Analyzing Drugs
with
Infrared Spectroscopy
THE ANALYTE: Drugs (perhaps heroine, LSD, or cocaine...)
THE IDENTITY TEST: A tiny sample of the drug is put into an IR testing machine. The drug's various chemical components respond uniquely to the infrared light. The machine prints out a graph, which a chemist compares to known graphs, either by using knowledge of peak properties or using a computer database, probably both. The identity of the drug is confirmed.
THE IDENTITY AND THE CRIME:
SCENARIO #1: A victim of assault claims to have drugged and raped. Samples tested with IR are identified as rohypnol, a 'date-rape drug'. After obtaining a warrant, investigators find that the suspect is in possession of the drug. The suspect is arrested and sent to trial.
SCENARIO #2: A public figure is suspected of possessing illegal drugs. A mysterious white powder found in the public figure's kitchen is tested with IR and proven to be cocaine. The public figure is arrested and tried for illegal possession.
Read about Toxicological Investigations of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults.
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