Analysis of amphetamine and methamphetamine contents in seized tablets from Jazan, Saudi Arabia by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and chemometric techniques

Challenges and insights: Methamphetamine analysis in post-mortem putrefied human tissues in a hot climate

“…However, in the 2020 NSDUH, there was a decline in new initiations of meth use to 150,000 ( Ondocsin et al, 2023 ). The seizures of meth have surged twentyfold since 2009, with emerging cases in new areas, including the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and Arab Gulf countries ( Alhazmi et al, 2020 ). The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports meth as the most commonly seized drug in Middle East region and 12 neighboring countries ( UNODC, 2022 ).…”

“…The effects of meth use are characterized by the elevation of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels in the brain, contributing to feelings of euphoria, increased productivity, heightened sexual drive, reduced anxiety, and elevated energy levels ( Courtney and Ray, 2014 ). Both acute and prolonged exposure to meth are associated to cognitive impairment and cardiovascular disease ( Alhazmi et al, 2020 , Paknahad et al, 2021 ). Agitation and aggressive behavior are well-documented consequences of meth use.…”

“…Additional studies are urgently required to advance forensic toxicology investigations, especially in situations where neither blood nor bodily fluid specimens are accessible. While many studies have reported amphetamine and meth concentrations in various specimens ( Kalasinsky et al, 2001 , Alhazmi et al, 2020 , Al-Asmari et al, 2022a , Al-Asmari et al, 2022b ), none have explored meth concentrations in postmortem putrefied human solid tissues. Saudi Arabia, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries experience predominantly hot weather throughout the year, which provides conducive conditions for corpses to decompose.…”

Physician Perspectives on Codeine Accessibility, Patterns of Use, Misuse, and Dependence in Saudi Arabia

“…Research on pain management and patient care (particularly those with non-cancer musculoskeletal pain), prescribing rates of opioids, and consumption trends, are scarce in the Middle East (Cleary et al, 2013;Wilby & Wilbur, 2017). We report here from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (hereafter Saudi Arabia), a high income Islamic country, which has experienced rapid societal change with increased drug consumption patterns (including amphetamine type stimulants, cannabis, heroin, and cocaine) in recent years (Abomughaid et al, 2018;Abualola & Rahamathulla., 2017;Alhazmi et al, 2020;Kravitz & Nichols, 2016;Saquib et al, 2020; United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2020). Very little is known however regarding pain management, prescribing trends, and patient misuse of opioids (tramadol is most commonly prescribed) in Saudi Arabia (Alharbi et al, 2020;Al-Rowaili et al, 2009;AlRuthia et al, 2020).…”

Chemo-Profiling of Illicit Amphetamine Tablets Seized from Jazan, Saudi Arabia, Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Chemometric Techniques

“…Earlier, they were subjected to the LC-MS/MS analysis by our research group at the Poison Control and Medical Forensic Chemistry Center, Jazan, to determine the concentration of amphetamine and methamphetamine in these tablets. e amounts of amphetamine in the tested tablets were calculated to be between 9.07 and 14.77 mg, which were considerably high [11]. In continuation to the analysis of these tablets for the determination of unknown constituents, we intended to perform the GC-MS analysis of these tablets which could give information of all constituents present in the tablets.…”