Characterization of the Synthetic Opioid Threat Profile to Inform Inspection and Detection Solutions

Pardo, Bryce; Davis, Lois M.; Moore, Melinda

doi:10.7249/rr2969

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 11 publications

(14 reference statements)

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“…Analyzing seized drug data can provide insight into the illicit drug markets and alert law enforcement agencies, public health departments, and other state and federal entities of state, regional, and emerging drug trends. Seized drug data have been shown as a complementary resource to other data resources, such as overdose deaths [ [29] , [30] , [31] ]. NFLIS-Drug can serve as a warning system for new drugs of abuse while other data collection systems provide complementary information.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Benzodiazepines reported in NFLIS-Drug, 2015 to 2018

Bollinger

Weimer

Heller

et al. 2021

Forensic Science International: Synergy

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The National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) is a program of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Division. The NFLIS-Drug component collects drug identification results and associated information from drug cases submitted to and analyzed by federal, state, and local forensic laboratories. This paper presents national annual estimates and national and regional yearly trend differences for clonazepam, diazepam, flubromazolam, clonazolam, and etizolam using annual report rates per 100,000 persons aged 15 or older between 2015 and 2018. An estimated 263,538 benzodiazepine reports were identified by state and local laboratories between 2015 and 2018. Methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin accounted for 32% of the drugs reported in the same item as alprazolam. Depressants and tranquilizers and narcotic analgesics were the drug classes most frequently identified in the same item as etizolam. A timeline of some benzodiazepines’ emergence in NFLIS-Drug is shown, as well as state- and county-level data for selected benzodiazepines.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Benzodiazepines reported in NFLIS-Drug, 2015 to 2018

Bollinger

Weimer

Heller

et al. 2021

Forensic Science International: Synergy

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“…Current robust methods to identify synthetic opioids, due to their enhanced sensitivity and specificity, include gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which allow both qualitative and quantitative analyses in different biological matrices. 176 – 178 GC-MS has historically been the analyser of choice in toxicology and a gold-standard test for drug detection and quantification. 179 However, there are several limitations which include sample preparation that may require several post-extraction derivatisation steps after micro-extraction of the sample has taken place, and a limited capacity for detection of non-volatile or polar molecules, for example, in the context of excretion of hydrophilic metabolites in urine.…”

Section: Laboratory Testingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Synthetic opioids: a review and clinical update

Shafi

Berry

Sumnall

et al. 2022

Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology

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The term ‘opioids’ refers to both the natural compounds (‘opiates’) which are extracted from the opium poppy plant ( Papaver somniferum) and their semi-synthetic and synthetic derivatives. They all possess relatively similar biochemical profiles and interact with the opioid receptors within the human body to produce a wide range of physiological effects. They have historically been used for medicinal purposes, their analgesic and sedative effects, and in the management of chronic and severe pain. They have also been used for non-medicinal and recreational purposes to produce feelings of relaxation, euphoria and well-being. Over the last decade, the emergence of an illegal market in new synthetic opioids has become a major global public health issue, associated with a substantial increase in unintentional overdoses and drug-related deaths. Synthetic opioids include fentanyl, its analogues and emerging non-fentanyl opioids. Their popularity relates to changes in criminal markets, pricing, potency, availability compared to classic opioids, ease of transport and use, rapid effect and lack of detection by conventional testing technologies. This article expands on our previous review on new psychoactive substances. We now provide a more in-depth review on synthetic opioids and explore the current challenges faced by people who use drugs, healthcare professionals, and global public health systems.

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Supplying synthetic opioids during a pandemic: An early look at North America

Pardo

2021

International Journal of Drug Policy

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International commerce and travel have been restricted in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The illegal trafficking in drugs, which is often concealed in other commercial activity, will be affected by these disruptions. This is particularly true for precursor chemicals, controlled substances of synthetic origin, and new psychoactive substances coming from Asia. China hosts large and under-regulated pharmaceutical and chemical sectors that provide many of the active ingredients used both in legitimate medicines and illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine. Unregulated producers and vendors in China have been supplying drug trafficking organizations in Mexico or using the internet and postal service to directly sell fentanyl to buyers in North America. The magnitude of supply shortages and interrupted trade of chemicals and synthetic drugs coming from China will depend on the breadth and depth of COVID-19’s disruptions. In turn, this could impact vulnerable drug-using populations. Drawing on historical accounts of prior supply disruptions, this commentary offers some initial speculation as to the possible effects of COVID-19 on the supply of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and precursor chemicals supplied to North America from China, which may have important lessons for other parts of the globe. Prior supply disruptions coincided with elevated prices and reduced purities of street drugs as well as increases in the number of users entering treatment. However, it is challenging to predict how developments will unfold given the unprecedented nature of this pandemic. A short-term breakdown in supply chains, interrupted trade, or social distancing mandates may not have much of an effect on the availability of synthetic drugs. Yet, disruptions in trade for months or years could shape how drugs are supplied or used. Drug policy will need to evaluate market indicators as soon as they are available but responding now with expanded medication therapies, like methadone, may help save lives. The drug policy landscape could look different in a post-COVID world.

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Characterization of the Synthetic Opioid Threat Profile to Inform Inspection and Detection Solutions

Cited by 5 publications

References 11 publications

Benzodiazepines reported in NFLIS-Drug, 2015 to 2018

Benzodiazepines reported in NFLIS-Drug, 2015 to 2018

Synthetic opioids: a review and clinical update

Supplying synthetic opioids during a pandemic: An early look at North America

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