Fatal intoxication from 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine

The symptoms of MDA intoxication exhibited by the decedent prior to death closely mimic those of acute amphetamine poisoning: profuse sweating, violent and irrational behavior, and stereotypically compulsive behavior. Therefore, if amphetamines are not detected in specimens from a person displaying classic symptoms of amphetamine poisoning, hallucinogenic amphetamine derivatives may be considered. In the case described, a divided dose of 850 mg of MDA ingested within 2 h and 15 min was sufficient to cause the death of a 24-year-old male, 4 h after the final dose. While the methaqualone may have contributed to the demise of the decedent, the authors think that the MDA itself was sufficient to cause death. Results of limited recovery studies of MDA extraction from blood and elution from TLC plates supported the observations of Cimbura [13]. Approximately 85% of MDA is extracted by the method described and its elution from TLC plates is quantitative. This case points out once again the dangers of false advertising in the illicit market. The decedent, himself a dealer in the illicit drug market, and all present at the party believed the ingested white powder to be a mixture of morphine, LSD, and amphetamine, hence MDA. They were totally unfamiliar with 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, MDA.     

Distribution of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) stereoisomers in a fatal poisoning

This communication presents the quantitation and differential distribution of the enantiomers of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its physiologically active metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) in a fatal poisoning following insufflation of MDMA, cocaine and heroin. Animal studies have demonstrated the stereoselective pharmacokinetics and neurotoxicity of these compounds; however, enantiomeric distributions have not been reported in humans. Quantitation of MDMA and MDA enantiomer was by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) following chiral derivatization with N-trifluoroacetyl-l-triproyl chloride (LTPC). The decedents' blood concentration of S(+)-MDMA was slightly less than that of R(−)-MDMA (1.3 vs. 1.6 mg/l, respectively), while the S(+)- and R(−)-MDA blood concentrations were identical (0.8 mg/l). Both primary routes of excretion, bile and urine, had greater concentrations of R(−)-MDMA than the S(+) isomer. These fluids also contained twice the concentration of S(+)-MDA than the R(−)-isomer. These data indicate that S(+)-MDMA is metabolized and eliminated faster than R(−)-MDMA. The results appear to support the findings in animals regarding stereoselective metabolism of MDMA.     

3,4-亚甲二氧基甲卡西酮的鉴定

目的 建立基于傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)结合高分辨质谱技术联合鉴定未知样品的方法.方法 未知样品采用红外专用取样器直接检测;甲醇溶解后采用GC-MS和组合型高分辨质谱检测,以MDMA为内标物.结果 未知样品获得的红外光谱特征吸收峰为1679(C=O键),1603,1502,1453,1423,1259,1121,1090,1035,930,887,838,768,742和717cm-1,质谱特征碎片峰(m/z)为58.1,91.0,120.9,149.0和207.0,测得的精确质量数[M+H]+为208.0966.经信息分析未知样品鉴定为3,4-亚甲二氧基甲卡西酮,该物质属于新型化学合成卡西酮类精神活性物质,已经列入部分欧盟国家的管制药物目录.结论 本方法可用于3,4-亚甲二氧基甲卡西酮的鉴定.     

Chemical profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets seized in Hong Kong

During 2000-2001, the Government Laboratory of Hong Kong received over 600,000 ecstasy tablets in more than 2,600 cases. Using GC-MS or FTIR, the major amphetamine-type stimulants were identified, and the samples were categorized into four groups containing: (1) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), (2) methamphetamine (MA), (3) 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), or (4) amphetamine. Our study revealed that in Hong Kong MDMA tablets have made up 98 and 71% of the total ecstasy tablets examined in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Among the MDMA cases, 613 cases involving a total of 123,776 tablets in 2001 were randomly selected, and their active ingredients, minor ingredients, and/or impurities were studied using GC-MS and HPLC. Based on the chemical profiles, and irrespective of their different physical characteristics, tablets obtained in different seizures could be determined as to whether or not they could have come from a common origin. The impurities detected in the MDMA tablets also served as excellent chemical markers from which plausible synthetic route(s) of the MDMA were inferred. Our study revealed that 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone (MDP2P), 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanol (MDP), 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylbenzylamine (MDB), piperonal and N-formyl-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (N-formyl-MDMA) were the most common impurities detected in MDMA tablets seized in Hong Kong. The finding of the phosphate salt of MDMA is intriguing. Based on a presumptive color test, spectroscopic data (FTIR/ESI-MS) and the percentage of MDMA content in a purified phosphate salt of MDMA, the ratio of the phosphate to MDMA was determined to be 1:1, suggesting that the compound is a dihydrogen phosphate salt [i.e. (HMDMA)H2PO4].     

