Comprehensive profiling of controlled substances using gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract

Background: Drug profiling is performed to prove the presence of any controlled substances and to compare sample purity, to determine whether two samples are from the same origin, as well as to assess the expected monetary value of the drug samples. However, conventional analyses by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) often lacks the sensitivity required to provide a full chemical fingerprint of the trace contaminants and cutting agents. Here, we apply gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF MS) to identify trace differences between seized drug samples. Material and Methods: Six seized samples of suspected drugs of abuse, were prepared by dissolving of each drug powder in methanol, prior to analysis by GC–TOF MS. Resulting chromatograms were integrated, identified and compared using novel comparative analysis tools to determine trends and differences between the seized samples. Result: All six seized samples were found to contain diacetylmorphine (heroin), however the trace cutting agents and contaminants present varied significantly. For example, the presence of the common cutting agents, caffeine and acetaminophen (or paracetamol) was only noted for some of the samples, while others contained trace impurities, such as meconin and 6-acetylcodeine, which can be useful in linking samples to the same origin. Conclusion: Comprehensive profiling of seized drug samples was obtained using GC–TOF MS to identify not only the controlled substances, but also the various cutting agents and trace impurities present.