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CUT: A Guide to Adulterants, Bulking Agents and Other Contaminants Found

in Illicit Drug

Book · April 2010

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Claire Cole, Lisa Jones, Jim McVeigh, Andrew Kicman, Qutub Syed & Mark A. Bellis
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the following for their contribution to the literature searching, design, proofing, editing
and distribution of this document: Carol Chadwick. Sian Connolly, Layla English, Michael Evans-Brown, Dave Seddon,
Olivia Wooding, Lee Tisdall, Ellie McCoy and Gemma Parry of the Centre for Public Health. We would also like to
thank the International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA) for their support with launching this report at their 2010
conference.

About the Authors

Claire Cole and Lisa Jones are Senior Researchers at the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University.
Jim McVeigh is the Deputy Director and Reader in Substance Use Epidemiology at the Centre for Public Health.
Professor Andrew Kicman is Head of Research and Development in the Department of Forensic Science and Drug
Monitoring, The Drug Control Centre, at Kings College London. Professor Qutub Syed is the Regional Director for
Health Protection Agency in the North West Region. Professor Mark A. Bellis is the Director of the Centre for Public
Health.

1
Contents
Executive Summary 4

1. Introduction 10

2. Methodology 13

3. Heroin 17

4. Cocaine and Crack Cocaine 25

5. Amphetamine and Methamphetamine 30

6. Ecstasy 33

7. Cannabis 36

8. Other Illicit Drugs 38

9. Public Health Response and Harm Reduction Messages 40

10. Summary 45

References 47

Appendix 1 - Glossary 55

List of Tables
Table 1: Summary of drug adulteration evidence 5

Table 2: Summary of common bacterial infections caused by adulterated illicit drugs 8

Table 3: Details of studies where adulterants have been reported in heroin 19

Table 4: Details of case reports where adverse health effects and death were reported as a consequence
of adulterated heroin/opium 22

Table 5: Details of studies where adulterants have been reported in cocaine/crack cocaine 26

Table 6: Details of case reports where adverse health effects and death were reported as a consequence
of adulterated cocaine 28

Table 7: Details of case reports where adverse health effects and death were reported as a consequence
of adulterated methamphetamine 32

Table 8: Details of studies where adulterants have been reported in ecstasy 34

Table 9: Details of case reports where adverse health effects and death were reported as a consequence
of adulterated ecstasy 35

List of Boxes
Box 1: Report terminology 3

Box 2: Future considerations – summary 9

Box 3: Drug terminology used for selection 13

Box 4: Adulteration terminology used for selection 14

Box 5: Internet sources searched 15

Box 6: Data issues 16

Box 7: The Health Protection Agency, UK 41

Box 8: Future considerations 46

2
Terminology

Box 1: Report terminology

There are a number of terms which are used to describe the additional elements of illicit substances.
The three most commonly used terms are1:

Contaminants Refers to by-products of the manufacturing process

Adulterants Refers to pharmacologically active ingredients added to give either synergistic or

antagonistic effects

Diluents Refers to the inert substances added to illicit drugs to bulk out the drug and therefore decrease
the amount of active ingredient

For the purpose of this report contaminants, adulterants and diluents are all referred to as ‘adulterants’.
Whilst it is shown above that these terms do have differences they share the common feature that they
are all additional substances within illicit drugs either intentionally added or synthesised as a result of
production and/or distribution.

Key terms
Below are a number of key terms used throughout this report. Additional terms, abbreviations and definitions can be
found in the glossary in Appendix 1.

Alkaloids – Any nitrogenous base compound with one or more of the following features: a heterocyclic compound
containing nitrogen, an alkaline pH or a marked physiological action on animal physiology. Alkaloids may be organic
(from plants) or synthesised.

Amine – Nitrogen-containing organic compounds.

Atomic absorption spectroscopy – Technique for detecting and quantifying metals, such as lead.

Gas chromatography (GC) – A very powerful separation technique for analysing organic volatile compounds.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) – Combination method of the features of gas-liquid

chromatography and mass spectrometry. Commonly used in drug detection, this is a gold standard technique for
identifying different organic substances within a test sample, as it combines specificity with analytical sensitivity. The
data generated can be likened to a chemical fingerprint.

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) – A powerful separation technique that can be used for both
volatile and non-volatile organic compounds. Detection utilises visible/UV light or by an electrochemical system.

Infra-red spectroscopy - Can be used to help investigate sample composition including, for example, a drug mixed
with a sugar.

Mass spectrometry (MS) – Technique for identification of the composition of a sample.

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) – Technique used to separate and help identify compounds in mixtures. It lacks
the resolving power but it can also be applied to non-volatile compounds, such as sugars.

1
Definitions have been developed from those published in Hamilton et al. (2000).

3
Executive Summary
Background
Historically, and more recently, it has been a common perception that illicit drugs typically contain other substances in
addition to the purported active ingredient that can have serious adverse health consequences or even cause premature
death. The reasons for inclusion of additional elements in illicit drugs are often varied and not always intentional by the
manufacturer. Additional substances may be added to bulk, dilute, complement or enhance the effects of the drugs.
Other adulterants are the result of manufacturing, production or storage techniques, for example alkaloids,
microorganisms or other biological and infectious agents. This document is an evidence-based overview of
adulterants (here, any substance or organism found in illicit drugs at the point of purchase other than the
active ingredient2), their effects on health and the development of messages and other public health
interventions to reduce their impact.

Adverse reactions to illicitly manufactured drugs are increased by variability in dosage, composition and purity. Many
illicit drugs can be synthesised using a number of methods, with many manufacturers also clandestinely
manufacturing precursors and therefore adding another unknown element. The illicit drug manufacture process itself
may create by-products which adulterate the final product, and the method of manufacturing employed will affect the
final composition. The quality of the drug produced is highly dependent upon the skills and abilities of the producer
combined with a range of other issues including, the resources available, production environment, distribution
infrastructure and varied market and enforcement factors. The variation in substances used to adulterate illicit drugs
contributes to the unpredictability of the drug’s effects, including the potential for unknown or unexpected synergistic
reactions, and health related consequences.

Forensic evidence of adulteration of illicit drugs

Less adulteration than is anecdotally perceived by drug users and dealers actually takes place and stories of illicit
drugs cut with household cleaning products, brick dust and ground glass are often inaccurate. However, adulterants
are routinely found in illicit drugs. The evidence suggests that illicit drugs are more commonly adulterated with benign
substances (such as sugars), substances that will enhance or mimic the effects of illicit drugs (such as quinine in
heroin) or substances that will facilitate the administration of the illicit drug (such as caffeine in heroin and cocaine to
facilitate smoking). A summary of the published evidence of drug adulterants found in multiple samples of illicit drugs
is presented in Table 1. This table provides the potential reasons for inclusion and health effects of the most common
adulterants that have been purposefully added or result from manufacture, storage or distribution.

2
Illicit drugs are often adulterated by the drug user during preparation for administration (such as adding citric acid to heroin for injection).
This report does not include adulteration or contamination after the point of purchase by the drug user.

4
Table 1: Summary of drug adulteration evidence

Potential reason for

Drug Adulterant(s) Licit use Public health risks Health consequences
presence as adulterant

Sucrose Minimal risk of

Lactose To dilute/add bulk. Legally adverse health effects.
Sugars Inactive adulterants.
Dextrose and readily available. Can cause nasal
Mannitol irritation.

Heroin
• Abdominal pain and
Potentially a by-product of the
cramping
use of lead pots in illicit drug In low dosages lead
• Headaches
manufacture. poisoning can have
• Anaemia
mild effects.
• Dizziness
Soft, malleable Methamphetamine
Lead • Nausea/vomiting
metal Sometimes used in Injecting of illicit drugs
• Muscle weakness
methamphetamine adulterated with lead
• Seizures
manufacture. Poor causes severe adverse
• Coma
manufacturing can result in health effects.
• Renal injury
lead residue in drug product. • CNS damage

Caffeine is legal, cheap

and more readily available
than illicit drugs.
In small doses there are
Heroin • Mood disturbances
few serious health
Vaporizes heroin at lower • Induce anxiety
repercussions.
temperature when smoked - • Addictive
Psychoactive
Caffeine slightly increases efficiency. • Sleep disturbance
stimulant drug Moderate to large
• Increases risk of a
doses can cause
Cocaine/Amphetamine/ range of health
considerable
Methamphetamine/Ecstasy problems
harms.
Stimulant properties of
caffeine can create similar,
although usually milder,
effects to the primary drug.
Illicit Drugs

Heroin
Facilitates smoking of heroin
and may relieve the pain of • CNS problems
intravenous injection due to • Nausea
anaesthetic properties. • Vomiting
Local Risk of toxicity
Procaine • Dizziness
anaesthetic at high doses.
• Tremors
Cocaine • Convulsions
Similar anaesthetic and • Anxiety
subjective effects as cocaine.

Easily available,
relatively cheap.
Low dosages should • Liver damage
have minimal impact. • Gastro-intestinal
Over-the-counter Heroin
Paracetamol/ effects
pain relief Analgesic effects and bitter
Acetaminophen3 Risk of toxicity • Adverse effects
medication taste of paracetamol may
at high doses. when mixed with
disguise poor quality heroin.
alcohol
May be used because it has
similar melting point to heroin.
A fine motor stimulant. Low
doses act as a muscle
stimulant.
Heroin
Enhances retention of Whilst it has only been • Muscle spasm
heroin when volatized. reported in non life • Opisthotonos
Strychnine Pesticide Has only been found at threatening quantities, (holding of body
non-life threatening small increases could in awkward rigid
quantities. potentially be fatal. position)
Cocaine
Reason for inclusion
unknown. May have been
unintentional.

5
Table 1: Continued

Potential reason for

Drug Adulterant(s) Licit use Public health risks Health consequences
presence as adulterant

Psychoactive drug which Risk of overdose in IV users • Overdose

Phenobarbital Barbiturate
facilitates smoking of heroin. who are hypersensitive. • Death

• Acute renal failure

• Cinchonism
Bitter taste similar to heroin
• Gastric disturbances
and may be used as a
Can cause overdose • Thrombosis and
Antimalarial diluent. Also mimics the
Quinine and a host of other hypotension (IV use)
medication respiratory ‘rush’ felt by
adverse health reactions. • CNS overstimulation
injecting heroin users shortly
• Visual disturbances
after administration.
(blindness)
• Death
Heroin

Can cause overdose and • Cardiovascular

Asthma poisoning at moderate to effects
Reason for inclusion
decongestant high dosages. • Neuromuscular
unknown but may have
Clenbuterol and syndrome
been unintentional
bronchodilator Low doses typically cause • Mydriasis (excessive
contamination.
drug4 adverse cardiovascular pupil dilation)
effects. • Agitation

Low doses cause

sleepiness and
Colourless, odourless • Anticholinergic
Anticholinergic drowsiness.
Scopolamine and tasteless and therefore toxicity
alkaloid
not easily detectable. • CNS depressant5
High doses can cause
euphoria.

