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“POT SHOTS” (SUSPENSIONS OF MARIJUANA IN HARD LIQUOR ) IN CHEROKEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Northeast Regional Laboratory (Tahlequah) recently received a 135 exhibit submission that included 37 liquor bottles with green plant material suspended in the solutions, suspected marijuana (see Photo 1). The exhibits were seized by the Cherokee Nation Drug Task Force pursuant to a search of a residence in Cherokee County (details sensitive). There were many different varieties of liquor in the seizure. Intelligence indicated that the suspects would take the bottles to various events in the area and sell shots of the liquor; these were referred to as “Pot Shots.”* Analysis of the plant material by microscopy confirmed marijuana, while analysis of the solutions (total net volume 29.75 liters) by GC and GC/MS confirmed delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; quantitations not performed). Not surprisingly, liquors with higher alcohol concentrations also had higher THC concentrations. This was the first submission of this type to the laboratory.
[* Editor’s Note: These solutions are also known as “Green Dragon.”]
* * * * * - INTELLIGENCE ALERT - HIGH-POTENCY FENTANYL IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
The Houston Police Department Crime Laboratory (Texas) recently received a polydrug seizure that included exhibits of a white powder and a chunky white substance, both suspected cocaine, and a brown granular powder, suspected heroin (see Photo 2). The exhibits were seized by the Houston Police from a local residence (details not provided). Analysis of the white powder (total net mass 6.7 grams) by color testing and FTIR/ATR, and of the chunky white substance (total net mass 4.3 grams) by color testing and GC/MS, confirmed cocaine in both cases (quantitations not reported). The brown powder (total net mass 0.5 grams) was noted to have a distinct odor which was not consistent with the usual vinegar (acetic acid) odor of heroin. Analysis by color testing (Marquis), UV/Vis, and GC/MS indicated not heroin but rather 54 percent fentanyl; benzylfentanyl was also identified. This was the first submission of illicitly prepared fentanyl to the laboratory in recent memory. [Editor’s Note: 54 percent fentanyl is extremely high for a “street
level” sample.] * * * * * - INTELLIGENCE ALERT - HYDROCODONE CAPSULES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY
The Kentucky State
Police Eastern Laboratory Branch (Ashland) recently received three
separate submissions of capsules, containing either
pink or green powders, suspected hydrocodone (see Photo 3). The capsules
were all unmarked with clear bodies and white caps, and averaged 21
millimeters in length by 7 millimeters in diameter. The first two were
acquired in eastern Kentucky by the Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics
Investigations, Treatment and Education) Task Force (details sensitive);
the first consisted of one capsule containing a pink powder, while
the second consisted of four capsules containing a green powder. The
third was acquired in eastern Kentucky by the Kentucky State Police
- East Drug Enforcement Special Investigation Branch (East DESI, details
sensitive), and consisted of 49 capsules containing a green powder.
Analysis of the powders by GC/MS confirmed the presence of hydrocodone
and acetaminophen in all cases; quantitative analysis
by GC/FID (third sample only) indicated 8.3 milligrams hydrocodone
per capsule. The amounts and relative percentages of hydrocodone and
acetaminophen suggested that the powders were not diverted pharmaceuticals.
These were the first such submissions to the laboratory. * * * * * - INTELLIGENCE ALERT - PARA-METHOXYAMPHETAMINE (PMA) AND PARA-METHOXY- The Sezione Indagini Sulle Droghe d’Abuso of Polizia Scientifica of Rome recently received a small amount of white powder from Gabinetto Regionale di Polizia Scientifica of Genoa, suspected cocaine (no photo). The exhibit (total net mass 350 milligrams) was seized by the authorities from a user in Genoa. Preliminary screening by color testing suggested that the sample was not cocaine. Further analysis by GC/FID and GC/MS confirmed no cocaine and instead indicated a mixture of 27 percent para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) and 14 percent para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), both calculated as their bases. PMA has been scheduled in Italy since 1988, while PMMA has been scheduled since 2002; however, criminal penalties are not applicable for either substance for amounts under 450 milligrams. This was the first submission of a PMA/PMMA mixture to the laboratory. * * * * * - INTELLIGENCE ALERT - QUALUDE MIMIC TABLETS (CONTAINING DIAZEPAM) The Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division (Pikesville) recently received 12 round, white tablets with a “LEMMON - 714” logo on one face and half-scored on the opposite face, apparent Qualudes (see Photo 4). The tablets were seized in Lexington Park by the St. Mary’s County Bureau of Criminal Investigation Narcotics Unit, pursuant to the investigation of a home invasion. Psilocybe mushrooms, hashish, and a large number of marijuana plants were also seized. Analysis of the tablets (net mass not determined) by UV/Vis, GC, GC/MS, and FTIR, however, indicated not methaqualone but rather diazepam, probably diluted with maltose (diazepam not quantitated). The last known submission of these diazepam-containing Qualude mimic tablets to the Forensic Sciences Division was over five years ago.
