DRUGS Crimes associated with drug use and abuse include: possession, sale and use, and drug-related violent crimes robberies and homicides. Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 1

Forensic toxicologists use gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to detect and identify various chemicals within the blood and other tissues in the body. detect or identify drugs in the body or a body fluid. perform drug testing before a potential employee may be hired. test athletes to make sure they are not using performance- enhancing drugs. screening crime victims for the presence of specific club or “date rape” drugs. Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 2

Drugs Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 3

TOXICOLOGICAL TESTING AND PROCEDURES Clues at the scene of a crime or death may guide the toxicologist in determining the type of analysis needed For example, syringes next to a body suggests a drug overdose empty bottles in the backseat of a car involved in a deadly car crash might suggest alcohol as a contributing factor. Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 4

If no evidence exists trace amounts of drugs in the blood, urine, and body tissues may be detected using: Thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and immunoassay techniques Confirmation is achieved using GC/MS. Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 5

Toxicological Testing Reinsch test—for heavy metal poisoning – Certain metals dipped in hydrochloric acid produce a silver-colored coating on copper Emission spectroscopy or atomic absorption spectrophotometry—identifies the specific metal Blood gas screenings—detects level of CO in the blood stream Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 6

Toxicological Testing Immunoassay—measures the level of antibodies produced in response to antigens (poisons) entering the bloodstream EMIT—enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique – Rapidly detects several drugs and their metabolites Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 7

Extra Information-Rohypnol Common or street names: forget me drug, roches, roofies, ruffles; other names include date rape drug, la roche, R2, rib, roach, roofenol, rope, rophies, the forget pill, getting roached, lunch money drug, Mexican Valium, pingus, Reynolds, Robutal, wolfies. used in the short-term treatment of insomnia, as a pre-medication in surgical procedures and for inducing anesthesia. approved for medical use or manufactured in the United States and is not available legally. Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 8

Rohypnol causes partial amnesia; individuals are unable to remember certain events that they experience while under the influence of the drug. – used to aid in the commission of sexual assault; victims may not be able to clearly recall the assault, the assailant, or the events surrounding the assault. While Rohypnol has become widely known for its use as a date-rape drug, it is abused more frequently for other reasons. – It is abused by high school students, college students, street gang members, rave party attendees, and heroin and cocaine abusers to produce profound intoxication, boost the high of heroin, and modulate the effects of cocaine. Forensic Science II: Physiology of Alcohol and Poisons, Chapter 9 © 2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved 9