Adverse cardiovascular
and CNS reactions can • CNS problems
Similar, but stronger, occur at low doses. • Nausea
Local anaesthetic effects as cocaine • Vomiting
Lidocaine
anaesthetic and gives the impression Overdose can occur • Dizziness
of higher quality cocaine. at excessive doses. • Tremors
Increases the toxicity • Convulsions
of cocaine.

Use in combination with • Dizziness

Sedative, Unknown, but potentially sedative drugs can cause • Drowsiness
anxiolytic, used in the final unconsciousness. • Gastro-intestinal
Hydroxyzine
used as an processing stages of effects
antihistamine cocaine manufacturing. Rare cases of overdose • Tinnitus
Cocaine

resulting in CNS problems. • Headaches

• Analgesic
Phenacetin is banned
nephropathy
Pain relieving properties in many countries due
Analgesic • Haemolytic anaemia
Phenacetin and similar physical to links with renal
substance • Methaemoglobinaemia
properties to cocaine. failure and suspected
• Kidney cancer
carcinogenicity.
• Bladder cancer

Generally no longer used

An anthelmintic with humans, but still
Unknown, however, it is
medication (used available as a veterinary • Fever
Levamisole theorised that it gives a more
for expelling medicine. • Agranulocytosis
intense high.
parasitic worms)
Highly toxic.

MSM is readily available and

Methamphetamine

Naturally occuring is physically similar to

in some foods methamphetamine (odourless,
Methylsulfonyl- and white, crystalline powder).
None identified. None identified.
methane (MSM) also marketed Methamphetamine
as a dietary adulterated with MSM
supplement creates the impression of
high purity methamphetamine6.

6
 Table 1: Continued

Potential reason for

Drug Adulterant(s) Licit use Public health risks Health consequences
presence as adulterant

A high dose can cause an

• Lethargy
individual to feel ‘high’ in a
Antitussive drug • Tachycardia
similar way to ecstasy. High doses can cause
Dextromethorphan (cough • Ataxia
Dextromethorphan is legal adverse health effects.
suppressant) • Nystagmus
and therefore cheaper and
• Heatstroke
easier to obtain than MDMA7.

Amphetamines have similar

• Mood disturbances
properties to the stimulant
Moderate doses can • Induce anxiety
Ecstasy

effects of ‘ecstasy’ although

cause a range of adverse • Addictive
Amphetamine/ Illicit stimulant these adulterants are not
health effects and • Sleep disturbance
Methamphetamine drugs entactogens.
high doses can cause • Increases risk of a
Amphetamine substances
overdose and death. range of health
are often sold as, or in
problems
combination with, MDMA.

Paramethoxymetha-
mphetamine Illegal Purposefully added to Relatively unknown,
(PMMA) and psychoactive ecstasy due to stimulant but high dosages
Paramethoxyamphe- chemical properties. have caused death.
tamine (PMA)

• Abdominal cramps
• Anaemia
• Nausea
• Fatigue
Soft, malleable
Lead To increase weight. Lead poisoning. • Polyneuropathy
metal
• Toxic effects
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death
Cannabis

Unknown, but aluminium

• Smoking related
Soft, malleable contamination may have Contribute to smoking
Aluminium adverse health
metal resulted from impure water related diseases.
effects
supply.

• Sore mouth
Unknown, but potentially • Mouth ulcers
Inhalation of hot glass
Glass to improve apparent quality • Chesty persistent
fumes.
and increase weight8. cough
• Tight chest

3
Acetaminophen is the American term for paracetamol.
4
Clenbuterol is only licensed for use as a medication in some countries.
5
An anticholinergic toxidrome typically consists of blurred vision; agitation; fever; urinary retention; dry, hot, flushed skin; and dilated pupils.
6
See: www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs3/3690/meth.htm
7
See: www.dancesafe.org/documents/druginfo/dxm.php
8
See: www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=100836

7
Bacterial infections and adulterated illicit drugs
Bacterial infections are a common risk associated with illicit drug use, particularly among injecting drug users.
Although, the literature presents a wealth of information about drug users who have contracted bacterial infections
only a small proportion have been confirmed to be due to drug adulteration, as opposed to unsterile preparation. A
summary of bacterial infections either suspected or confirmed to be due to adulterated drugs is presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Summary of common bacterial infections caused by adulterated illicit drugs

Bacterial infection Public health risks Health consequences

Bacillus anthracis (anthrax)

Common public health risks associated The health consequences of bacterial
Bacterium which creates spores which
with bacterial infection caused by infections are relatively common across
can infect the body through three forms:
adulterated illicit drugs are cited below. different bacterial infections and therefore
skin, inhalation or gastrointestinal.
have been listed together below. Most
Produces lethal poisons and can
• Cross contamination to other individuals infections can be cured if identified early.
cause death.
is possible from open wounds.
• Abscess/inflammation at injecting sites
Bacillus cereus • Contamination of injecting equipment. • Respiratory problems
Soil-dwelling bacteria. • Nausea/vomiting
• Many bacterium survive the heating • Tetanus
Clostridium botulinum process common with preparation of • Septicaemia
Anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium. heroin for injection. • Paralysis*
• Botulism*
• Gas gangrene
Clostridium novyi
• Death
Anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium.
*Paralysis and botulism are most commonly
Clostridium sordellii associated with Clostridium botulinum.
Rare anaerobic bacterium.

Necrotizing fasciitis
Deep soft tissue infection.

Summary of evidence relating to drug adulteration from case study reports

The evidence identified from case reports illustrates that adverse health effects or deaths due to adulterated drugs are
commonly due to poisoning, poor manufacturing techniques, poor storage or packaging, or related to the effects of
other substances sold as the illicit drug (for example, paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) and/or
paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) sold as ecstasy). Bacterial infections attributed to illicit drug adulteration were most
common amongst injecting drug users (particularly heroin and cocaine injectors).

Heroin
Case reports of heroin adulteration mostly detail poisonings or bacterial infections. Multiple cases of poisoning by
lead, scopolamine and clenbuterol are reported. Bacterial infections are most common amongst injecting heroin
users, suggesting that the chosen route of administration of heroin increases the risk of bacterial infection (See Table
2 for details of common bacterial infections).

Cocaine/crack cocaine
The majority of case reports of cocaine/crack cocaine adulteration detail poisonings. The adulterant responsible for
poisonings was different in almost all case reports, these included: phenacetin, thallium, benzocaine, scopolamine,
strychnine, levamisole and anticholinergic poisoning.

Amphetamine/methamphetamine
All case studies identified refer to methamphetamine. Two cases discuss poisoning as a consequence of
methamphetamine adulterated with lead, in both cases the individuals administered the drug intravenously, and
another details poisoning of methamphetamine manufacturers by toxic fumes. One report identifies pulmonary
granulomas (lung tissue infection) due to methamphetamine adulterated with talcum powder.

Ecstasy
Two case reports detail the deaths of ecstasy users due to consumption of tablets adulterated with PMMA and/or
PMA.

8
Public health response and harm reduction
Illicit drug adulteration is typically brought to the attention of health or drug services as the result of a disproportionate
number of drug users becoming ill or presenting to hospital with atypical drug effects. The public health response to
this issue should aim to provide accurate and useful information to all relevant parties. A typical response should
include an immediate response, specific response, dissemination of information, treatment and, debrief and review.
When adverse health effects and/or fatalities due to drug adulteration are suspected an immediate response from
health agencies and organisations is required to manage risk and minimise harm, this should be followed by more
specific information targeted at the most vulnerable populations when the adulterant has been identified/confirmed.
Information should include signs of adverse reactions, actions to be taken by drug user and family/friends, general
public, treatment services and professionals. Dissemination of information should take place through a variety of
means (media, drug treatment agencies, peer networks). Once the adulteration incident is considered under control a
thorough review process should be undertaken and considerations for future public health responses considered.

In addition to the protocols for responding to health issues due to illicit drug adulteration, harm reduction messages
regarding illicit drug adulteration should regularly be provided to drug users (including in the absence of an
adulteration incident). All agencies involved should be aware of the potential for, the effects of, and most effective
response to drug adulteration.

Conclusions
Illicit drugs are commonly adulterated purposefully with benign substances (such as sugars), substances that will enhance
or mimic the effects of the illicit drug (such as procaine in cocaine) or substances that will facilitate the administration of
illicit drugs (such as caffeine in heroin). By-products, bacteria or other biological agents can also adulterate illicit drugs due
to poor or unsterile manufacturing and production techniques, substandard packaging and inappropriate storage.

A lack of standardised analyses, reporting or detailed reporting, creates difficulties in comparing adulteration
practices over time and by country. The majority of analysis techniques identify which additional substances are
present in samples of illicit drugs but do not report on the overall composition of the drug and the proportions of
adulterants found. Also, it is not standard practice to report the percentage of samples which contain no adulteration.
Both of these pieces of information would provide further useful information about adulteration practices and the
threats they represent to public health.

Whilst many countries routinely collect data about the adulteration of illicit drug samples seized in their country, much
of this data is not routinely reported. An early warning system to identify adulterants and report adverse effects rapidly
would enhance understanding of, and public health responses to, illicit drug adulteration. Additionally, a quality
assured and robust guide of interventions and communication strategies related to incidences of illicit drug
adulteration would provide guidance and create shared protocols for public health responses.

Box 2: Future considerations – summary

• Improved surveillance of illicit drug adulteration could dispel myths and ensure timely medical treatment and
prevention is implemented where necessary

• A set of quality assured, robust and rehearsed interventions and information dissemination strategies would
enhance public health and the quality and effectiveness of responses to illicit drug adulteration incidents

• Research into the usefulness of media warnings about adulteration of illicit drugs is required

• Drug users should be made aware of the relative and inherent risks associated with drug use and the potential
health effects that may arise from adulteration

• Hospital emergency staff should be appropriately trained and equipped to respond to adverse health effects
suspected to be caused by adulteration of illicit drugs

• Advice should be provided to those working with drug users about the risks of cross-contamination and
infection from coming into contact with adulterated drugs and users of adulterated drugs, and the steps they
can take to protect themselves (for example in cases of anthrax contaminated heroin or the manufacture of
methamphetamine)

9
1. Introduction
This document:

1. Examines evidence of adulterants present in illicit drugs using a systematic methodology;

2. Investigates the public health consequences of illicit drug adulteration; and

3. Discusses public health responses and harm reduction messages.

In order to do this the document focuses on:

• Substances added to adulterate illicit drugs at production or any other stage of the distribution chain.

