The Forensic Analysis of Illicit Methaqualone-Containing Preparations by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

Currently 350 (and steadily increasing) different methaqualone tablet formulations have been received, tested and classed by the Chemistry Unit of the South African Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory (SAPS FSL). In order to help combat the criminal organisations targeting the local market, a National Forensic Drug Intelligence Database (NFDID), also referred to as the Logo Index, was established in March 1999 by the SAPS FSL. Colour photographs, accompanied by the dimensions and chemical identity of the active constituents of methaqualone tablet formulations, amphetamines and lysergic acid diethylamine (LSD) blotter papers are included in this database. The identity of inactive constituents, abundance of active and inactive constituents, precursor or processing chemicals, as well as by-products produced during the synthesis or production of illicit drug samples, are not yet included in the NFDID. In court in South Africa the Forensic drug analyst is increasingly asked to state whether illicit preparations from different seizures might be originating from the same manufacturer. This creates the need for not only routinely analyzing seized tablets fo