Problems of Forensic Sciences 2002 Vol. 49 (XLIX) 99-113
IDENTIFICATION STUDY OF TABLETS OF UNKNOWN COMPOSITION ORIGINATING FROM ILLICIT DRUG SALE
Joanna KULIKOWSKA, Rafał CELIŃSKI, Artur SOJA, Halina SYBIRSKA
Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Silesian Medical Academy, Katowice
Streszczenie
The authors have presented identification examinations of so-called ecstasy tablets taken from 3 different drug dealers working on the illicit drugs market. Analysis of alcoholic extracts of these tablets and their hydrolysates obtained at various pH’s was carried out by thin-layer chromatography in a screening system, UV spectrophotometry, HPLC-DAD and mass spectrometry. This comprehensive analysis allowed us to detect 4 active components in these tablets, namely: piracetam, caffeine, pemoline and salicylic acid. Such a quantitative composition makes this patent drug a strong stimulant. The presence of pemoline allowed us to classify this preparation under controlled psychotropic substances of group IV-P (The Act of 24th April 1997 on Counteracting Drug Addiction).
Słowa kluczowe
Examinations of illicit drugs; Piracetam; Caffeine; Pemoline; Salicylic acid.