Stable Isotope Analysis: Drugs

The stable isotopic composition of materials, often referred to as the “isotopic profile” or “isotopic signature”, provides a means to associate or discriminate samples with different geographical or synthetic orginis. Studies have measured the range and variation in the isotopic composition of seized controlled drugs and examined the effects of synthesis and chemical modification in order to assist the interpreting of data from samples of unknown origin. The technique has been applied to a range of natural, modified-natural and synthetic controlled substances for law enforcement and forensic intelligence purposes.

Keywords: stable isotopes; isotopic profiling; isotopic signature; illicit drugs; controlled drugs; clandestine synthesis; cannabis; cocaine; heroin; amphetamines; counterfeit pharmaceuticals; doping control; forensic isotope ratio mass spectrometry