Profiling of organic and inorganic impurities in seized methamphetamine samples from Ankara, Türkiye: A chemometric implication in forensic chemistry

Abstract

The forensic profiling of methamphetamine impurities offers critical insights into synthetic routes, geographic origins, and trafficking networks associated with illicit drug production. In this study, organic and inorganic impurities in methamphetamine samples seized in Ankara, Türkiye, were analyzed using a comprehensive chemometric approach, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Organic impurities were detected through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), while Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to identify trace metals (Al, As, Au, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, V, Zn). These inorganic impurities provide valuable information regarding the manufacturing processes and precursor materials used. Five distinct production sources were identified, with some samples linked to ephedrine-based synthesis in Iran and Afghanistan, while others were associated with non-ephedrine-based methods in Southeast Asia and Europe. The identification of unique organic impurities, such as N-formylmethamphetamine and 1-benzyl-3-methylnaphthalene, combined with the detection of trace metals like chromium and zinc, offered further insights into the production environments. This combined analysis of organic and inorganic impurity profiles enhances the ability to trace methamphetamine production back to specific geographic regions and manufacturing practices, thereby supporting law enforcement efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking. The findings demonstrate the utility of chemometric techniques in forensic drug analysis and provide a robust framework for source identification through impurity profiling.

Data Availability

No additional data is available for this study.