• Contamination as a result of the production, storage, transportation or preparation of illicit drugs (either
purposefully or inadvertently).

1.1 Background
Historically, and more recently, it has been a common perception that illicit drugs typically contain other substances in
addition to the purported active ingredient which can have serious adverse health consequences or even cause
premature death. In 1854 it was reported that only one of 32 samples of powdered opium contained no additional
adulteration, the drug was most commonly adulterated with poppy capsule, wheat flour and extraneous woody fibre
(The Analytical Sanitary Commission, 1854). A review of opium use in the nineteenth century found that ‘foreign
substances’ (Berridge, 1978; p. 445) were often added to opium pre and post-importation into the United Kingdom
(UK). A report on case studies of heroin users commented that the heroin had been ‘cut some six or seven times
when it reaches the pusher’ (Richter & Rosenberg, 1968; p. 1256) with additional substances progressively added
after this stage also. Analysis of the stages of distribution of heroin in New York found that a bag of heroin bought on
the street in a small quantity was adulterated approximately 24 times (Preble & Casey, 1969) and white powder heroin
and cocaine was frequently cut with a variety of other substances (Perry, 1975).

The reasons for inclusion of additional elements in illicit drugs are often varied and not always intentional by the
manufacturer. Additional substances may be added to bulk, dilute, complement or enhance the effects of the drugs.
Other additional elements are the result of manufacturing, production or storage techniques, for example alkaloids,
microorganisms or other biological agents. A review of forensic literature relating to drug ‘impurities’ identified 48
additives reported in analyses of cocaine (35 pharmacologically active additives, nine inert additives and four volatile
compounds) and 60 in heroin (five alkaloids, 33 pharmacologically active additives, 13 inert additives and nine volatile
compounds) (Shesser, Jotte & Olshaker, 1991).

Suggestions for cutting substances made by drug dealers, drug users and the general public include mannitol,
sugars, gravy powder, chalk, codeine, rat poison, ground glass, household cleaning products and brick dust (Best et
al., 2004; Coomber, 1997c, 1997e, 1999). Research has shown that much less adulteration than is anecdotally
perceived by drug users and dealers actually takes place and stories of illicit drugs cut with household cleaning
products, brick dust and ground glass are inaccurate and potentially created to explain overdose and death amongst
drug users (Coomber, 1997c, 1997d). Research has also shown that benign adulteration practices (meaning
adulteration with non-harmful substances such as sugars or caffeine) are similar in UK, USA, Canada and Australia
(Coomber, 1997c, 1997d; Coomber & Maher, 2006). There are hundreds of examples in the UK alone of media
warnings about ‘dirty’ drugs, ‘bad’ heroin, ‘rogue’ heroin or illicit drugs ‘cut’ with other illicit drugs. Whilst these
warnings, which are usually issued from the police to the media, may have usefulness in deterring and informing drug
users, they are not evidence-based. In fact, it has been argued that a ‘bad’ batch of heroin may be more likely to be
an unusually pure batch of heroin (Coomber, 2006) with accidental overdoses usually being caused by heroin of
stronger purity than expected (Man et al., 2004). Additionally, overdose may be related to the specific circumstances
of the drug’s use, such as psychological factors, reduced tolerance or polypharmacology.

10
The stereotypical view of the drug dealer as an evil individual lacing drugs with poisons can be inaccurate, as it does
not make good business sense for the drug dealer to poison their clients, therefore cutting off their income supply or
ruining their reputation (Coomber, 1997d, 2006). Thus, the drug dealer can be seen as a business person who wants
to make the most profit from their substance and is unlikely to add substances such as brick dust, ground glass or
bleach to their drugs as they survive on repeat custom (Coomber, 1997c, 2006; Coomber & Maher, 2006; Strang and
King, 1996). However in order to enhance profit they are more likely to ‘skim’ the drugs as they divide them into
smaller amounts (i.e. sell slightly underweight amounts) or add substances which complement or enhance the effects
of the drug for the users – for example adding substances to heroin which will enhance or prolong its analgesic
properties such as over-the-counter pain relief medication. In-depth discussion about the myths and perceptions of
drug adulteration is covered elsewhere (see Coomber, 1997a, 1997b, 1997c, 1997d, 1997e, 1999, 2006).

Where cases are reported of death or serious illness due to adulterated drugs it is typical for that country’s
government departments to circulate information, advice and guidance for drug users and all relevant health
professionals. Examples include information and guidance issued from the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC)
in the USA regarding heroin and cocaine adulterated with fentanyl (National Drug Intelligence Center, 2006) and from
the Chief Medical Officer in Scotland regarding an outbreak of anthrax contaminated heroin (Burns, 2010).

All elements of the production, distribution and preparation for use of illicit drugs are confounded by their illegal
status, making quality assurance, sterile production and accurate dosage administration impossible. This in turn is a
barrier to controlled analysis of samples of illicit drugs, analysis of production techniques and changes over time and
also of access to hospital and health services for those suffering adverse consequences of illicit drug use. There are
public health effects of the lack of quality control of illicit drug manufacturing and distribution. Drug sellers and users
can only make inadequate assessment of the quality, purity and chemical composition of any drugs they buy or use
(Reuter & Caulkins, 2004). It is important also to consider that substances used to adulterate drugs may also have
been made in clandestine laboratories and may be adulterated also, for example clandestinely manufactured fentanyl
has been found in heroin (Behrman, 2008).

There are also reports of ‘double’ or ‘two-tier’ markets within illicit drug selling where some dealers will sell two or
more different ‘qualities’ of a drug and which one they sell to an individual may depend on a number of factors, such
as: the person’s status; the amount they are willing to pay; the environment in which the sale takes place (i.e. home
deliveries or selling in a pub); or customer preference (if the dealer is open about the differences) (Coomber & Maher,
2006; Davies et al., 2009; Furst, 2000).

Precursors
Precursors refer to ingredients used in the process of manufacturing a raw drug ingredient into an illicit substance.
The International Narcotics Control Board produces regularly updated lists of precursors and chemicals used in the
production of illicit drugs9 and there is an international effort to prevent diversion of these substances for licit uses to
clandestine illicit drug manufacturing laboratories. As a consequence the illicit manufacture of precursors has become
more common (Burton, 1991). Investigation of the role of, quantity or quality of precursors is not specifically included
in this report although they may be mentioned in forensic analysis. Additionally precursors may be more prominent in
the manufacture and sale of substances which are not the focus of this report, for example anabolic steroids where
precursor chemicals are often sold as drugs.

1.2 Format of report

This document has been produced to provide a user friendly guide to illicit drug adulteration for policy makers,
academics, practitioners, those delivering drug treatment and drug users. The report includes:

• Introduction and background to production and purity of illicit drugs;

• Review of evidence of illicit drug adulteration (forensic analysis and case reports);

• Public health consequences and harm reduction messages; and

• Summary and future considerations.

9
See: www.incb.org/incb/en/precursors-2008.html for the most recent lists.

11
1.3 Brief modern history of illicit drug adulteration
Adulterants typically present in illicit drugs have changed over time. These changes are due to availability of other
substances, inclusion of substances as enhancements and due to customer preference for a particular combination
of active ingredient and adulterants. This section details a brief summary of the changing patterns of adulteration from
the late 1960s onwards*. It is important to note that this analysis is based only on the reporting of adulteration as
detailed in this report and does not account for poor reporting or incomplete analysis techniques.

1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s

Cannabis Reports of cannabis
adulterated with lead,
aluminium and glass.

Ecstasy Caffeine, amphetamine

and other MDMA
analogues identified as
common adulterants.

Methamphetamine Cases of lead Most common

poisoning reported in adulterants are caffeine,
Oregon, USA. sugars and dimethyl
sulphone (MSM).

Amphetamine Common adulterants Caffeine and sugars are

included caffeine, the most common
ephedrine and local adulterants.
anaesthetics (e.g.
lidocaine and
procaine).

Cocaine/ Common adulterants Lidocaine and sugars Lidocaine and caffeine

Crack Cocaine included lidocaine and continue to be the most continue to be present.
sugars. common adulterants. Phenacetin (an
Caffeine also begins to analgesic) is also more
be present in samples. frequently present.

Heroin Heroin distributed in Europe until the late 1970s is Caffeine remains a Phenobarbital and Reports of heroin
predominantly white in colour, originating from common adulterant, procaine less contaminated with
South East Asia. This heroin consists of heroin and however, the use of commonly found in clenbuterol in the USA.
opium alkaloids, the presence of additional quinine becomes much heroin. According to the
adulterating substances being fairly uncommon. less common. Paracetamol, caffeine UNODC, heroin
Reports of adulteration with substances including Procaine and and sugars continue to synthesised in
caffeine, quinine, sugars (lactose) and mannitol. phenobarbital are also be frequently present. Afghanistan in 2008
commonly present typically contains
along with paracetamol. caffeine, chloroquine
Cases of lead- (an antimalarial drug),
contamiated heroin in phenolphthalein (a
Spain and Scotland are laxative) and
reported. paracetamol.

*The review undertaken for this report identified articles relating to illicit drug contamination, adulteration and dilution from the late 1960s onwards. Therefore the
brief history detailed refers to this time period and onwards only. However, it is important to recognise that illicit drug contamination, adulteration and dilution
took place prior to 1960. For more detail on this issue see Berridge (1978).

12
2. Methodology
This document examined the adulteration of illicit drugs, including heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy, cannabis,
ketamine, GHB and LSD10,11,12,13. Papers detailing forensic analyses of illicit drug samples and case reports of the
adverse health effects or deaths of individuals due to adulterated drugs were sought by reference to published and
unpublished sources.

2.1 Retrieval of relevant literature

To ensure the systematic retrieval and collection of relevant peer reviewed literature and case reports, a strategy was
developed for searching electronic sources and relevant websites.

Searches of the health and social sciences, and toxicology literature were undertaken in the following databases:

• MEDLINE

• Sociological Abstracts

• TOXLINE

• PsycINFO

Search strategies detailing key terms for inclusion in relevant literature were developed as appropriate to each
database platform. There were no restrictions on the year of publication or country of origin, but, only English
language papers were selected. Details of the search strategy drug and adulteration terminology is detailed in Box 3
and Box 4.

Box 3: Drug terminology used for selection

• Cannabis (hashish, marijuana)

• Heroin (diamorphine hydrochloride, morphine)

• Ecstasy (N-methyl-3-4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, MDMA)

• Hallucinogens

• Cocaine

• Crack cocaine

• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide, magic mushrooms, psilocybin)

• Amphetamine (amphetamine sulphate, methamphetamine, crystal meth)

• Ketamine

• GHB (gammahydroxybutrate)

10
Magic mushrooms (psilocybin) have been excluded from this report as they grow in the wild and are not commonly adulterated.
11
‘Legal highs’ are not included in this report, however it is noteworthy that although these drugs are legal they may also be subject to
adulteration or counterfeiting.
12
Anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs are not included due to the different target market, population of users,
manufacture and distribution processes. These drugs will be examined in a future publication.
13
This report does not include contamination of equipment for drug preparation or drug administration (such as notes, straws or injecting
equipment). There are many different harm reduction initiatives which aim to protect the drug user after the point of purchase of illicit
drugs, however, there is little to protect against the consequences of adulteration prior to purchase.

