Toxicological analysis of seized impure cocaine samples

MOLINAS, M. F.; ELICIO, P. D.; SZYMCZAK, C. L.; CASES, GABRIEL G.; AZNAREZ, JORGE A.; BURTON, GERARDO; FERRARI, LUIS A.

Buenos Aires

Congreso; 52nd Annual Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (52nd TIAFT); 2014

International Association of Forensic Toxicologists

Introduction. Adulterants can directly impact cocaine consumers? health. Previously, detection of alkaloids extracted from seized cocaine, such as cinnamoylcocaine and truxilines (C-T), did not exceed 0.1-0.8% of total content. For comparison, we analyzed current seized cocaine and determined C-T percentages in relation to total alkaloids. The present results were compared with those reported in the literature.  Materials and Methods. Five samples seized at different times and places in Buenos Aires were analyzed. Aliquots from the material were extracted with various organic solvents and water. Subsequently, the dissolved fraction was processed and analyzed by GC-MS, 1H and 13C NMR and correlation spectra 1H-1H (COSY) and 1H-13C (HSQC y HMBC). Results. Samples contained varying proportions of cocaine, related alkaloids and cutting agents. Cocaine was 29 - 61% of the total weight of the sample and 21 - 82% of the weight was attributed to other substances (caffeine, phenacetin, lidocaine and aminophenazone). Cinnamoylcocaine was found in three samples at 2 - 6.6% of total weight, and truxilines were found in one sample at 2.3%.  Discussion. There was an increase in the alkaloids, cinnamoylcocaine and truxilines detection, in recent years compared to those in the past decades. These components of Erythroxylum coca could have a negative impact on human health, especially cinnamoylcocaine, which has been found to be cardiotoxic.