A contribution to the chemical profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets

A profiling method for the identification of impurities found in seized 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets is presented. Impurities of interest are extracted from an alkaline solution (pH 12.8) by diethyl ether and submitted to gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. Identification of impurities is performed by electron impact ionization (Ei) mass spectrometry and confirmation by positive chemical ionization (Ci+) MS or, when possible, MS/MS (MS(2)). Repeat extractions of the same sample give an average relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of less than 8% within the same day and 15% between days (results were obtained after normalization by the sum of peak areas, each one being acquired by selected ion monitoring (SIM)). Possible application toward batch comparison of samples is discussed. Chromatographic profiles are compared using the cosine function for evaluating similarity and/or dissimilarity among exhibits.     

Organic impurity profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets seized in The Netherlands.

In this study, a new method was developed for the impurity profiling of illicit MDMA tablets. The extraction efficiency, linearity, repeatability and reproducibility of the method were evaluated. Eighty two MDMA tablets coming from presumed unrelated large seizures in 2004 (n >500 tablets) were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to assess the discrimination power of the method. The latter was found to be practical, robust, relatively easy to perform, highly discriminative and yielding good chromatography. In addition, some new impurities were detected and identified. Their chemical structures and mass spectra are reported.     

The clandestine drug laboratory situation in the United States

Clandestine, or illegal, laboratories are operated by the criminal element to circumvent legal requirements with the goal of supplying drugs of abuse to the illicit market. Investigation of clandestine drug manufacturing laboratories is a high priority of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) because elimination of these laboratories will prevent drugs of abuse from reaching the illicit drug traffic. One of the important responsibilities of forensic chemists assisting in investigations of clandestine drug laboratories is to be familiar with the methods of synthesis being used by clandestine laboratory operators. A review of clandestine laboratory seizures during the period of 1978 through 1981 will be provided to familiarize forensic chemists with current information on the types of laboratories being seized in the United States and the methods of synthesis being used.     

Identification of acepromazine in hair: an illustration of the difficulties encountered in investigating drug-facilitated crimes

After a drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), a woman was found in a drowsy state at home. She remembered having drunk an unknown beverage by the accused. Blood samples (collected 8 hours after the DFSA), two glasses, and a teaspoon seized by the police were analyzed. Acepromazine, a phenothiazine tranquilizer used in human and veterinary medicine, was detected in the residue of one of the glasses. In spite of acepromazine absence in the victim's blood, the possible use of acepromazine in the DFSA was reported to the police. Two weeks later, a suspect admitted having orally administered acepromazine to the victim. Using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method, this compound was subsequently detected (31 pg/mg) in a sample of the victim's hair collected a month and a half after the DFSA. A potential short elimination half-life in humans and/or the well-known in vitro degradation of acepromazine could explain the negative blood result. DFSA toxicological investigations are challenging and can be complicated when a rather unusual substance is concerned. In particular, special care should be taken when interpreting the results, taking into account elimination and/or instability data, when available.     

Capillary electrophoretic analysis of phosphorus species in clandestine methamphetamine laboratory samples

The clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine is a spreading epidemic. Manufacturing methods are constantly changing, necessitating the implementation of new analytical tools to identify materials from these labs. Characterization of phosphate, phosphite, and hypophosphite ions is necessary to distinguish the various phosphorus-iodine manufacturing methods that are popular methods for reducing pseudoephedrine to methamphetamine. This work describes a capillary electrophoresis method to separate acetate, azide, bromide, carbonate, chlorate, chloride, chromate, fluoride, hypophosphite, iodide, nitrate, nitrite, perchlorate, phosphate, phosphite, sulfate, sulfite, and thiocyanate. The CElixerOA 8.2 dynamic coating system was modified by lowering the capillary temperature to 15 degrees C and using an acid flush between runs to remove adsorbed materials. This allows detection of ions down to between 10 and 30 parts per million with percent relative standard deviations of normalized migration times under 0.1%. This method is a valuable tool for the characterization of phosphate, phosphite, and hypophosphite in routine analysis of clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing evidence and has a broader application in other areas of forensic analysis.     

