Forensic science international最新文献

{"title":"Chemsex-related deaths in the United Kingdom (2017–2022): A review of the Forensic Toxicology data","authors":"Mark Tyler,&nbsp;Lindsey Ward,&nbsp;Susan Grosse","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112553","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112553","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The colloquial term “chemsex” (or “party and play”) has appeared within the media and scientific literature within the past decade or so. It has been described as “sex, sometimes long sessions with multiple partners, under the influence of psychoactive drugs (particularly mephedrone, GHB, GBL and crystal meth). Subjects are reported to be mostly, but not exclusively, men who have sex with men (MSM).</div><div>The study presents toxicology data from 21 deaths in the United Kingdom (between 2017 and 2022) considered within the “chemsex” scenario.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Each case (n = 21) involved the anecdotal report of using drugs with sexual activity. The age of the decedents was 19–62 years (median age = 42). 17 males died after pre-arranged meetings with other males. 2 males died after apparently engaging in sex acts alone. 1 male died after meeting a female. 1 female died after meeting a male. Volatile substance abuse and physical restraints were mentioned in some cases (“poppers”, ethyl chloride).</div><div>Post-mortem samples were analysed in 19 cases. In 2 cases, the subject was found alive, but died later. Ante-mortem blood samples were analysed in these 2 cases.</div><div>Analysis was carried out for alcohol, drugs of abuse, medicines and a range of sedative substances using conventional chromatographic methods including Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionisation Detector (GC-FID), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Gas Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GCMS/ MS), Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Liquid Chromatography with High Resolution Accurate Mass Spectrometry (LCHRAM).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Methamphetamine (methylamphetamine, MA, n = 16) and GHB (n = 14) were the most common drugs detected. The concentration range for MA was 0.025–13 mg/L, and for GHB was 22 to &gt; 800 mg/L in blood.</div><div>1 case contained mephedrone (0.19 mg/L).</div><div>Other drugs detected included: sildenafil/tadalafil (n = 9); cocaine/benzoylecgonine (n = 7); alcohol (n = 4); ketamine (n = 4); cannabis (n = 3); diazepam (n = 1); quetiapine (n = 1); diphenhydramine (n = 1).</div><div>Poly drug use was common. The most common combination was MA and GHB (n = 11).</div><div>The cause of death was predominantly given as Drug toxicity/Drug-related death. Ischaemic heart disease/coronary atherosclerosis was listed as an additional complication in some cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Methamphetamine and GHB were the most common drugs observed. Poly-drug use is common in deaths associated with chemsex. Little use of mephedrone was found. Volatile use/asphyxia may be a significant factor. We believe this is the first single study providing toxicology data in a series of chemsex-related deaths in the UK.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 112553"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144596813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A forensic toolkit for the “cheese skipper”: Larval identification and thermal requirements of the immature stages of Piophila casei (L.) (Diptera: Piophilidae)","authors":"Daniel Martín-Vega ,&nbsp;María Luisa Beringola ,&nbsp;Aarón Pedreño","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112559","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112559","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ‘cheese skipper’, <em>Piophila casei</em> (L.) (Diptera: Piophilidae), is a cosmopolitan and synanthropic species that frequently colonises cadavers in advanced stages of decomposition. Despite its potential as a forensic indicator, the use of <em>P. casei</em> in casework is hampered by (i) some contradictory descriptions of its larval morphology, which limit the reliability of the identification of specimens collected at the forensic scene, and (ii) the lack of reference data and temperature-dependent models, which hinders the accuracy of minimum postmortem interval (_minPMI) estimates based on the developmental rates of this species. Here we determine and illustrate a series of diagnostic morphological characters that allow for the unequivocal identification of <em>P. casei</em> larval specimens. The shape and degree of sclerotization of the larval cephalopharyngeal skeleton and the number and arrangement of the rows of spines of the ventral creeping welts are particularly useful allowing not only for species identification, but also for larval instar determination. In addition, we analyse the influence of temperature on the development of the different immature stages of <em>P. casei</em>, providing an isomorphen diagram and determining the thermal requirements (lower developmental threshold and thermal summation constant) for five developmental events, enabling accurate _minPMI estimates in forensic casework. In addition, within the intra-puparial period, we determine a series of age-specific morphological markers that are easily observable through the translucent puparium of <em>P. casei</em>, thus increasing the accuracy of _minPMI estimates and avoiding the potential risk of sample damaging during puparium dissection when using puparial samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"374 ","pages":"Article 112559"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methodological requirements