Abstract
Analysis of illicit drug samples traditionally focuses on chemical impurity profiling for identifying drug origin and linking seizures. This method relies on detecting impurities such as bulking agents (e.g. starch), enhancing agents (e.g. procaine hydrochloride), manufacturing precursors (e.g. pseudoephedrine in methamphetamine) and synthesis by-products. However, a trend towards a final product of greater purity has reduced available chemical impurity data, thereby limiting definitive profiling.
An emerging research area explores extracting trace human DNA and environmental DNA (eDNA) from capsule surfaces and illicit drug powders. It may be expected, however, that perpetrators may take greater care to avoid leaving fingerprints or human DNA on drug packaging, highlighting the need for alternative forensic methods. In such circumstances, eDNA presents a promising avenue, identifying bacterial, fungal, plant, and eukaryotic cells from diverse sources like soil, air, and water that may provide clues as to the location of manufacture as well as potential trafficking routes. The research highlights the importance of integrating eDNA analysis with conventional chemical methods in forensic illicit drug investigations.
