ISSN: 0022-1198
Published Online: 25 May 2005
Page Count: 4

Analysis of a Simulated Heroin Distribution Chain by HPLC
Magora, A
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), National Police Headquarters,

Zelkowicz, A
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), National Police Headquarters,

Ravreby, MD
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), National Police Headquarters,

Levy, R
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), National Police Headquarters,

(Received 5 June 2004; accepted 29 January 2005)

Abstract

A heroin distribution chain was simulated by taking three different seizures and preparing four additional samples from each seizure by adding a paracetamol-caffeine mixture in varying amounts, resulting in three different batches each composed of five samples. All of the samples from the three batches were analyzed using HPLC with a UV-PDA detector at a wavelength of 230 nm. The area ratio of various opium alkaloids, acetylation products and components were compared. From the results of the UV area ratios, the fifteen samples could readily be separated into three batches of five samples, with each batch of five samples having a common origin.

Keywords:
forensic science, heroin, heroin comparison, common origin, high performance liquid chromatography

Paper ID: JFS2004233
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004233
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