to publish results obtained using high-risk forensic methods in FSI.","authors":"Didier Meuwly","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112557","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112557","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This editorial provides guidance on what is required for publication in Forensic Science International, particularly regarding methods for detecting deception. The European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act (EU-AI act) labels these methods as high-risk. The editorial discusses the importance of addressing ethical concerns and ensuring that the outcomes of such research do not compromise fundamental rights or the integrity of science. The editorial highlights that submissions analyzing biometric features using machine learning algorithms have been rejected, but there is no fundamental reason for this to always be the case. To assist authors in successfully developing and publishing their work on high-risk methods, the editorial provides guidance on what is required for publication in Forensic Science International, including experimental setup, scientific methodology and ethical aspects. The EU-AI Act emphasizes the need to consider both benefits and potential risks associated with using high-risk methods in research. By addressing these ethical concerns, we can ensure that the outcomes are beneficial and do not compromise human rights or science integrity. The editorial encourages authors to address these issues and provides references for further information on related topics. In summary, this editorial serves as a guide for researchers aiming to publish their work on high-risk methods in Forensic Science International, highlighting the importance of addressing ethical concerns and ensuring that research outcomes are beneficial and do not compromise fundamental rights or the integrity of science.</p>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":" ","pages":"112557"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A ten-year analysis of drug-facilitated crimes: Prevalence and characteristics at a tertiary hospital victim protection center","authors":"Sarah Anegg ,&nbsp;Daniela Doerfler ,&nbsp;Wolfgang Bicker ,&nbsp;Serena Paola Gonzalez Barias ,&nbsp;Florian Heinzl ,&nbsp;Jakob Schwazer ,&nbsp;Sabine Eder ,&nbsp;Ksenia Krögler-Halpern ,&nbsp;Christine Sam ,&nbsp;Karin Windsperger","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112552","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112552","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drug-Facilitated Crimes (DFCs) involve criminal offenses where the victim's intoxicated state plays a central role. The substances used, often central nervous system depressants, are challenging to detect, leading to a high rate of undiagnosed cases. As a result, DFCs remain a form of violence that is weakly characterized. This cross-sectional study analyzed 1104 violence-related cases presented to the Children and Victim Protection Center (CAVPC) at a tertiary hospital. Of these, 12.2 % were suspected to be DFCs between 2014 and 2019, while 38.5 % were suspected to be DFCs between 2020 and 2023 (p &lt; 0.001). This suggests a 544 % increase in the volume of DFC-related cases between the two time periods. Victims were predominantly female (86.4 %) and aged 20–30 years, though a concurrent rise in male victims, from 3.5 % in 2014–2019–15.1 % in 2020–2023 was also observed (p = 0.01). Perpetrators were primarily male (96.2 %), acted alone, and were known to the victim in 51.9 % of the cases. The crimes, which predominantly occurred in private settings between 2014 and 2019, increasingly took place in public spaces between 2020 and 2023 (p = 0.01), where alcohol was present, and peaked on weekends (especially Saturdays) and during late-night and early-morning hours. Most victims exhibited signs of amnesia (91.8 %) and physical injuries (58.4 %). Alarmingly, only 38.5 % of victims sought help within 12 h, significantly reducing the chances of detecting certain substances. Cannabinoids, cocaine, diphenhydramine, paracetamol and lidocaine were the most commonly identified substances in blood and urine. These findings highlight the urgent need for action, including implementing preventive measures, raising awareness, and reducing stigma – an approach that could help address the growing global public health concern of DFCs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"374 ","pages":"Article 112552"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in nanotechnology for illicit drug detection: A systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework","authors":"Binu Varghese ,&nbsp;Lalit Prasad","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112550","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112550","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanotechnology has revolutionized illicit drug detection in forensic science by enhancing the sensitivity, specificity, and portability of analytical methods. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, evaluated recent advancements in nanotechnology for the detection of substances (e.g., cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl). We analyzed 110 studies conducted from 2015 to 2025, focusing on innovations, such as Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) with noble metal nanoparticles and electrochemical sensors using graphene and carbon nanotubes. These technologies enable trace-level detection in complex matrices with limits as low as, thereby supporting rapid, on-site forensic analysis. Smart nanomaterials, including molecularly imprinted polymers, have further improved selectivity. However, challenges remain in terms of standardization, stability, and scalability. This review highlights a global research surge led by China and the US, and identifies gaps in integrating nano-enabled tools into routine forensic workflows. Future advancements should prioritize standardized protocols, environmental impact assessments, and portable device development to enhance forensic investigations. This study underscores the transformative potential of nanotechnology in combating drug-related crimes and offers precise and efficient solutions for modern forensic science.