13
 Box 4: Adulteration terminology used for selection
The terms used to search specifically for reference to drug adulteration in peer reviewed journals is detailed below.
A list of common terms was compiled from a number of journal articles and other sources which specifically
discussed drug adulteration.

• Adulterant

• Contamination

• Poison

• Precursor

• Agent (cut, bulk, dilute)

• Dilution

• Purity

• Manufacture

• Degradation

• Sub-standard

A list of websites which could provide useful grey literature was also compiled. This list included international and
national organisations for the control and surveillance of drugs. In addition to searching the grey literature for
relevance to drug adulteration, these documents were also used for background to purity and production of illicit
drugs. Websites searched for relevant documents are listed in Box 5.

14
 Box 5: Internet sources searched
Specialist drug organisations

• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)

• International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

• International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC)

• The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)

• European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

• International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA)

• National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC)

• Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)

• National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)

• Office of Narcotics Review Board, Thailand

• UK Focal Point

Criminal justice organisations

• European Law Enforcement Agency

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

• Australian Crime Commission (ACC)

• Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC)

• Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)

Health organisations

• World Health Organisation (WHO)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Ministry of Health, New Zealand

• Trimbos Instituut

Government organisations

• Home Office, UK

• The Scottish Government, Scotland

• Institute for Defence Analyses (IDA)

In addition to the database and web-based searches, the reference lists of articles and documents included after the
second review were reviewed to identify any further potentially useful articles.

15
2.2 Selection and inclusion of studies
All papers were first and second reviewed. Approximately 1,800 peer reviewed articles were included in the first
review. This stage used a broad selection criteria where a document was included if there was mention of one of the
illicit drugs and details of adulteration including reference to specific adulterants. A total of 1,381 articles were
excluded after the first review. The second review further investigated the detail of adulteration provided in each paper
and a further 97 articles were excluded. The remaining 322 articles were examined in-depth and primary studies were
included. Forensic analysis detailed in this report included, where reported, the country where the analysis took place,
year(s) that the data referred to, analysis technique and detail of adulterants. Details of where and when case reports
were recorded, summary of findings, analysis of illicit drugs and analysis techniques were reported where available.

Box 6: Data issues

There are a number of important points which the reader should consider regarding typical terminology used and
analysis techniques implemented in forensic analysis of illicit drugs.

• A reported drug purity level of, for example, 75% does not necessarily imply that the remaining 25% are
adulterants. The remaining 25% may be made up of by-products, alkaloids or other substances as a result of
degradation. It is possible for an illicit drug to be only 75% pure at the point of synthesis as a result of the
manufacturing process.

• Much of the forensic analysis of illicit drugs is undertaken for legal reasons to prove that a seized substance is
an illegal drug. Forensic analysis is an expensive process and therefore it is typical for analysis to only identify
the illicit drug and not be concerned with other elements therefore potentially limiting the findings for the
purpose of this report.

• Much forensic analysis reporting does not state the percentage of samples of illicit drugs which were not
adulterated and contained only the illicit drug.

• The majority of forensic analyses report the number/percentage of samples from a batch in which an
adulterant was present (i.e. in 65% of samples caffeine was detected). It is not typical for the analysis to state
the concentration of the adulterant in the samples of illicit drugs (e.g. on average the samples contained
25% caffeine).

• Case studies can provide the first line of identification of an issue that requires further investigation. However,
case studies are usually based on a small number of individuals and do not control for confounding variables
which may significantly influence the results and conclusions drawn. In many cases of drug adulteration
samples of the drug are not available for analysis to confirm the presence of the suspected adulterant.

16
3. Heroin
Heroin is a depressant drug derived from the opium poppy, most commonly distributed in powder form. Heroin can
vary in colour from white to beige to brown depending on the country of production and the manufacturing techniques
employed. The drug slows mental and physical functioning and reduces an individual’s ability to feel pain.

3.1 Purity and production

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2007 globally there was the potential for 735
tonnes of heroin to be produced (UNODC, 2009). Much of the processing of opium into heroin takes place close to
poppy cultivation sites (UNODC, 2009). The vast majority of opium poppy crops are cultivated and heroin
manufactured in Asia (mainly Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar and Lao People’s Democratic Republic) and, to a
much lesser extent, Latin America (mainly Mexico and Columbia). Heroin production does also take place in other
countries and in 2007/08, five clandestine heroin laboratories were detected in Australia (ACC, 2009).

The latex of the field poppy, Papaver somniferum L., is extracted and purified to produce morphine. Morphine is then
synthesised and purified to produce diamorphine (heroin). During the production of heroin a number of other
substances are typically used including (but not limited to) ethanol, diethyl ether, concentrated hydrogen chloride,
activated charcoal, sodium carbonate, ammonium chloride and acetic anhydride. For detail on the manufacturing
process of illicit heroin see Cole (2003) and Zerell, Ahrens and Gerz (2005).

The purity of heroin seized in Thailand in 2005 ranged between 65% to 98% (Poshyachinda et al., 2005), much higher
than the purity of brown and white heroin in Europe seized in 2007 which ranged between 15% to 30% and 30% to
50% respectively (EMCDDA, 2009a). Analysis of the purity of heroin seized by police (street purity) in the UK shows
that there has been a 10% increase in purity between 2003 and 2008 (from 32.7% to 42.7%) (Davies et al., 2009). Data
collected in Australia indicated median heroin purity in 2007/08 of 22%, a rise from the 2006/07 level but a significant
decrease from 1999/2000 (ACC, 2009). Heroin purity varied across Australian states and territories in 2007/08 from
13.5% in Queensland to 70% in Western Australia. Heroin purity in the USA has remained relatively constant at
approximately 35% between 2003 and 2007 (Fries et al., 2008). When discussing heroin purity it is important to note
that depending on the production techniques the actual heroin produced may not be 100% pure when processing is
complete, and ‘brown’ heroin typically only contains 70% diamorphine when pure. When a purity of less than 100% is
stated it does not necessarily imply that the remaining percentage is adulterants, the remaining percentage may be
other opiate alkaloids (e.g. monoacetylmorphine, noscapine, papaverine and acetylcodeine), by-products or due to
degradation. The distinct make-up of heroin can also be used to accurately determine its country of origin (Johnston
& King, 1998).

As aforementioned there is a public perception that illicit drugs, including heroin, are routinely ‘cut’ with other
substances at each stage of distribution in which they pass. However, analysis of samples of heroin seized at
importation and of street samples in the UK has shown that the differences in purity are not as large as often
speculated (Coomber, 1997a, 1997b). The purity of heroin seized by the UK Border Agency in 2008/09 was reported
at 50% purity and that seized by the police (and therefore considered to be ‘street’ samples) was 39% pure14 (Hand &
Rishiraj, 2009). The difference between import and street samples in 2008/09 was much greater than found in 2007/08
when an importation purity of 54% and an street purity of 51% was reported. Research with heroin dealers has shown
that a minority report adulteration, and where it is reported it is most likely to be adulterated with a sugar (Coomber,
1997c). These findings and those in other countries such as the Netherlands (Eskes & Brown, 1975) and Denmark
(Kaa, 1994) indicate that the majority of adulteration of illicit drugs takes place at the production source or prior to
importation, with relatively little taking place after importation (Johnston & King, 1998). However, in the UK the Serious
Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) recently reported that heroin in the UK is frequently adulterated with paracetamol,
particularly at wholesale level (SOCA, 2009). Maher, Swift & Dawson (2001) have reported similar trends of adulterants
and diluents present in heroin seized in Sydney, Australia to those reported from European countries. Analysis
of heroin-related deaths in Australia between 1992 and 1996 found that contaminants were not commonly found
in toxicology analysis and concluded that they played a very small role in the deaths of the individuals studied
(Darke et al., 2000).

14
During 2008/09 the UK Border Agency made 171 heroin seizures (totalling 1,035 kg) and the Police made 13,102 seizures (totalling 517
kg). There is no mention of how many of these samples were analysed, however the report indicates that the Forensic Science Service
(FSS) ‘analyse seizures made by most police forces and the UK Border Agency (including HMRC)’.

17
Transportation and storage can be damaging to heroin. However, it has been shown that where samples have been
stored appropriately (i.e. in dark, dry conditions with a consistent temperature) the heroin will not degrade hugely
(Kaa, 1994).

Preparation of heroin for injection

Whilst preparing heroin for injection it is usually mixed with vitamin C powder or citric acid powder (commonly
available at needle and syringe programmes in many European countries and Canada). However, when neither of
these substances are available users may add other household substances such as vinegar and lemon juice (Best et
al., 2004). In Glasgow 23 heroin users were diagnosed with Candida endophthalmitis (intraocular fungal infection),
bio-typing analysis indicated that the lemon juice used to prepare heroin injections was the source of contamination
(Shankland & Richardson, 1988). In Spain, contaminated lemon juice was also suspected as the cause of an
outbreak of Candida albicans amongst injecting heroin users (Miro et al., 1987).

Whilst heroin is traditionally sold as crystalline or powder, there have been reports of ‘ready-to-use’ heroin sold in pre-
loaded syringes on the Russian black market (Bobkov et al., 2005). This method of preparation and distribution
increases the potential for contamination with HIV through contaminated solution or the sharing of the solution from
one container amongst several injecting drug users each using their own (potentially infected) syringe.