- INTELLIGENCE ALERT - CAPSULES CONTAINING APPARENT POWDERED MARIJUANA
The Nebraska State Patrol Satellite Crime Laboratory (North Platte) recently received 56 clear blister-packed capsules containing a light green, powdery substance, submitted as an unknown/possible narcotic (see Photo 5). The exhibits were seized by the Nebraska State Patrol pursuant to a traffic violation in Lincoln County. The capsules were sealed in a blister package that was marked only as being manufactured by MTS Medication Technologies. Analysis of the capsules by color testing, GC/MS, and FTIR indicated tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and cannabinol, cut with sucrose (quantitation not performed). Interestingly, microscopic examination revealed no morphological characteristics of marijuana - probably because the material was so finely ground (see Photo 6). This is the first submission of these type capsules to the laboratory. [Editor’s Notes: MTS Medication Technologies is a legitimate company. According to their website, they “manufacture automated packaging machines and related consumables for prescription medications and nutritional supplements” - including blister packaging. These exhibits are the latest in a growing trend of blister-packaging of controlled substances in an (apparent) effort to make them appear to be legitimate consumer products.]
* * * * * - INTELLIGENCE ALERT - ECSTASY MIMIC TABLETS (CONTAINING AMPHETAMINE)
The Phoenix Police
Department Laboratory Services Bureau (Arizona) recently received
four separate submissions, each consisting of a box
containing a bundle, suspected in all four cases to contain marijuana.
The boxes were being individually mailed via an express mail service
from Phoenix to Georgia, and were seized by the Phoenix Police. Each
bundle was wrapped in numerous layers of cellophane, with layers of
grease throughout the wrappings; the grease did not have a noticeable
odor. Three of the bundles turned out to contain marijuana (total net
mass approximately 4.1 kilograms); however, the fourth package, which
was smaller than the other three but otherwise identical in appearance,
contained 400 mottled tablets with a “check-off” logo on
one face and half-scored on the opposite face, apparent Ecstasy (see
Photo 7, previous page). Analysis of the tablets (total net mass approximately
90 grams) by color testing (Marquis) and GC/MS, however, indicated
not MDMA but rather amphetamine (salt form not determined). The tablets
were not formally quantitated; however, the GC/MS results suggested
that the loading was quite high. Although the laboratory has previously
received tablets with a similar logo, this is believed to be the first
submission of amphetamine-containing Ecstasy mimic tablets. * * * * * - INTELLIGENCE ALERT - BLACK TAR HEROIN “MILK DUDS” IN PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 8
The DEA Northeast Laboratory (New York, New York) recently received six apparent chocolates, each of which actually consisted of a black tar-like material, suspected heroin, that was wrapped in multiple layers of different colored rubbers (probably balloons) and then covered with chocolate (see Photo 8). Because of their appearance, shape, and chocolate covering, these type of exhibits are sometimes referred to as “milk duds”. The exhibits were seized by agents from the FBI Philadelphia Division (location and details not provided). Unusually, the tar-like material could be ground into a brown powder but would return to its original black tar-like form over time. Analysis of the tar-like material (total net mass 9.6 grams) by GC/MS and GC/FID confirmed 17 percent heroin (salt form not determined, but calculated as the hydrochloride). The Northeast Laboratory rarely receives exhibits of black tar heroin, and these were the first submission of “milk duds.” * * * * * - INTELLIGENCE ALERT - OXYCONTIN MIMIC TABLETS (CONTAINING FENTANYL)
The DEA South Central Laboratory (Dallas, Texas) recently received 44 green tablets with “OC” and “80” logos on opposite faces, apparent Oxycontin (see Photos 9 and 10, next page). The tablets were seized from an abandoned duffel bag in Albuquerque, New Mexico by agents from the DEA Albuquerque Resident Office (details not available). The tablets (total net mass 6.16 grams) were 6 millimeters in diameter by 3 millimeters width, distinctly smaller than legitimate "OC/80” tablets; in addition, they were green all the way through (legitimate “OC/80” tablets are white inside). Analysis by GC/MS, GC/FID, and HPLC indicated not oxycodone but rather fentanyl (1.9 milligrams/tablet). This was the first submission of these type tablets to the South Central Laboratory.
* * * * * - INTELLIGENCE ALERT - HEROIN-LACED BATTING IN FURNITURE (FROM VENEZUELA) The DEA Southeast Laboratory (Miami, Florida) recently received 23 bags of grey colored batting that had been removed from two pieces of upholstered furniture, suspected to be laced with heroin (see Photo 11). The furniture (a chair and sofa) had been shipped from Venezuela, and was seized at the Miami Airport by Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel. Analysis of extracts from the batting (total net mass 62.16 kilograms) by GC/MS and FTIR confirmed 14 percent heroin hydrochloride, equivalent to approximately 8.7 kilograms total net mass. This was the first submission of this type to the Southeast Laboratory.
