Journal Published Online: 05 May 2004
Volume 49, Issue 4

Analysis of Dyes in Illicit Pills (Amphetamine and Derivatives)

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The determination of dyes present in illicit pills is shown to be useful and easy-to-get information in strategic and tactical drug intelligence. An analytical strategy including solid-phase extraction (SPE) thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and capillary zone electrophoresis equipped with a diode array detector (CZE-DAD) was developed to identify and quantify 14 hydrosoluble, acidic, synthetic food dyes allowed in the European Community. Indeed, these may be the most susceptible dyes to be found in illicit pills through their availability and easiness of use. The results show (1) that this analytical method is well adapted to small samples such as illicit pills, (2) that most dyes actually found belong to hydrosoluble, acidic, synthetic food dyes allowed in the European Community, and (3) that this evidence turns out to be important in drug intelligence and may be assessed into a Bayesian framework.

Author Information

Goldmann, T
Institut de Police Scientifique, The University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Taroni, F
Institut de Police Scientifique, The University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland Institut de Médecine Légale, The University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Margot, P
Institut de Police Scientifique, The University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS2002151
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002151