18
3.2 Findings from studies reporting forensic analysis
Table 3: Details of studies where adulterants have been reported in heroin
Author & Year(s) of
Analysis
publication data Location No. samples Adulterants identified (% of samples)16
technique15
year collection

Atasoy et al. January 1986 Marmara, 140 Colour tests, Procaine (Concentration range 0.7-22%) 47%
1988 to April 1987 Turkey TLC and GC Salycilate, antipyrine and paracetamol NS
None of the samples contained caffeine,
strychnine, quinine or barbitone.
Chaudron- 1991 France 980 GC, MS & Caffeine 67%
Thozet, HPLC Paracetamol 40%
Girard &
David Mannitol 35%
1992 Lactose 15%
Saccharose/Sucrose 15%
Glucose, procaine, phenobarbital,
lidocaine, methaqualone, citric acid,
<15%
piracetam, lysine acetylsalicylate,
ascorbic acid and phenolphthalein
Chiarotti, No details Rome, 33 Head space Acetic acid 94%
Fucci & Italy GC, GC/MS, Methanol 61%
Furnari TLC, HPLC &
1991 atomic Acetone 58%
absorption Sugars (saccharose, glucose, lactose) 55%
Diethylether 45%
Ethanol 30%
Phenobarbital 24%
Caffeine 21%
Metaqualone 15%
Benzene 12%
Acetaldehyde 9%
Procaine 6%
Coomber 1995-1996 UK 228 GC & MS Paracetamol 33%
1997a Caffeine 32%
Procaine 5%
Bupivacaine 5%
Phenobarbitone 4%
Griseofulvin, diazepam and methaqualone <=3%
44% of samples contained no adulterants
Cunningham, 1974-1980 USA 3,300 Qualitative Quinine 68%
Venuto & (Washington, (white heroin) analysis Mannitol 38%
Zielezny Chicago, New
1984 York, Buffalo & Starches 21%
Los Angeles) Sucrose 21%
Lactose 17%
Caffeine 7%
Dextrose 6%
6,108 Qualitative Lactose 59%
(brown heroin) analysis Procaine 47%
Quinine 17%
Mannitol 13%
Acetylprocaine 10%
Starches 9%
Sucrose 8%
Morphine 8%
Methapyrilene 5%

19
Table 3: Continued

Author & Year(s) of

Analysis
publication data Location No. samples Adulterants identified (% of samples)16
technique15
year collection

Eskes & 1973 Netherlands No details No details Caffeine 50% con18

Brown
1975 Strychnine 2% con

de la Fuente 1985-1993 Madrid, No details GC & High- Caffeine 40-60%

et al. Spain performance
Phenobarbital 39-52%
1996 TLC
Piracetam and paracetamol >30%
Procaine 15-30%
Lidocaine <10%
Sevilla, No details GC & High- Caffeine 85-90%
Spain performance
Piracetam 40-60%
TLC
Paracetamol 30%
Procaine 5%
Lidocaine <6%
Furst 1991-1996 New York 406 Chemical Procaine 26%
2000 City, assay
Quinine 21%
USA
Caffeine 11%
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) 10%
Cocaine 7.3%
Diphenhydramine 7.3%
Thiamine 7.1%
Lidocaine <5%
Gomez & September Spain 263 Combination Sugars (glucose, lactose and mannitol) 73%
Rodriguez 1985 to May of TLC, GC,
Caffeine 68%
1989 1987 HPLC and
MS Phenobarbital 20%
Methaqualone 13%
Procaine 13%
Piracetam 7%
Lidocaine 5%
Hendrickse, No details Merseyside, 13 HPLC Aflatoxin 19
31%
Maxwell & UK
Young
1989
Infante, No details Andalucia, 198 Atomic Iron 100%
Dominguez, Spain absorption
Zinc 100%
Trujillo & spectrophoto
Luna20 - meter Calcium 93%
1999
Magnese 88%
Copper 62%
Cadmium 54%
Kaa 1981-1992 Denmark 383 GC, HPLC & Caffeine 39%
1994 TLC
Lactose 33%
Glucose 30%
Paracetamol 22%
Phenobarbital 14%
Mannitol 13%
Procaine 10%
Sucrose 9%
Methaqualone 5%

20
Table 3: Continued

Author & Year(s) of

Analysis
publication data Location No. samples Adulterants identified (% of samples)16
technique15
year collection

Klemenc 1997-1999 Slovenia 132 GC/MS Acetylcodeine 0.5-5% con21

2000
Acetylmorphine 0.08-13% con
Diacetylmorphine 1.9-68% con
Pavaverine 0.3-2.8% con
Noscapine 2.4-61% con
Maher, Swift October 1996 Cabramatta, 88 GC/MS Sugars (predominantly sucrose) 65%
& Dawson to March Australia
Paracetamol 41%
2001 1997
Caffeine 36%
Neumann 1986-1992 22
Germany No details Capillary GC Caffeine 57%
1994
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) 52%
Procaine 16%
Phenobarbital 6%
Methaqualone, nicotinamide,
<2%
phenolphthalein and salicylic acid
Risser et al. 1987-1995 Vienna, 386 GC & GC/MS Sugars (predominantly lactose) 100%
2000 Austria
Caffeine 25%
Paracetamol and metaqualon <2%
Risser et al. 1999 Vienna, 415 GC Caffeine (Median concentration 29%) 92%
2007 Austria
Paracetamol (Median concentration 36%) 91%
Cocaine (Median concentration 15.5%) 3%

In addition to the adulterants reported in Table 3 above other substances have been reported in heroin. These have
not been included in the table above as forensic details were not available. Other substances include:

• Xylazine – a veterinary sedative (Wong, Curtis & Wingert, 2008)

• Arsenic (Eaton, 1977)

• Phenazone (Simonsen et al., 2003)

• Caffeine, paracetamol, procaine, diazepam, griseofulvin and phenobarbitone (King, 1997)

• Quinine (Dover, 1971).

As discussed previously, the evidence detailed above suggests that adulterants are added to heroin typically either to
(1) dilute the product with benign substances making it less pure and increasing profits, or (2) to enhance the heroin
(i.e. to make it more efficient when smoked) (Huizer, 1987). The evidence does not concur with the mythology of the
addition of gravel, brick dust, household cleaning products or poisons by unscrupulous drug dealers.

15
TLC – Thin layer chromatography GC - Gas chromatography MS - Mass spectrometry HPLC - High-pressure/performance liquid
chromatography. Techniques cited are those reported in the original articles, other techniques may also have been employed.
16
NS – Not stated
17
Substances which were found in less than 5% of samples were not reported.
18
Con – concentration. In this study the concentration of the samples was detailed rather than the percentage of samples where adulterants
were identified.
19
A naturally occurring carcinogenic substance which may contaminate the plant. Note: analysis was only performed for aflatoxin (presence
of other adulterants was not investigated).
20
It is important to note that the analysis performed in this study was only concerned with investigations into metal contamination. No other
substances were investigated.
21
See footnote 18.
22
Figures reported in this table refer to 1992.

21
3.3 Poisoning, bacterial infections and other reported health effects of adulterated
heroin: Findings from case studies
It is well known that unsterile preparation and administration of illicit drugs can cause bacterial, fungal and viral infections to
be present during heroin administration (Brazier et al., 2002; Brett et al., 2005; McLauchlin et al., 2002). In an investigation of
the microflora in samples of heroin, McLauchlin et al. (2002) identified 17 species of bacteria from 58 heroin samples.
However, when heroin is adulterated there are additional health concerns which are consequence of the adulterants.

This section includes findings from case studies published in peer reviewed journals detailing adverse health effects
of adulterated heroin (Table 4). Case studies have been categorised according to the type of health consequence
reported. Details of the health effects, where and when the case was recorded and analysis results are included.

Table 4: Details of case reports where adverse health effects and death were reported as a
consequence of adulterated heroin/opium
Heroin/
Author Year Location Details Opium Analysis & findings
analysed?

Poisoning
Lead poisoning
Chia, Leng, Hsii, 1973 Singapore Two cases of lead poisoning due to ! Analysis of prepared opium and the
Yap & Lee adulterated opium - the lead pot used for preparation. Also urine
poisoning was due to the lead in the and blood analysis on patients.
pot used to prepare the opium.

Parras, Patier & 1987 Madrid, One case of lead poisoning by lead- ! Flameless atomic-absorption
Ezpeleta Spain adulterated heroin. spectrophotometry indicated high
levels of lead in users heroin.

Fitzsimons & 1982 Glasgow, Lead poisoning was reported in one " Patient blood analysis confirmed high
Dagg Scotland case where the individual had levels of lead.
attempted to obtain opium for
injecting from suppositories.

Masoodi et al. 2006 Iran Lead poisoning confirmed in three " Patient blood analysis confirmed high
individuals with a history of opium levels of lead.
ingestion.
Verheij et al. 2009 Iran Lead poisoning as a result of " Analysis showed elevated serum lead
adulterated Iranian heroin. and zinc protoporphyrin levels.

Scopolamine poisoning
Perrone, Shaw & 1999 Philadelphia, Anticholinergic toxidrome23 caused by ! Gas chromatography-mass
De Roos USA heroin adulterated with scopolamine. spectrometry showed scopolamine
in the heroin sample. Urine analysis
showed scopolamine also.

Hamilton et al. 2000 USA (New York, 244 cases of anticholinergic ! Assay analysis was conducted
Philadelphia, toxidrome as a result of randomly on either urine or samples
Maryland & scopolamine-adulterated heroin. of heroin.
New Jersey)

Clenbuterol poisoning
Centers for 2005 Five states Adverse cardiovascular effects ! Drug and urine analysis undertaken
Disease Control of USA caused by heroin adulterated with where possible. eight confirmed
and Prevention clenbuterol or clenbuterol sold as cases, 16 probable and two
heroin reported by 26 individuals. suspected.

Dimaano, Burda, 2008 Illinois, Two confirmed and five suspected " Urine tests were undertaken in two
Korah & Wahl USA cases of adverse cardiovascular cases.
reactions to clenbuterol adulterated
heroin.
Hoffman, 2008 East Coast, Probable exposure to clenbuterol via " Urine and blood analysis tests.
Kirrane & USA adulterated heroin in 34 individuals
Marcus during the first 6 months of 2005.
Thirteen cases were confirmed.

Manini et al. 2008 New York, Five cases of an ‘atypical reaction’ to " Urine and blood analysis undertaken
USA heroin use. Users presented with by gas and liquid chromatography
novel neuromuscular syndrome and mass spectrometry.
caused by clenbuterol-tainted heroin.

22
Table 4: Continued

Heroin/
Author Year Location Details Opium Analysis & findings
analysed?

Bacterial infections
Dancer, McNair, 2002 No details One case of bacillus cereus in a ! Heroin was subject to molecular
Finn & Kolsto heroin user who had injected typing analysis.
subcutaneously.

Mulleague et al. 2001 UK Wound botulism caused by " Serum bioassay.

Clostridium botulinum in two injecting
heroin users.

O’Sullivan & 2005 Ireland Clostridium botulinum caused " Conclusion based on patient
McMahon descending polyneuropathy. symptoms and response to treatment.

Ringertz et al. 2000 Oslo, Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) infection at " Bacillus anthracis confirmed by
Norway skin popping site on buttocks of a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
heroin using individual. However, no tests performed on
heroin or injecting equipment.

Christie 2000 UK Clostridium novyi was the likely cause Unknown No details.
of death of 35 injecting drug users.

Dunbar & 2007 Seattle, Fifteen deaths in a ten-year period ! Microbiological analysis of wounds
Harruff USA caused by soft tissue infection and where available analysis of the
(necrotizing fasciitis) from bacteria in black tar heroin.
black tar heroin.

