The investigation of drug abuse deaths (legal, law enforcement, and medical aspects).

Abstract

The pathologic investigation of a death caused by drug abuse need not be considered an onerous task. The investigator must be aware that it is a medicolegal investigation and proceed with the examination in a scientific and methodical manner, having verified all the circumstances, ascertained the evidence, and--most important--approached the problem as a multidisciplinary investigation requiring coordination of all information with proper authorities. The drug abuse problem cannot be considered to be fading, and with the advent of new sources of drugs, increased availability of others, and the emergence of newer synthetic compounds, the problem of drug abuse requires not only scientific knowledge but also challenges the detective in the pathologist.