Illicit drugs street samples and their cutting agents. The result of the GC-MS based profiling define the guidelines for sensors development

In this work, we have focused on the profiling of 5647 street samples covering marijuana, common and new recreational illicit drugs. All samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. In total we have identified 53 illicit drugs with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), amphetamine, N-ethylhexedrone, 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC), alpha-pyrroli-dinoisohexaphenone (alpha-PHiP), cocaine, and 4-chloroethcathinone (4-CEC) being most commonly found and making 38.5, 17.8, 15.5, 8.0, 3.5, 2.7, 2.1, and 2.0% of the total studied pool, respectively. Except for metha-done, all analyzed street samples were spiked with at least one cutting agent. Caffeine was the most frequently found adulterating addition present in around 33% (excluding marijuana) of the analyzed samples. Other identified cutting agents make an impressive group of more than 160 compounds. Finally, we have tabulated, illustrated, and discussed presented data in a view of smart and portable sensors development.

Automated summary

This study analyzed 5647 street samples and identified 53 illicit drugs, with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, amphetamine being the most common. Except for methadone, almost all samples were spiked with at least one cutting agent, with caffeine being the most frequently found adulterant.