Kalka-Moll et al. 2007 Cologne, Wound botulism in 12 individuals - " Analysis of serum and abscess
Germany suspected cause of the source of specimens confirmed Clostridium
Clostridium botulinum was adulterated botulinum cultures.
heroin.

Kimura et al. 2004 California, Nine injecting drug users presented ! Wound specimens confirmed the
USA with deep-tissue infections caused identification of anaerobic bacteria.
by clostridial contamination from Analysis of the black tar heroin
black tar heroin. Clostridium sordellii sample found no organism but there
was the most commonly identified are concerns about its connection to
bacteria amongst the patients (n=6). these cases24.
McGuigan et al. 2002 Scotland, Sixty cases of soft tissue ! Heroin, blood, tissue and fluid
UK inflammation caused by bacterial sample analysis was conducted.
infection in injecting drug users.
Clostridium novyi was the most
commonly found pathogen (n=13).
Other Health Effects
Moss & Okun 1979 California, Six cases of acute thrombocytopenic " In vitro biological tests on patients.
USA purpura (low blood platelet levels The specific agent could not be
with bleeding onto the skin) after identified.
heroin use.
Hollander & 1993 New York, One case of myocardial infarction as " Urine toxicology confirmed cocaine
Lozano USA a result of heroin contaminated with metabolites yet the individual denied
cocaine. recent cocaine use but admitted to
daily heroin use.

Table 4, above, indicates that there are a number of common adverse health effects which may result as a
consequence of using adulterated heroin. The case studies highlighted different adulterants to those detailed in the
forensic analyses (Table 4) including lead, scopolamine, bacteria (including anthrax) and clenbuterol. In the cases
where bacterial contamination was present the individuals had infected injecting sites and death as a result was
common, however, in the cases discussed above it is important to note that in less than half of the cases was the
administered drug analysed and unsterile preparation of heroin may have caused the bacterial contamination.

23
An anticholinergic toxidrome typically consists of blurred vision; agitation; fever; urinary retention; dry, hot, flushed skin; and dilated pupils.
24
The heroin analysed in this case was confiscated during a raid on a local drug dealer. It was not found at the scene of drug use by any of
the patients nor on their person. No organisms were recovered from the confiscated sample of black tar heroin.

23
Anthrax outbreak 2009/10
In addition to the case studies detailed above, during production of this report there were a number of public health
warnings (December 2009-March 2010) regarding an outbreak of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) amongst injecting drug
users in Scotland, England (specifically London and Blackpool) and Germany, confirmed through forensic analysis. At
the time of writing there were 29 confirmed cases of anthrax in Scotland, three in England and one in Germany, of
which 11 individuals had died25. In response to this outbreak frequent letters were written from the Chief Medical
Officer for Scotland providing information, guidance and advice for medical personnel, drug treatment services,
ambulance services and the Crown Office (Burns, 2010). Guidance for those working with heroin users to help identify
individuals who may be infected with anthrax and the steps to be taken in a suspected case was also distributed to all
relevant agencies. Guidance stated that health professionals should be aware of potential infection amongst injecting
drug users presenting with severe soft tissue infections or sepsis.

3.4 Chapter summary

The evidence presented in this chapter supports the arguments (Coomber, 1997a, 1997b, 1997c, 1997d, 1997e,
1999, 2006) that adulteration of heroin is more likely to be undertaken with benign substances or substances that will
enhance the heroin, than with products which will cause serious health problems or death. Additionally, the evidence
suggests that the majority of adulteration of heroin takes place at or close to the time of synthesis and significantly
less ‘cutting’ than would be generally perceived takes place after heroin leaves the country of origin. The most
common identified substances for adulterating heroin include caffeine, sugars and paracetamol. The case studies
show that despite the inclusion of relatively non-toxic substances in heroin, users may experience serious health
problems including infections, cardiovascular problems and poisoning as a result of heroin use. Whilst some of these
problems are undoubtedly caused by adulterated heroin (with substances such as lead or clenbuterol) many of the
cases may be the result of bacterial contamination through poor wrapping, storage and transportation of heroin;
unsterile equipment used for administration or contamination of diluents used to prepare heroin for injection.

Heroin users and the public need to be accurately informed about the typical adulteration practices associated with
heroin, and specific health warnings, advice and guidance should be disseminated when necessary.

25
See: www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/anthrax/index.aspx and www.hpa.org.uk/ for more information.

24
4. Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Cocaine is a stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylon coca). The powdered hydrochloride salt
form of cocaine is usually snorted, but can also be prepared for injection. The drug is a fast-acting psychomotor
stimulant, with short lived effects. Crack cocaine, a crystalline form of cocaine which is usually sold in ‘rocks’, is typically
smoked. It is synthesised from cocaine through an extraction process using an alkaline solution. There are various ways
to produce crack cocaine from powder cocaine and different methods may have different implications with regards to
purity and presence of adulterants. Crack cocaine is typically a more powerful and more addictive form of cocaine.

Given that both cocaine and crack cocaine come from the same raw ingredient and it is differences in the final
synthesis stages that distinguish them26; they have been considered together within this section of the report. It is
important to note that in countries where cocaine is not manufactured, crack cocaine is often created from imported
cocaine supplies and therefore adulteration which occurred prior to importation may continue to exist in crack cocaine
or the crack cocaine may be further adulterated during and after synthesis (Coomber, 1997e; Laposata & Mayo, 1993).

4.1 Purity and production

In 2008 global cocaine production decreased by 15% from the previous year to 845 metric tonnes (UNODC, 2009).
The majority of coca cultivation and cocaine production takes place in Columbia, Bolivia and Peru. Naturally occurring
alkaloids from the coca plant include cis- and trans-cinnamoylcocaine, methylecgonine, tropa-cocaine,
pseudotropeine, truxilline, hygrine, cuscohygrine, and nicotine (Schlesinger, 1985).

The purity of cocaine in Australia has fluctuated between 1999/2000 and 2007/08 across all states and territories
(ACC, 2009). In 2007/08 the median cocaine purity ranged from 6.2% in Australian Capital Territory to 80% in Western
Australia. The mean range of cocaine purity in Europe generally declined between 2002 and 2007, with the reported
mean purity range between 22% and 57% in 2007 (EMCDDA, 2009a). In England and Wales the purity of cocaine
seized at importation in 2008 was 63% and at street level was 29% suggesting extensive adulteration (Davies et al.,
2009). In the USA the national index of cocaine purity between 2003 and 2007 has remained relatively steady at 65%
to 70% (Fries et al., 2008).

The purity of crack cocaine in Europe in 2007 was reported at the mean purity range between 35% to 98%27
(EMCDDA, 2009a). Street level average purity of crack cocaine in England and Wales has decreased from 70% in
2003 to 43% in 2008 (Davies et al., 2009). Australian national drug reports do not include data on crack cocaine purity
as the drug is not commonly available in Australia (ACC, 2009). Between 2003 and 2007 the quarterly expected purity
of crack cocaine in USA was fairly consistent between 75% to 80% (Fries et al., 2008).

Research conducted in Belgium showed that amongst cocaine users there was a general perception that cocaine is
adulterated and that some drug dealers adulterate because they believe that other dealers adulterate thus creating a
‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ (Decorte, 2001; p.163). Respondents in Decorte’s (2001) study most commonly mentioned
‘speed’ (amphetamines) as a cocaine adulterant, followed by novocaine/lidocaine, milk powder, ground glass,
crushed tablets/medicines and a variety of other substances. Forensic analysis of 30 samples of cocaine provided by
the respondents showed that perceptions of purity and adulterants present in samples amongst the respondents
were inaccurate (and notably amphetamine was not detected in any samples). Research in the UK (Coomber, 1997c)
found that cocaine dealers believed that cocaine was adulterated with sugars (specifically mannitol and glucose),
caffeine or crushable over-the-counter white tablets. Approximately half of those who admitted cocaine dealing
indicated that they adulterated their supply with glucose, paracetamol or amphetamine (Coomber, 1997c). Analysis of
almost 3,000 cocaine samples in the Netherlands showed a significant increase in the percentage of adulterants
present between 1999 and 2007 (from 6.5% in 1999 to 57% in 2007) (Brunt et al., 2009). Cocaine is commonly
contaminated by benzoyl pseudotropine and benzoyltropine (Soine, 1989).

26
A typical method for making crack cocaine involves dissolving powder cocaine mixed with water and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate),
which is heated until it makes a ‘cracking’ noise. It is then dried and broken into rocks.
27
The EMCDDA advise caution when interpreting this figure due to a small number of countries who reported data.

25
4.2 Findings from studies reporting forensic analysis
In a review of cocaine adulterants, Shannon (1988) found that common adulterants fell within five general categories:
local anaesthetics, sugars, stimulants, toxins and inert compounds. This assertion is supported by the forensic
analysis detailed below (Table 5).

Table 5: Details of studies where adulterants have been reported in cocaine/crack cocaine

Author & Year(s) of

Analysis
publication data Location No. samples Adulterants identified (% of samples)29
technique28
year collection

Bernardo January to Brazil 209 TLC, GC/flame Lidocaine

65%
et al. December ionization (Concentration range 0.5-92.0%)
2003 2001 detector &
Starch 51%
qualitative tests
Caffeine
50%
(Concentration range 2.8-63.3%)
Carbonates/biocarbonates 42%
Sucrose 15%
Glucose 12%
Prilocaine
11%
(Concentration range 1.2-20.7%)
Lactose 6%
Fructose 3%
11.1% samples tested negative for cocaine30
Cocaine concentration ranged from 4.3-87.1%

Brown & July 1973 to California, 939 No details Procaine 22.5%

Malone January 1975 USA
1976 8.3% samples tested negative for cocaine31

Brunt et al. 1999-200732 Netherlands 68333 TLC & GC/MS Phenancetin 41%
2009
Caffeine 16%
Diltiazem 12%
Levamisole 12%
Procaine 8%
Lidocaine 6%
Benzocaine and atropine <1%

Cunningham, 1974-1980 USA 2,944 Qualitative Lactose 29%

Venuto & (Washington, analysis
Zielezy Chicago, Lidocaine 29%
1984 New York, Mannitol 26%
Buffalo & Los
Angeles) Inositol 10%
Dextrose 8%

Decorte August 1996 Antwerp, 30 Infra-red Mannitol 13%

2001 to April 1997 Belgium spectrometry
Lidocaine 10%
Glucose 7%
Caffeine 3%
Starch 3%
60% of samples had no adulterants identified34

26
Table 5: Continued
Author & Year(s) of
Analysis
publication data Location No. samples Adulterants identified (% of samples)29
technique28
year collection

Fucci & January 1996 Rome, 156 GC/MS Lidocaine 12.3%

Giovanni to June Italy
Caffeine 6.1%
1998 199735
Phenacetine 6.1%
Salicylamide 3.1%
Diphenidramine 1.5%
Dipyrone 1.5%
Phendimetrazine 1.5%
Phenmetrazine 1.5%
Procaine 1.5%
Gomez & September Spain 52 TLC, GC, Lidocaine 52%
Rodriguez 1985 to May HPLC & MS
Sugars (mannitol and glucose) 45%
1989 1987
Caffeine NS
Procaine NS
Kenyon et al. January to London, 14 TLC & GC/MS Phenacetin 29%
2005 March 2004 UK
Lidocaine 21%
July 2003 to Manchester, 13 Phenacetin 8%
September 2004 UK
Lidocaine 8%

In addition to the studies detailed in Table 5 other studies have conducted forensic analysis on samples of cocaine
but have not reported the adulterant percentage of samples nor the composition of the drug. Grabowski (1984)
reported in a National Institute on Drug Abuse report that the most common adulterants and diluents found in cocaine
were mannitol, lactose, inositol, lidocaine, and phenylpropanolamine. Fucci (2007) reported the presence of
hydroxyzine and levamisole in cocaine seized in Rome. Fucci (2007) theorised that the presence of hydroxyzine may
have been due to its addition during manufacturing of the drug, rather than as a diluent. Morales-Vaca (1984) reported
the presence of sodium bicarbonate, procaine and benzocaine in samples of cocaine hydrochloride.

