Narcotic drug detection and identification through synchronous fluorescence technique

Abstract

Illegal production of potentially hazardous narcotics as well as various psychotropic drugs is being carried out in the neighbouring countries and international market which is causing narco-terrorism a global havoc. Compared with traditional/natural drugs the synthetic drugs are more smuggled nowadays. Because of the vulnerability of the borders to drug trafficking, India has increased surveillance at borders and coasts and thus has tackled the problem to some extent. Authors developing a Narcotic drug sensor (point sensor) for detection and identification of Narcotic drugs based on Laser Induced Fluorescence more specifically Synchronous Fluorescence Spectroscopy in an effort. Some narcotic samples viz. Caffeine, Quinine and Tramadol were considered for the study. The fluorescence spectrum was studied using our own laboratory-based sensor incorporating charge coupled device-based Spectrometer and Laser source (266 nm wavelength) and commercial system from 'Horiba Scientific' incorporating Photomultiplier tube and Xe lamp source.