Looking at forensic intelligence from the metaphysical perspective: citing illicit heroin profiling as an example

Abstract

As far as illicit drugs are concerned, drug profiling utilizing various analytical methods to trace the origin, manufacturing process and distribution chain is a key element in forensic intelligence. Setting aside the practical use of drug profiles, forensic laboratory findings with close reference to that of illicit heroin could also provide metaphyiscal insights about the nature of such intelligence work. The metaphysical nature, if appreciated, provides grounds for further scientific hypotheses that can be validated by logic and observation. Thus, both forensic science and metaphysics adopt an important role in forensic drug intelligence. Hence, it is worth examining the underlying metaphysical nature that governs the intelligence work through forensic science in the effort to counteract drug trafficking. Metaphysical explanations relating to the scientific evidence of drug profiling are integrated in this review, which focuses on the basic notion, law of identity, causality, necessity and holarchy, all of which essentially constitute philosophical bases for forensic intelligence and drug profiling. By expounding on these five aspects, much of the published work pertaining to illicit heroin profiling is used to reify the core concepts for better comprehension.