Publication: Forensic profiling of methamphetamine tablets by attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
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Date
2025-02
Authors
Niza, Muhammad Afiq Haikal Fairus
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Abstract
Illicit drug profiling is a vital aspect of forensic science, enabling law enforcement agencies to track drug distribution networks, identify adulteration trends, and enhance drug-related investigations. This study explores the application of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis (PCA) to chemically profile the methamphetamine tablets seized in Malaysia. In this study, a total of 161 methamphetamine tablet samples seized from the Kelantan region were analysed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Subsequently, the ATR-FTIR profiles of these samples were subjected to PCA for clustering and discrimination. The results indicated that most samples contained high levels of adulterants, with caffeine being the most prevalent. The study also revealed that a significant proportion of the samples which is 157 samples (97.5%) contained less than 25% methamphetamine, suggesting the widespread adulteration practices aimed at increasing profit margins while maintaining stimulant effects. To conclude, the study demonstrates that ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, combined with PCA, offers a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective method for forensic profiling of drug samples. It allows forensic analysts to track drug sources, monitor manufacturing trends, and support law enforcement in combating illicit drug trafficking
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