Photo 11
* * * * * - INTELLIGENCE BRIEF - UNUSUALLY CO-PACKAGED “ICE” METHAMPHETAMINE
AND COCAINE The DEA Southwest Laboratory (Vista, California) recently received three packages, each wrapped with cellophane, carbon paper, and cellophane/grease, and each containing two sub-packages. In two of the packages, the first subpackage was a wooden box wrapped in black tape and foil containing an off-white crystalline material (see Photo 12, next page), while the second was a kilogram brick wrapped in black tape, cellophane, and grease and containing a compressed white powder with an impression of a dumbbell like object (see Photo 13, next page), all suspected methamphetamine. The third package contained two of the wooden box subpackages. The exhibits were seized by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents from a vehicle at the San Ysidro Point of Entry. Analysis of the off-white crystalline material in the wooden boxes (total net mass 1.766 kilograms) by GC, FTIR/ATR, and CE confirmed 98 percent d-methamphetamine hydrochloride. Analysis of the white powder in the kilogram bricks (total net mass 1.935 kilograms) by GC, FTIR/ATR, and GC/MS, however, indicated not methamphetamine but rather 48 percent cocaine hydrochloride, adulterated with benzocaine (not quantitated, but at approximately the same concentration as the cocaine, based on the gas chromatogram). The Southwest Laboratory routinely receives mixed loads of methamphetamine and cocaine, but this was the first submission where both were co-packaged.
Correction: In the Solicitation for Information on Fentanyl in the May, 2006 issue of Microgram Bulletin, the CAS Number for 4- Anilino-N-phenethylpiperidone (also known as ANPP or Despropionylfentanyl) was incorrectly reported as: 39742-60-4; this is actually the CAS Number for 1-(beta-Phenethyl)-4-piperidone. The correct CAS Number for 4-Anilino-N-phenethylpiperidone is: 021409-26-7. * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * SELECTED REFERENCES [Selected references are a compilation of recent publications of presumed interest to forensic chemists. Unless otherwise stated, all listed citations are published in English. Listed mailing address information exactly duplicates that provided by the abstracting service. Patents and Proceedings are reported only by their Chemical Abstracts citation number.]
Additional References of Possible Interest:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS 1.
Title: 16th Annual CLIC Technical Training Seminar (Fourth
and Final Posting)
* * * * *
In order for a Digital Evidence Laboratory to be American Society of Crime Laboratory/Laboratory Accreditation Board International (ASCLD/LAB International) accredited, it must have a Quality Assurance Program that is administered by a Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) and/or a Quality Assurance Program Manager (QAPM). Last month, the responsibilities and duties of the QAM and QAPM were introduced. This edition will cover some of the pro-active duties of the QAPM, including re-analysis, validation, reference collection, and controls. Re-Analysis Once an exhibit has been selected for re-analysis, the QAPM will select a group supervisor to assign the case. In larger laboratories, the re-analysis is assigned to an examiner working in a different group than the examiner who conducted the original analysis. In addition, to ensure comparable results, the re-analysis is conducted at the same Tier level as the original analysis, and all original case supporting documents (i.e., search warrant, case notes, etc.) and any other information that was provided to the original examiner is also given to the examiner conducting the re-analysis. The group supervisor will notify the QAPM of the examiner he/she has selected to conduct the re-analysis. Once the re-analysis is complete the examiner gives everything (i.e., exhibit, case notes, case folder, etc.) directly to the QAPM. The QAPM then notifies the group supervisor that their examiner has completed the re-analysis. The QAPM reviews the findings of the re-analysis, and compares them with the original analysis. If there are any significant differences, the results (and any recommendations) are discussed with the appropriate group supervisors and the laboratory director. The results are also documented in the re-analysis file by the QAPM. The appropriate group supervisor will review the re-analysis with their examiner. The appropriate group supervisor will forward a memo to the re-analysis file through the QAPM indicating he/she has spoken with their examiner. If any corrective action is necessary, that is also documented. Validation Once a validation process has been completed, the validation and summary sheet will be provided to the QAPM. The QAPM reviews the test results and (if the tool performed properly) approves the tool's use. The QAPM also maintains a list of approved software and hardware devices. Laboratory management may authorize the one-time use of a tool prior to it being validated; however, the tool must be validated prior to any further use. Reference Collection The QAPM is responsible for maintaining the laboratory's official/licensed copy of all reference collections used in the examination of evidence, and for maintaining all supporting documentation from the collection's originator or distributor. The official/licensed copy of each reference collection is secured by the QAPM. Paper documentation is kept in a reference collection file. Where appropriate, the “hash” value of the official/licensed copies in the reference collection (consisting of only the pertinent data file(s) or database(s)) is determined by the Validation Committee and reported to the QAPM. The official/licensed standard is made available to each examiner, who will copy the needed data files into the appropriate directory of the base examination software. Controls and Blanks Physical copies of the positive and negative control disks are labeled, uniquely numbered, dated, and initialed by the QAPM. These copies are provided to each examiner in “read only” format. Summary
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