Identification of Narcotics and Related Substances with Portable FTIR ATR Analyzers

Importance of the topic

The global rise in conventional narcotics and new psychoactive substances has strained forensic laboratories and law enforcement. Portable, reliable, and rapid analytical techniques are essential for on-site identification of suspect materials. Diamond-ATR FTIR spectroscopy meets these needs by combining minimal sample preparation, high specificity, and software-guided workflows that nonchemists can operate effectively.

Objectives and overview of the study

This application study evaluates the performance of two field-deployable FTIR forensics analyzers, the Agilent 4500a (battery-powered) and 5500a (mains or portable power pack), in identifying a range of illicit narcotics, new psychoactive substances (NPS), and common cutting agents. The work also demonstrates new metadata and hazard-warning features in Agilent MicroLab 5.7 software.

Methodology

• Sampling: Single-bounce diamond ATR interface accommodating powders, crystals, liquids, gels, tablets, and plant material with minimal or no pretreatment.
• Acquisition: 50 scans per background and sample at 4 cm–1 resolution, zero-fill factor of 2; ~22 s per scan.
• Workflow: A six-step, software-guided sequence—method selection, background collection, sample placement, live-view contact check, sample scan, and ranked library search—completes in 2–3 minutes.
• Libraries: ATR Forensics Library for Mobile FTIR and TICTAC FTIR ATR drugs library, containing conventional narcotics, NPS analogs, cutting agents, and hazard metadata.

Used instrumentation

• Agilent 4500a FTIR forensics analyzer (portable, battery-powered)
• Agilent 5500a FTIR forensics analyzer (transportable, mains/portable power pack)
• Diamond ATR sampling interface
• Agilent MicroLab 5.7 software with updated metadata and warning features

Key results and discussion

• Rapid, confident identification of street samples of heroin, cocaine hydrochloride, MDMA, 2C-B, N-ethylpentylone, and citric acid cutting agent with hit quality indices >0.89.
• Software highlights controlled substances using warning triangles and GHS hazard symbols in ranked search results.
• Metadata pop-outs provide compound identity, physical/chemical data, safety measures, and user-editable notes.
• Spectral selectivity demonstrated on three synthetic cannabinoid analogs (AKB-48, 5F-AKB-48, 5C-AKB-48), distinguishing tail substituents (methyl, fluorine, chlorine) by characteristic vibrational peaks.
• Residual spectrum subtraction enables mixture analysis by isolating and reanalyzing unknown components.

Benefits and practical applications

Portable ATR-FTIR analyzers enable first responders and forensic teams to:

• Perform on-site presumptive testing with laboratory-grade spectral specificity.
• Reduce sample backlog by fast-tracking prosecution evidence.
• Enhance safety through embedded hazard warnings and minimal sample handling.
• Customize libraries and metadata for jurisdiction-specific compounds.

Future trends and potential applications

• Integration with cloud-based spectral databases and AI-driven matching algorithms for real-time updates and expanded libraries.
• Miniaturization of optical components for lighter, smartphone-linked analyzers.
• Advanced mixture deconvolution software to handle complex street formulations.
• Cross-agency data sharing to build comprehensive regional substance profiles.

Conclusion

ATR-FTIR field analyzers Agilent 4500a and 5500a deliver fast, reliable identification of narcotics, NPS, and cutting agents with minimal training and preparation. Enhanced software features—tailored workflows, hazard warnings, and customizable metadata—empower nonchemists to obtain actionable results in minutes, easing pressure on central laboratories and improving public safety.

References

• European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. European Drug Report 2022: Trends and Developments. Publications Office of the European Union, 2022, pp. 11–32.
• Abouchedid A et al. Acute Toxicity Associated with Use of 5F-Derivations of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists with Analytical Confirmation. Journal of Medical Toxicology 2016, 12(4), 396–401. DOI: 10.1007/s13181-016-0571-7
• Chung H et al. Synthetic Cannabinoids Abused in South Korea: Drug Identifications by the National Forensic Service from 2009 to June 2013. Forensic Toxicology 2014, 32(1), 82–88. DOI: 10.1007/s11419-013-0213-6