Optimization of extraction parameters for the chemical profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets

The extraction of impurities from illegally produced 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been studied in order to optimize the parameters. Two different MDMA samples were used. Particular attention was paid to the influence of the pH, the evaporation step, and the sample storage. The method used was an extraction of impurities by diethyl ether from a buffer solution at pH 11.5, followed by gas chromatography (GC) mass spectrometric (MS) analyses after a dryness concentration under monitored conditions of the ethereal extract. Repeat extractions of the same sample gave an average relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 8.5% within day and less than 10.5% between days.     

A clandestine burial in Costa Rica: prospection and excavation

Abstract:  This case report describes the search for a clandestine grave in Costa Rica for which the police sought the assistance of an archaeologist. An anonymous informant suggested that the victim had been kidnapped and murdered, placed in a shallow grave in the woods, then covered with lime and cement. A search of the area to detect conventional signs of burial (e.g., slumping, different plant growth) resulted in excavation of unrelated features of past disturbance. Different aspects of the grave including the deposition of cement powder over the body prevented its initial discovery. Improvisation of conventional archaeological excavation methods and use of police familiar with archaeological excavation resulted in the location of the grave and exhumation of the victim without loss of important contextual evidence that supported testimony on the cause of death. The taphonomic effects of high-lying ground water and lime in the tropical burial environment are briefly discussed. Recommendations such as the construction of a temporary sump to lower the ground water level in the grave during excavation are made to assist in similar investigations in the future.     

Characteristics and trends of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets found in Taiwan from 2002 to February 2005

One hundred and eighty-one 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) containing tablets were sampled from confiscated drugs received by the Taiwan National Bureau of Controlled Drugs for testing from 2002 to February 2005. Sample tablets demonstrated various colors and logos. The appearances, contents of MDMA and other components in these tablets were analyzed in order to understand the characteristics and trends of MDMA use. Samples were analyzed using GC-MS methodology. Deuterated internal standards were used for drug quantification. The MDMA contents varied from 16 to 193 mg/tablet. 66-71% of the tablets seized each year contained only MDMA, and the content of MDMA in MDMA only tablets varied from 89 to 133 mg/tablet. There was a decreasing trend in MDMA content in these tablets over time. Other components commonly found besides MDMA included caffeine (18%), methamphetamine (7%), 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA) (7%) and amphetamine (4%). 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), ketamine, ephedrine, diazepam, chlorzoxazone and nicotinamide were also detected. During the study period, the number of other drugs found as well as the combinations of different drugs detected in these tablets increased.     

N-甲基-3,4-亚甲二氧基卡西酮的确证

目的 对毒品案件样本进行N-甲基-3,4-亚甲二氧基卡西酮(bk-MDMA)确证检验.方法 采用阴离子检测、颜色反应、气质联用(GC/MS)、核磁共振(NMR)、傅立叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)等方法对毒品案件中白色晶体样本进行剖析确证.结果 快速筛查结果提示样本为具有亚甲二氧基结构的仲胺物质的盐酸盐,经GC/MS、NMR、FTIR检验,确证样本为bk-MDMA,系3,4-亚甲二氧基甲基苯丙胺(3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetmaine,MDMA)的卡西酮类似物.结论 采用本文所用方法可以对毒品案件样本中N-甲基-3,4-亚甲二氧基卡西酮成分进行确证,该药具有滥用的可能性应引起相关部门的重视.     

3D GPR in forensics: Finding a clandestine grave in a mountainous environment

In the present work we show a forensic case study carried out in a mountainous environment. Main objective was to locate a clandestine grave which is around 10–20 years old and contains human remains of one individual and a metallic tool, probably a pick. Survey design started with an experimental burial of a pick at the expected depth (1 m) as well as the calculation of synthetic radargrams in order to know if the 250 MHz antenna was suitable for its detection and to have a record of the reflection of the pick. Conclusions extracted from the experiments together with rough terrain conditions suggested the use of the 250 MHz antenna which allowed a good compromise between target detection and dense grid acquisition of an extensive survey area.     

Optimization of a simple method for the chiral separation of methamphetamine and related compounds in clandestine tablets and urine samples by beta-cyclodextrine modified capillary electrophoresis: a complementary method to GC-MS

The chiral separation of (+/-)-methamphetamine, (+/-)-methcathinone, (+/-)-ephedrine and (+/-)-pseudoephedrine by means of beta-cyclodextrine modified capillary electrophoresis is described. The distribution of enantiomers in clandestine tablets and urine samples were identified. Several electrophoretic parameters such as the concentration of beta-cyclodextrin, temperature, the applied voltage and the amount of organic solvent required for successful separation were optimized. The method, as described herein, represents a good complementary method to GC-MS for use in forensic and clinical analysis.