A review of the newly identified impurity profiles in methamphetamine seizures

Characterization of Ephedrine as Illegal Methamphetamine Precursors Based on δ15N, δ13C, and δ2H Isotopes: Their Application for Methamphetamine Profiling in Indonesia

“…The sample was then packed in the foil by folding it until it was solid and circular with a diameter of 2-3 mm. δ 15 N and δ 13…”

“…The aim of this work was to establish isotope profile from three clusters ephedrine to classify seized methamphetamine samples. The isotope δ 15 N, δ 13 C, and δ 2 H profile presented from natural, semi-synthetic, and fullysynthetic of ephedrine/pseudoephedrine and also methamphetamine from ephedrine or pseudoephedrine precursor with known sources. The methamphetamine synthesis used the method mostly found in Indonesia, that is the Emde route and also the Moscow route as a comparison.…”

“…Ultra High Performance source in the synthetic ephedrine was from methylamine, whereas in the natural ephedrine, it was nitrate or ammonia from the soil. 11 Furthermore, Makino et al stated that the δ 13 C value of the ephedrine plant-based ranged from -31.1‰ to -26.0‰ and pseudoephedrine semi synthetic usually derived from the ephedrine produced by acid isomerization gave the δ 13 C value ranging from -27‰ to -22‰. 10 The values from this study were consistent with previous observations, which is δ 13 C from the Ephedra plant is -28.36‰, fully-synthetic are ranging from -28.26‰ to -26.06‰, and semi-synthetic are ranging from -26.21‰ to -25.38‰.…”

“…Therefore, by analyzing the δ 15 N, δ 13 C, and δ 2 H isotope profiles of methamphetamine, the origin of the ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as a precursor used can be traced, whether they come from natural ephedrine, semi-synthesis, or fully-synthesis. 4 The abundance of δ 15 N and δ 13 C isotope ratios in ephedrine reflected in the isotope profile of methamphetamine. That is not modified during the synthesis reactions.…”

Trends in illicit drugs based on the analysis of seizures from the Tanzania mainland drugs market

“…Analysis of drug seizures could be used as an indicator to reflect the dimensions of the illicit drug market [ 11 , 12 ]. As with other transnational crimes, the illicit drugs market is well intertwined in terms of processes and activities, leading to a polymorphic criminal network.…”