Contrary to popular belief cocaine is more commonly adulterated with benign substances such as caffeine and
sugars than toxic household products or other illicit drugs (such as amphetamine). However, since the beginning of
the 21st century analysis shows that phenacetin (an analgesic substance now banned in many countries due to its
carcinogenic and kidney-damaging properties) is increasingly commonly present in cocaine. It is thought that
phenacetin is used as an adulterant due to its similarity to the properties of cocaine.

28
TLC – Thin layer chromatography GC - Gas chromatography MS - Mass spectrometry HPLC - High-pressure/performance liquid
chromatography. Techniques cited are those reported in the original articles, other techniques may also have been employed.
29
NS – Not stated
30
These samples did contain lidocaine and starch.
31
These samples contained local anaesthetics, phencyclidine, caffeine, sugars, quinine. No detail of the percentage of samples containing
each of these substances was provided.
32
Figures reported in this table refer to 2007.
33
A total of 3,230 samples were collected between 1999 and 2007, 2,824 tested positive for cocaine. Figures reported in this table refer to
2007 data when 683 samples were analysed.
34
This does not necessarily indicate that no adulterants were present, the drugs were only analysed for particular adulterant compounds.
35
Figures reported in this table refer to January to June 2007 data when 683 samples were collected, of which 156 were identified as cocaine.

27
4.3 Poisonings and bacterial infections caused by adulterated cocaine or crack
cocaine: Findings from case studies
Case study reports of adverse health consequences related to use of adulterated cocaine or crack cocaine are
detailed in Table 6. Case studies have been categorised according to the type of health consequence reported.
Details of the health effects, where and when the case was recorded and analysis results are included.

Table 6: Details of case reports where adverse health effects and death were reported as a
consequence of adulterated cocaine
Cocaine
Author Year Location Details Analysis & findings
analysed?

Poisoning
Fucci 2004 Individual had Acute intoxication of cocaine ! Analysis of the cocaine and also
travelled from adulterated with phenacetin (an urine, blood and gastric content
Columbia to analgesic) of a 25 year old male who analysis confirmed cocaine with a
Rome had 24 packages of cocaine in his 30% concentration of phenacetin.
digestive tract.

Insley, 1986 Baltimore, Three cases of individuals ! The substance was analysed by
Grufferman & USA presenting to hospital with mass spectrometry scanning
Ayliffe abdominal pain and/or hypertension electron microscopy and x-ray
due to thallium poisoning from what diffraction and showed it was 99%
they thought was cocaine. The three thallium sulphate.
individuals knew each other and had
snorted the same substance.
McKinney, 1992 USA One case of methemoglobinemia " Urinary analysis identified cocaine
Postiglione & due to ingestion of street cocaine and benzocaine. A ‘cutting agent’
Herold adulterated with benzocaine. supplied by the patient’s girlfriend
showed only benzocaine.

Nogue, Sanz, 1991 Barcelona, Five cases of poisoning due to " Urine analysis identified high
Munne & de la Spain scopolamine sold as cocaine. concentration of scopolamine.
Torre

O’Callaghan 1982 Dublin, Eight cases of strychnine poisoning " Urinary analysis confirmed the
et al. Ireland caused by the inhalation of the presence of strychnine.
substance which was thought to be
cocaine.

Weiner et al. 1998 Connecticut, One case of anticholinergic " Urine analysis confirmed presence
USA poisoning caused by adulterated of cocaine and anticholinergic drug -
cocaine. atropine.

Levamisole poisoning
Knowles et al. 2009 Alberta & Severe neutropenia (haematological ! One drug sample and two crack
British disorder caused by low white blood pipes were tested. Both confirmed
Columbia, cell count) was identified in 60 the presence of levamisole. Current
Canada individuals caused by cocaine patients were also urine tested.
adulterated with levamisole. Most
individuals were regularly smoking
crack cocaine.
Zhu, LeGatt & 2009 Alberta, Five cases of agranulocytosis due to " Urine toxicology using gas
Turner Canada consumption of levamisole chromatography/mass spectrometry
adulterated cocaine. confirmed presence of cocaine and
levamisole.

Bacterial infections
Gardner, Kestler, 2008 Denver, One case of Clostridium butyricum in " Case was not confirmed.
Beieler & USA an injecting drug user - it was
Belknap suspected that the infection was
caused by contaminated cocaine.

28
Brunt et al. (2009) collected data on reported adverse effects of 172 samples of cocaine and investigated their
association with the main adulterants present in the cocaine samples. The authors categorised the adverse health
effects into five categories: nausea; headache; cardiac effects; allergic reactions; and hallucinations. There was a
significant association between the adulterants and all adverse effects (p<0.05) and cardiac effects (p<0.01).
Significant associations were found between phenacetin, an analgesic, and all adverse effects (p<0.01), cardiac
effects (p<0.01) and hallucinations (p<0.05); hydroxyzine, a sedative anxiolytic, and all adverse effects (p<0.05) and
hallucinations (p<0.05); and diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, and all adverse effects (p<0.01), cardiac effects
(p<0.01), and hallucinations (p<0.01).

Table 6 above details the findings from case studies where adverse health effects from adulterated cocaine have been
recorded. Many of the case reports indicate the presence of substances as cocaine adulterants which were also
identified in the forensic analysis (Table 5), such as phenacetin, benzocaine and levamisole. Assessment of case
studies indicated other substances which have caused poisoning in cocaine users which were not identified in the
forensic analysis, such as thallium, scopolamine and strychnine. The reason why these substances may not have
been identified in forensic analysis is due to the potential absence of cocaine. The case studies suggest that in these
cases another substance was sold to the individuals as cocaine, but in fact did not contain any of the drug.

4.4 Crack cocaine

When compared to reports of forensic analysis and adverse health effects of adulterated cocaine, there is a dearth of
reports specific to crack cocaine. In a report of five cases of phenytoin toxicity due to adulterated crack cocaine
amongst individuals presenting to emergency departments in New York, three of the individuals admitted intentionally
adding phenytoin (an antiepileptic drug) to their crack cocaine (Katz, Hoffman & Silverman, 1993). The authors
concluded that the practice of adding phenytoin to crack cocaine was becoming more common.

Crack cocaine is not soluble without the addition of a weak acid (such as lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, citric acid or
ascorbic acid) and therefore cannot be injected without this preparation. Waninger et al. (2008) reported on a case
where a female crack cocaine user presented with abscesses (staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus) after
subcutaneous injection of crack cocaine prepared with lemon juice.

4.5 Chapter summary

The evidence presented here for adulteration of cocaine and crack cocaine supports the notion that public perception
of cocaine/crack cocaine adulterants differs considerably from reality. The perception that cocaine/crack cocaine is
regularly adulterated with other illicit drugs, specifically amphetamine, is not supported by forensic analysis nor
previous research (Coomber, 1997d). According to the evidence presented here lidocaine, caffeine, sugars and
phenacetin are the most common adulterants of cocaine/crack cocaine. There are particular concerns about the
addition of phenacetin to cocaine/crack cocaine as it is an analgesic which is no longer widely used, and is banned in
some countries, as it has been linked to bladder and kidney cancer. The case study analysis highlights a trend for
adverse health effects amongst cocaine users who are sold another substance as cocaine. Cases of poisoning with
scopolamine and strychnine have been noted (McKinney, Postiglione & Herold, 1992; Nogue, Sanz, Munne & de la
Torre, 1991). The wide variation in substances used for adulteration of cocaine and crack cocaine contributes to the
unpredictability of the effects of use and the potential for adverse health reactions.

29
5. Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
Amphetamine and methamphetamine are synthetic central nervous stimulants. These drugs are most commonly
manufactured as powders, but are also created as tablets, paste and crystalline solutions. They are usually inhaled,
ingested or snorted, but can also be prepared for injection. The two drugs are chemically similar, but
methamphetamine produces more potent and longer lasting effects than an equivalent dose of amphetamine. The
form of methamphetamine is generally related to purity with powder being of the lowest purity, paste more pure than
powder and crystalline with the highest purity.

5.1 Purity and production

In 2007 the global production estimate of amphetamine/methamphetamine ranged between 230 and 640 tonnes
(UNODC, 2009)36. The majority of amphetamine production is concentrated in Europe, with a considerable proportion
also taking place in North America (UNODC, 2009). Methamphetamine is mostly manufactured in south-east Asia and
North America, with increasing productivity in Latin America and Oceania (UNODC, 2009). In Europe
methamphetamine laboratories have been identified, with most concentrated in Eastern European countries (Czech
Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania) (EMCDDA, 2009a). UNODC (2009) reported a 15% decline in amphetamine type
stimulant laboratories worldwide in 2007 on the previous year37.

Unlike other recreational drugs such as heroin or cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine can be synthesised
through the combining of household products using instructions readily available on the internet. Commonly used
methods of amphetamine and methamphetamine synthesis include the Leuckart method and reductive amination of
benzyl methyl ketone. Chemicals used in the preparation of amphetamine and methamphetamine include, but are not
limited to, over-the-counter cold and flu medications, P-2-P (1-phenyl-2-propanone), norephedrine, pseudoephedrine,
ephedrine, ethers, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and phenylacetic. Many of the precursors and chemicals required
to synthesise methamphetamine can be substituted for others (which may be subject to less legal restrictions or
easier for the manufacturer to obtain) (Burton, 1991).

