DNA on drugs! A preliminary investigation of DNA deposition during the handling of illicit drug capsules

Recent advances in forensic biology and forensic DNA typing: INTERPOL review 2019–2022

“…Other recent studies on DNA-TPPR include examining prevalence and persistence of DNA or saliva from car drivers and passengers [ [310] , [311] , [312] ], evaluation of DNA from regularly-used knives after a brief use by someone else [ 313 ], studying the accumulation of endogenous and exogenous DNA on hands [ 314 ] and non-self-DNA on the neck [ 315 ], considering the potential of DNA transfer via work gloves [ 316 , 317 ] or during lock picking [ 318 ], and investigating whether DNA can be recovered from illicit drug capsules [ 319 , 320 ] or packaging [ 321 ] to identify those individuals preparing or handling the drugs.…”

A study of DNA transfers onto plastic packets placed in personal bags

“…One study in 2008 looked at the probability of obtaining identifiable DNA results from resealable plastic packets in drug-related cases in Norway and the success rate was found to be 14% [18]. Another study looked at the use of Bayesian analysis to evaluate DNA transfer and persistence on resealable plastic packets and rolls of tapes commonly encountered in drug activities [19], while two other studies looked at DNA deposition, transfer, and persistence on the packaging of illicit drug capsules and found the DNA of the person who prepared the capsule [20,21]. In a more recent study that evaluated DNA transfer within a residential setting where the resealable plastic packets (mimicking illicit drug packets) were placed on the surface of the kitchen bench or bedroom drawer, it was found that direct or longer duration of contact led to greater DNA transfer than passive and short duration contact [22].…”