A Comparison of the Efficacy of Different Forensic Methods in Detection of Narcotic Substances from Blood and Urine Samples by Rapid Antigen Test Kit

Abstract

Introduction: Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country for narcotic drug addiction which is rising at alarming rate and spreading all over the country. These drugs cause serious health injuries to our young generation and child abusers. Our society is facing adverse effects due to drug addiction such as killing, hijacking, raping, western party celebrations etc. Department of narcotic drug control agency seized them every month which includes Heroin, Phensedyl (Codeine preparations), intravenous Morphine, Pethidine, Diazepam, Bromazepam, Yaba (Methamphetamine, Amphetamine with caffeine) and energy drinks containing sildenafil citrate and tadalafil citrate substances. Most of the addicted people are multiple drug users. So these substances should be detected by a rapid, reliable and cost effective method. The aim of the study was to understand the cause and risk factors of drug abuse. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the outpatient department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh during the period from July 2019 to july 2020 with a responsive sample size of 36. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. During study the ethical clearance was obtained from proper authority. Clearance regarding handling of narcotic samples was also taken from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Result: This study was conducted with a responsive sample size of 36. Of the total 36 samples, 34 were cases and 2 were controls. Post analysis of the used drugs pattern showed that 8.33% of cases used Benzodiazepine+Opioid+PCP, 8.33% of cases used Cocaine+Opioid+THC, 25% of the cases used Opioid+THC, 8.33% cases used BZD+Cocaine+Opioid+THC, 25% cases used BZD+Opioid+THC, 8.33% of cases used Cocaine+Opioid and the rest 16.67% were control and tested negative at the time of data collection. Conclusion: Sources at the department of narcotics control intelligence wing also said that around 10,000 cases are filed and 9,000 people are arrested every year in connection with drug-related violence and crimes. In the present, people are using multiple drugs rather than a single substance. For the rapid detection of drug of abuse the method of priority should be rapid blood sample test by kit to avoid unwanted tempering and a reliable result