise pseudoephedrine in 50% yield from N-methylalanine and benzaldehyde. This paper investigates electronic effects of substituted benzaldehydes on the reaction to synthesise amphetamine type stimulants and identifies several new Akabori-Momotani by-products, 1-[(4-methoxybenzyl)(methyl)amino]ethanol (11c), 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine (12c), 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl-5,6-di-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (13c) and 1,2,4,5-tetramethyl-3,6-di-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (14c). This paper also investigates pseudoephedrine and methamphetamine isomeric distribution from the Akabori-Momotani reaction with the aid of molecular modelling to understand why more pseudoephedrine than ephedrine is produced.

The synthesis and investigation of impurities found in Clandestine Laboratories: Baeyer-Villiger Route Part I; Synthesis of P2P from benzaldehyde and methyl ethyl ketone.

The synthesis of impurities detected in clandestinely manufactured Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) has emerged as more desirable than simple "fingerprint" profiling. We have been investigating the impurities formed when phenyl-2-propanone (P2P) 5, a key ATS precursor, is synthesised in three steps; an aldol condensation of benzaldehyde and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK); a Baeyer-Villiger reaction; and ester hydrolysis. We have identified and selectively synthesised several impurities that may be used as route specific markers for this series of synthetic steps.