Illicit Drugs

Question 1

Describe 2 confirmatory tests to detect drugs

Answer 1

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY (GC/MS)
- compounds that have identical mass spectra may have different retention times

INFRARED SPECTROPHOTOMETERY (FTIR)

• unique to each chemical compound
• drug must be removed from all cutting ingredients = 100% purity

Question 2

Describe 2 post preliminary tests to detect drugs

Answer 2

MICROCRYSTAL TEST/
- colour, shape, speed of crystallisation of particular types of drugs

CHROMATOGRAPHY
- TLC

Question 3

Describe the 5 preliminary tests to detect drugs

Answer 3

RUYBAL (SCOTT)
- cocaine = turquoise bottom layer

MARQUIS
- opium = purple

MARQUIS + WATER
- amphetamines = bright orange fluorescence

DILLIE-KOPPANYI
- barbiturates = purple

EHRLICH
- LSD = purple

Question 4

Define the terms ‘excipients’ and ‘dilutents’

Answer 4

EXCIPIENTS - substances that may mimic the activity of the main illicit drug present in order to make it more difficult for users to know how much drug is there

DILUTENTS - used to dilute an illicit drug and give it more bulk

Question 5

Define the term ‘useable quantity’

Answer 5

An amount of a drug that is likely to have a demonstrable psychoactive effect on an average person that can be used to prosecute a person

Question 6

Define and list the 2 hallucinogenic drugs

Answer 6

HALLUCINOGENS - make you see vivid images

1. LSD - not addictive
2. Marijuanna - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and hashish oil gives powerful affects

Question 7

Define and list the 2 narcotic drugs

Answer 7

NARCOTICS - relieve pain and cause sleep

1. Morphine and codeine from opium - heroin from morphine
2. Synthetic designer drugs

Question 8

Define and list the depressant drug

Answer 8

DEPRESSANTS - give depressant effects

1. Barbiturates - highly addictive and dangerous

Question 9

Define and list 2 stimulant drugs

Answer 9

STIMULANTS - elevates ones mood

1. Amphetamines/methamphetamine - originally used pharmaceutically = to avoid dangerous intravenous use smokeable methamphetamine was formed =ICE
2. Cocaine - extruded from leaves of Coca plant

Question 10

What are 4 types of synthetic drugs?

Answer 10

1. Amphetamines
2. Barbiturates
3. PCP
4. Oxycodone

Question 11

What are 2 types of semi-synthetic drugs?

Answer 11

1. HEROIN

2. LSD

Question 12

What 2 drugs are derived from plant extracts?

Answer 12

1. Cocaine

2. Morphine/codeine

Question 13

What 3 drugs are naturally occurring?

Answer 13

1. Marijuana
2. Mushrooms
3. Cactus

Question 14

Define the terms ‘drugs’ and ‘drug abuse’

Answer 14

DRUG - natural or synthetic substance designed to produce a specific set of psychological or physiological effects on the human body

DRUG ABUSE - when people take drugs for purposes other than for which they are intended for