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"374 ","pages":"Article 112550"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"K-means clustering analysis of 13C/12C, 18O/16O and 2H/1H isotope ratios for identification of alcohol origin","authors":"Zhuonan Chen ,&nbsp;Qing Xu ,&nbsp;Bing Liu ,&nbsp;Yue Zhuo ,&nbsp;Shuo Yang ,&nbsp;Ran Kong ,&nbsp;Ping Xiang ,&nbsp;Mengxiang Su ,&nbsp;Hang Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112549","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112549","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Using a single qualitative and quantitative test for ethanol consumption sometimes fails to reflect the objective facts at the beginning of the incident for a variety of reasons, such as metabolism, diffusion, collection contamination, storage losses, and decomposition. Stable isotope signatures, because they are natural properties of the substance itself, have the ability to describe the origin of the substance and therefore have the potential to directly trace ethanol. Previous studies have shown that discrimination of ethanol origins can be achieved to a certain extent by combining the measurement of δ¹³C values with the calculation of likelihood ratios. In this study, we analyzed 99 alcohol consumption samples (group A), 77 contamination samples (group B), and 14 decomposition samples (group C) by a gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry method. We obtained δ¹³C values, δ¹⁸O values, and δ²H values for all three sample types and analyzed the data by a likelihood ratio calculation or a k-means clustering analysis–ROC curve method and compared them to 5 authentic samples to determine whether they were derived from alcohol consumption. The accuracy of the likelihood ratio method was 80 %, and the accuracy of the k-means cluster analysis–ROC curve system was 100 %. These findings demonstrated that increasing the dimensionality of the data can improve the accuracy of the likelihood rate method and that the k-means cluster analysis–ROC curve system was able to distinguish with good accuracy whether ethanol in blood samples was derived from alcohol consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"374 ","pages":"Article 112549"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Where did they go? The secondary (or higher) transfer of fibres from the home environment via daily wear","authors":"Yu Chen Lim-Hitchings,&nbsp;Geneviève Massonnet","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112547","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When evaluating findings of trace-trace or trace-reference fibre comparisons that involve materials recovered from frequented environments, the probabilities of the secondary or higher transfer of these fibres need to be considered. Such a complex process of transfer can be roughly divided into three main parts, the acquisition of these fibres from the environment, followed by their persistence, and finally their re-transfer during the event of interest. The first step was explored in a previous article, while existing literature is already rich in data on fibre persistence. This study focuses on the third step of the process, particularly in assault scenarios. Two participants with known rates of fibre acquisition from their domicile environment were recruited to wear six shirts of two levels of surface roughness for eight hours in their home. These shirts (intermediates) were then collected and worn by combat athletes during an assault simulation by the volunteer playing the role of assailant. Meanwhile, the recipient wore a standardized blanked white t-shirt (recipients). Both sets of shirts were collected and analysed for target fibres identified from the home environment of the two participants. The quantity of these target fibres on each of these shirts were recorded and compared to the previously recorded acquisition rate of the two participants. Surface roughness was found to play a role in transfer, where a greater share of fibres was retained on the rougher intermediates. The class of fibre did not appear to influence the quantity transferred. Finally, the results were used to establish posterior models in four different scenarios that describe varying levels of information available to the forensic expert. These models could be roughly classified into count-based, which involved a direct modelling of the number of fibres transferred with a negative binomial-beta conjugate, and proportion-based, involving first the modelling of the acquisition using a negative binomial distribution, and the subsequent transfer with a binomial distribution, using the results of the first model as the size and a beta prior distribution to model the proportion transferred. Proportion-based models outperformed the count-based ones, and increasing levels of information permitted increased specificity towards each scenario.