Illicit drug profiling practices in Finland: An exploratory study about end users’ perceptions

What is the future of illicit drug profiling in Switzerland? Condemned to disappear or forgotten treasure

“…These reasons, which are not exhaustive, may cause the investigator to abandon the provided information. Therefore, having a crime analysis unit that combines traditional police information, forensic data (e.g., DNA, fingerprints, and packaging), and illicit drug profiling data to produce contextualized intelligence and support investigators and/or prosecutors in the interpretation and understanding of the produced intelligence would be of great benefit 28,32 …”

“…However, it is crucial for laboratories to focus not only on the two first steps of the illicit drug profiling process 1 : the extraction of a chemical and/or physical profile 2 ; the analysis and interpretation of the provided information 33 ; but also on a third step 3 link management and communication of the resulting forensic intelligence product to law enforcement officers and prosecutors. 28 To provide insight into procedures regarding illicit drug profiling within the Swiss criminal justice system, semi-directive interviews with investigators and prosecutors of six cantons (Geneva [GE], Jura…”

“…Therefore, having a crime analysis unit that combines traditional police information, forensic data (e.g., DNA, fingerprints, and packaging), and illicit drug profiling data to produce contextualized intelligence and support investigators and/or prosecutors in the interpretation and understanding of the produced intelligence would be of great benefit. 28,32 Laboratories and police authorities must find ways to manage increasing amount of data. To better understand customers' needs and deliver more "tailored" results based on the information sought it would be beneficial to formally establish the criminal investigation and prosecution process regarding illicit drugs in Switzerland as well as evaluate the role of illicit drug profiling and the factors influencing its use within this process.…”

“…An exploratory study about end users' perceptions about illicit drug profiling practices was conducted in Finland in an attempt to fill this gap. 28,29 Before developing new analytical techniques, it is necessary to know customers' needs, specifically the forensic question that needs to be answered. By working closely together with end users, laboratories can furnish more relevant information about the highlighted links, which would find greater use in day-to-day work.…”

State-of-the-Art Analytical Approaches for Illicit Drug Profiling in Forensic Investigations

“…Generally, profiling of a drug involves gathering all of its chemical and physical characteristics [ 7 ]. Indeed, physical profiling usually refers to a drug’s packaging and general appearance [ 8 ], whereas chemical profiling is more complex and requires a variety of analytical techniques to gather data about an illicit substance, other agents/excipients (e.g., adulterant and diluents), by-products, precursors, solvents, and impurities [ 4 ].…”