Background: Amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) is a group of illicit drugs that produce a sense of excitement and pleasure, and due to these stimulant effects, these are called party drugs. ATS include amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MET) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In Pakistan these drugs are less common if compared to hashish and heroin. However, in the last few years the abuse of these drugs has increased, most probably because they can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, Pakistan is at the transit route for the ATS produced in Afghanistan, and then AMP and MET are easily available. Aim: The aim of the current study is to highlight the ATS threat for the Pakistani society, based on seizure and analysis data. Methods: Seizure data (2017-2021) collected from the official anti-narcotic force (ANF) website and cases submitted at Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) by the police. The seizure data was used to predict the threat level. Qualitative illicit substance confirmations submitted at PFSA were verified comparing color tests, gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) sample analyses with those of certified reference materials (CRMs). The analytical scheme used was according to UNODC protocols and SWGDRUG recommendations. Results & conclusions: Statistical data of data collected in five years showed that 3620 kg, 5777 kg, and 50 kg of AMP, MET, and MDMA have been seized from 2017 to 2021, respectively. The ANF has also seized 80 kg of ephedrine, the chemical precursor of ATS synthesis. A total of 664 cases were registered at PFSA during the stated period. The analysis of seized material by GC/MS & FTIR showed that ANP and MET were supplied to the local drug market mostly in pure form, while urea and saccharin as diluent have been observed in few cases. MET has also been detected in combination with hashish, and ATS have been used together with other illicit substances. Complete ATS profiling and cluster analysis is suggested for prospects in order to discriminate drug origins and other parameters. This will help in controlling the ATS trafficking, local synthesis, abuse, and related crimes. Keywords: amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), amphetamine type stimulants, ATS abuse in Pakistan
Threat of Amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) for the society of Pakistan: analysis based on seizure data and seized illicit drug materials
Muhammad Usman
;Donatella Nardiello;Maurizio Quinto
2023-01-01
Abstract
Background: Amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) is a group of illicit drugs that produce a sense of excitement and pleasure, and due to these stimulant effects, these are called party drugs. ATS include amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MET) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). In Pakistan these drugs are less common if compared to hashish and heroin. However, in the last few years the abuse of these drugs has increased, most probably because they can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, Pakistan is at the transit route for the ATS produced in Afghanistan, and then AMP and MET are easily available. Aim: The aim of the current study is to highlight the ATS threat for the Pakistani society, based on seizure and analysis data. Methods: Seizure data (2017-2021) collected from the official anti-narcotic force (ANF) website and cases submitted at Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) by the police. The seizure data was used to predict the threat level. Qualitative illicit substance confirmations submitted at PFSA were verified comparing color tests, gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) sample analyses with those of certified reference materials (CRMs). The analytical scheme used was according to UNODC protocols and SWGDRUG recommendations. Results & conclusions: Statistical data of data collected in five years showed that 3620 kg, 5777 kg, and 50 kg of AMP, MET, and MDMA have been seized from 2017 to 2021, respectively. The ANF has also seized 80 kg of ephedrine, the chemical precursor of ATS synthesis. A total of 664 cases were registered at PFSA during the stated period. The analysis of seized material by GC/MS & FTIR showed that ANP and MET were supplied to the local drug market mostly in pure form, while urea and saccharin as diluent have been observed in few cases. MET has also been detected in combination with hashish, and ATS have been used together with other illicit substances. Complete ATS profiling and cluster analysis is suggested for prospects in order to discriminate drug origins and other parameters. This will help in controlling the ATS trafficking, local synthesis, abuse, and related crimes. Keywords: amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), amphetamine type stimulants, ATS abuse in PakistanI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