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"374 ","pages":"Article 112547"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A responsible artificial intelligence framework for forensic science","authors":"Janet Stacey ,&nbsp;Rachel Fleming ,&nbsp;Dion Sheppard ,&nbsp;Jan Sheppard ,&nbsp;Gillian Dobbie ,&nbsp;Deepak Karunakaran","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As artificial intelligence and automated workflows become embedded in forensic science, there is a need for a comprehensive framework to ensure that they are fit for purpose. A review of existing AI guidelines and policies has identified a commonality of principles but an absence of the level of detail required for an organisation to implement these expectations at an operational level. In response to this, a Responsible AI Framework (RAIF) to support the safe and reliable development and implementation of AI projects within a forensic organisation has been developed. The RAIF consists of three components: a Questionnaire, a Guidelines document, and a Project Register. When used in combination, the RAIF enables organisations to have confidence when undertaking AI projects and to balance the opportunities and risks of this evolving technology. A fully worked example illustrating the application of the RAIF to Lumi Drug Scan, a forensic AI solution to detect illict drugs in real time, is included.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"375 ","pages":"Article 112548"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144581137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection using chamber digital PCR with a DNA extraction-free method for gene-doping control","authors":"Risako Furukawa ,&nbsp;Teruaki Tozaki ,&nbsp;Koki Kawate ,&nbsp;Mio Kikuchi ,&nbsp;Taichiro Ishige ,&nbsp;Yuji Takahashi ,&nbsp;Emiko Fukui ,&nbsp;Hironaga Kakoi","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gene doping, which entails the administration of transgenes, poses a serious threat to the integrity of equine sports and also raises both ethical and regulatory concerns. Current methods used for the detection of such doping often necessitate the extraction of DNA from plasma, which can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. To overcome this limitation, we developed a direct chamber digital PCR (cdPCR) method that enables transgene detection in equine plasma without the need for DNA purification. Using the equine erythropoietin <em>(EPO</em>) transgene as a model, we validated the assay by analysing plasma samples spiked at 10–1000 copies/µL. Samples were pre-treated with Lysis Buffer S Ver.2 and used directly as templates for cdPCR, employing a hydrolysis probe targeting an exon–exon junction of the transgene. This method required only 0.55 µL of plasma per 10 µL reaction and enabled us to achieve consistent detection down to 1000 copies/µL with high reproducibility and low background interference. The assay also proved effective in detecting the <em>EPO</em> transgene in plasma collected from a Thoroughbred horse after intramuscular plasmid administration. Compared with conventional PCR-based methods, this protocol substantially reduces sample handling and processing times, without any appreciable decrement in sensitivity. Our findings indicate the potential utility of direct cdPCR as a practical tool for gene doping surveillance in equine sports. Its simplified workflow and minimal sample requirement also suggest broader applications in forensic biotechnology, for which rapid and reliable detection of genetic material is essential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"374 ","pages":"Article 112545"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144514350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"DNA evidence in illicit drug trafficking: A forensic analysis of transfer DNA between packaging materials","authors":"Amna Arooj ,&nbsp;Hifz Ur Rehman ,&nbsp;Hafiz Muhammad Abbas Malik ,&nbsp;Muhammad Shahid Cholistani ,&nbsp;Muhammad Adeel Aslam ,&nbsp;Samiullah Malik","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The illicit drug distribution pathway commonly involves powdered substances encapsulated and distributed in small plastic bags via multiple intermediaries. This study investigated the DNA transfer dynamics between individuals involved in the production, packaging, and transportation of such materials through two experimental pathways. In the first experimental design, we established a two-person chain wherein Participant A manufactured and packaged capsules into zip lock bags (ZLBs), which were subsequently transported by Participant C for a four-day period. The second experimental pathway involved a three-person chain: Participant A prepared the capsules, Participant B inserted them into ZLBs, and Participant C carried the packages. DNA sampling was conducted on multiple surfaces: the interior of the ZLBs, the semi-protected opening regions, the exterior surfaces, the capsule exteriors, and the storage containers. Forensic analysis employed Verifiler™ Plus for DNA profiling with subsequent data deconvolution using STRmix™ software. Results demonstrated that informative DNA profiles could be successfully recovered from capsules despite observable DNA transfer between capsules, storage containers, and bag interiors. The exterior surfaces of ZLBs yielded complex mixed profiles, whereas the more protected surfaces—bag interiors and capsule exteriors—typically produced profiles with predominantly one or two contributors. These findings have significant implications for forensic investigation strategies, suggesting that targeting the interior surfaces of packaging materials and capsule exteriors may provide more reliable identification of individuals involved in the initial stages of drug packaging, while exterior surfaces offer greater insight into recent handling events in the distribution chain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"374 ","pages":"Article 112546"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144491521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}