Identifying Drugs of Abuse Using Gas Chromatography :: Forensic Science

ScenarioOn the 23rd of September 2015 at 2258, Mr. Rob Slone was arrested on Sanctuary Road, West Bridgford on possession with absorbed to supply. A large amount of cash was found on the suspect and a stand containing unknown oral contraceptive pills and powders was recovered from the riverbank, in close proximity to the posture of the arrest. A balance with withdraw- white powder, an off- white powder in self sealed bag and a tablet in paper wraps were seized from Mr. Slones property. At the riverside, a 5 note, a tablet in paper wraps and 2 off- white powders in self sealed bags, were seized.Physical examinationAimThe evidence is physically examined to determine the integrity of the seized substances earlier any destructive techniques are used.IntroductionIn forensic science physical examination of the evidence is essential as if the packaging is not correct evidence can be lost or accessed. A chain of custody is importantPhotography is essential, any photographs should be ta ken before the evidence is moved.MethodsExhibit MF/2Before any destructive techniques were used on the exhibit, the integrity of the packaging was determined. The tamper apparent bag containing the exhibit was examined to check if was correctly labelled and sealed. Upon receipt of the exhibit the continuity label was signed to ensure the integrity of the exhibit. The tamper evident bag was cut and opened. The yellow paper wrap containing the white tablet measured 1.8x 4cm. The yellow paper wrap was opened to remove the tablet. The exhibit MF/2 was photographed with scale. Visual examination indicates that the exhibit is a white tablet with a manufacturers logo CO/COD. The imprint suggested that the tablet could be co-codamol. Co-codamolThe tablet was weighed in a plastic weighing boat to prevent any contamination. The tablet weighed 0.6001 grams.All the information was noted on a General test Record.Exhibit DR/3Upon receipt of exhibit DR/3 the continuity label was signed. The tamp er evident bag was cut and opened. In the bag there was an off white powder in a sealed bag. The bag containing off white powder was weighed. It weighed 0.80823 grams.Results and discussionPhysical examination is essential for the integrity of exhibits. The exhibits must(prenominal) be physically examined before any techniques that would destroy are used. The exhibitsThe aim of the experiment as a forensic analyst is to examine the seized items visually before the presumptive tests. ExhibitsBag NumberSamantha NaasDR/3D10025448MF/2D10025224Catherine TuckeyDR/2D10025606MF/3D10025590Lee BerryDR/1D10025639MF/4D10025438 likely testsAimThe presumptive tests are carried out to get a preliminary identification of the controlled sample and are used for qualitative analysis of the unknown substance.