The manufacture of amphetamine and methamphetamine naturally creates by-products and residues and therefore a
sample of 60% purity does not automatically indicate 40% adulteration. The purity of amphetamine and
methamphetamine seized in Europe in 2007 varied widely (EMCDDA, 2009a). Amphetamine purity ranged between
4% to 40% and methamphetamine purity ranged from 3% to 66%. Reported amphetamine purity ranged widely
across states and territories in Australia during 2007/08, purity ranged from 1% in Victoria to 35% in Australian Capital
Territory (ACC, 2009). In Australia the purity of methamphetamine has remained relatively steady at approximately
15% between 1999/2000 and 2007/08, with the purity in 2007/08 ranging from 7% in Tasmania to 20% in Western
Australia (ACC, 2009).

In the UK the purity of amphetamine has fluctuated between 2003 and 2008, with the mean purity in 2008 reported at
7.8% (Davies et al., 2009)38. The average purity of amphetamines seized at the UK border and by police in 2008/09
was 44% and 7% respectively (Hand & Rishiraj, 2009). In the USA, the average purity of methamphetamine at national
and local level ranged from 40% to 55% in 2007 (Fries et al., 2008).

Coomber (1997c, 1997d) discussed the adulteration of drugs with a sample of drug dealers. Findings showed that
whilst there was a general perception that amphetamine was ‘cut’ with other substances those who reported
adulteration of amphetamine used relatively benign substances such as glucose, bicarbonate of soda and
paracetamol.

36
Only an aggregate estimate for amphetamine and methamphetamine is available.
37
This includes ecstasy laboratories.
38
Due to the small number of seizures of methamphetamine the average purity of this drug was not reported.

30
Organic impurities in amphetamine and methamphetamine
Organic impurities in amphetamine and methamphetamine may be present as a result of careless manufacturing
processes, contamination of precursors, side and subsequent reactions, diluents, unsterile laboratories, handling and
packaging. Reports of organic impurities indicate there is a wide variety of potential compounds which may be synthesised
in the manufacturing or distribution process, and these may be different in amphetamine and methamphetamine (Soine,
1986). Commonly identified impurities include N-Formylamphetamine, 4-Methyl-5-phenylpyrimidine, N,N-Di(β-
henylisopropyl)formamide, N,N-Di(β-phenylisopropyl)amine and N,N-Di(β-phenylisopropyl)methylamine (Bailey et al.,
1974; Huizer, Brussee & Poortman-van der Meer, 1984; Kram & Kruegel, 1977; Lambrechts et al., 1986; Sinnema &
Verweij, 1981; Soine, 1986; Verweij, 1989).

Risks associated with methamphetamine manufacture

The synthesis of methamphetamine in uncontrolled illicit laboratories presents a risk of release of toxic gasses, fire
and explosion. Toxic substances released due to improper manufacture of methamphetamine include lead oxide,
aluminium hydroxide, mercury vapour, iodine, phosphine and yellow phosphorus (Holton, 2001; Lineberry & Bostwick,
2006). There is a risk of serious injury, particularly chemical burns or injury due to explosion and fire whilst combining
volatile chemicals during the manufacturing process. This is also a potential risk for first responders to these incidents
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2000; Lineberry & Bostwick, 2006). The National Drug Intelligence
Center in the USA reported that over 1,000 children had been injured or killed at, or removed from sites where
methamphetamine was manufactured from September 2007 to September 2008 (NDIC, 2008).

Preparation of amphetamine for injection

As with many of the other illicit drugs which are prepared for injection, the preparation of amphetamine in unsterile
conditions can lead to increased risk of infection. Chuang et al. (2007) reported the death of an amphetamine injector
who became infected with serratia liquefaciens. The authors concluded that it was most likely that unsterile water used
for injection preparation was the cause of illness rather than the amphetamine.

5.2 Findings from studies reporting forensic analysis

Unlike analytical reports of heroin or cocaine, those reviewed for amphetamine and methamphetamine did not detail
the percentage of samples where each adulterant was identified.

Brown and Malone (1976) reported that approximately 40% of samples (n=563) contained only amphetamine. The other
samples were a mixture of amphetamine and caffeine (26%) and 34% were a mixture of non-amphetamine substances
(caffeine, ephedrine and phendimetrazine). Huizer et al. (1985) identified mannitol in samples of amphetamine.

Lambrechts et al. (1986) reported the presence of caffeine, ephedrine chloride, penazone and procaine chloride in samples
of amphetamine seized in Norway. Gomez & Rodriguez (1989) reported that 56% of amphetamine samples seized and
analysed in Spain (n=36) contained adulterants. The adulterants present included: caffeine, ephedrine, piracetam,
paracetamol, lidocaine, heroin and acetylsalicylic acid. According to Simonsen et al. (2003) analysis of amphetamine
samples seized in Denmark between 1995 and 2000 revealed that the most common adulterants were caffeine and
sugars. More uncommon adulterants were also identified, including phenazone, ascorbic acid and 1-phenylethyamine.

King (1997) stated that the most common adulterants present in amphetamine seized in the UK were caffeine,
glucose, other sugars, 1-phenylethyamine, paracetamol and ephedrine.

Kenyon et al. (2005) reported that of 12 samples of amphetamine handed in during a club door amnesty in London,
three (25%) contained caffeine.

Quinn et al. (2008) reported that adulterants typically present in methamphetamine in Victoria, Australia included
sugars (glucose, lactose, sucrose, mannitol), caffeine, dimethyl sulphone39 (MSM) and a variety of other
pharmaceuticals (including paracetamol and ephedrines). MSM was also mentioned as a cutting agent of
methamphetamine in the 2007 Australian Drug Trends report (NDARC, 2008).

According to the EMCDDA methamphetamine is typically adulterated with a variety of other substances, including
caffeine, sugars, ephedrine and ketamine (EMCDDA, 2009b).

39
Also known as Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), DMSO2 and methyl sulfone.

31
5.3 Poisonings and other health effects of adulterated methamphetamine:
Findings from case studies
Table 7, below, details the findings of a small number of case studies where adverse consequences or death have
been reported as a consequence of adulterated methamphetamine40. The case studies reported below are specific to
those who use or manufacture methamphetamine. However, there are also many examples in the literature where
reports of the effects for emergency response teams after entering methamphetamine laboratories without protective
clothing and equipment, and of the effects of contamination of health personnel who come into contact with
methamphetamine manufacturers (Burgess, 1999; Burgess et al., 2002; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
2000; Lineberry & Bostwick, 2006).

Table 7: Details of case reports where adverse health effects and death were reported as a
consequence of adulterated methamphetamine

Methamphetamine
Author Year Location Details Analysis & findings
analysed?

Poisoning
Allcott, 1987 Oregon, Two cases of lead poisoning due to ! Lead confirmed in urinary
Barnhart & USA intravenous use of analysis. One sample of
Mooney methamphetamine. methamphetamine analysed
showed lead contamination41.

Centers for 1990 Oregon, Eight cases of lead poisoning due ! Lead confirmed through blood
Disease USA to methamphetamine use. All analysis. One sample of
Control individuals were intravenous methamphetamine analysed had
methamphetamine users. up to 60% lead weight present.

Norton et al. 1989 Oregon, Thirteen cases of lead poisoning " Cases confirmed by patient
USA caused by injecting of adulterated blood analysis.
methamphetamine. Individuals
presented with gastrointestinal
problems and five developed
renal injury.
Willers-Russo 1999 California, Three cases of poisoning by " Analysis of air and equipment at
USA phosphine gas due to release of the scene confirmed the presence
toxic gas during of phosphine gas and was
methamphetamine manufacture. consistent with the manufacture of
methamphetamine.
Other Health Effects
Johnson, Petru 1991 Chicago, One case of pulmonary " Open lung biopsy confirmed a
& Azimi USA granulomas due to inhalation of foreign body consistent with
powdered methamphetamine starch or talc.
adulterated with talc or starch.

5.4 Chapter summary

The forensic analysis of amphetamine and methamphetamine included in this report was not as detailed as reports
extracted for other drugs. However, similar to other drugs the adulterants reported were more likely to be benign than
toxic, with the most commonly reported including caffeine, ephedrine, sugars and paracetamol. This finding supports
the patterns of amphetamine adulteration reported by a sample of drug dealers interviewed in Coomber (1997c,
1997d). More recently dimethyl sulphone (MSM), a substance used as an industrial solvent and also marketed as a
dietary supplement, has been reported to be present in methamphetamine. The case study analysis highlighted the risk
of lead poisoning due to adulterated methamphetamine. This chapter also highlights the risk of chemical burns, fire,
explosion and release of toxic gasses to those involved in or in close proximity to methamphetamine manufacture.

40
No case studies relating amphetamine adulteration were extracted during the literature search.
41
No details of the analysis methodology were provided.

32
6. Ecstasy
‘Ecstasy’ originally referred to MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a synthetic drug chemically similar to
amphetamine. However, since MDMA became common place in the recreational drug scene, other MDMA-related
analogues have also become popular (MDA42 [3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine], MDEA43 [N-methyl-diethanolamine]
and MBDB [N – methyl – 1 – (3,4 – methylenedioxyphenyl) – 2 – butanamine]), which are chemically similar to MDMA
and many ‘ecstasy’ tablets may now contain a combination of these substances.

Ecstasy boosts serotonin within the central nervous system creating feelings of euphoria, stimulation, heightened
alertness, empathy with others and mild hallucinogenic effects. Typically ecstasy is found in tablet form; however,
MDMA powder is becoming increasingly common. It was estimated that in 2007 between 11.5 and 23.5 million
individuals aged 15-64 years worldwide had used ecstasy in the previous year (UNODC, 2009).

Whilst ecstasy refers to MDMA and related analogues, drugs sold as ecstasy often contain other substances, such as
ketamine, benzylpiperazine, methylamphetamine, amphetamine, caffeine and over-the-counter medications such as
dextromethorphan (Banta-Green, 2005; Battisti et al., 2006; Davies et al., 2009; Gaffney et al., 2010; Spruit, 2001).
There is an inaccurate perception amongst some ecstasy users that bad ecstasy experiences are caused by ecstasy
tablets adulterated with heroin (McElrath & McEvoy, 2001).

6.1 Purity and production

The global production of ecstasy in 2007 was estimated between 72 and 137 tonnes (UNODC, 2009). The majority of
ecstasy production takes place in Europe, however in recent years manufacture has become more widespread taking
place in North America, Asia and Oceania.

The average weight of an ecstasy tablet is approximately 250mg (Cole et al., 2002). The purity of ecstasy tablets seized
in Europe in 2007 ranged between 19mg and 75mg of MDMA per tablet (EMCDDA, 2009a). Most of the tablets
analysed contained only MDMA or an analogue (MDA, MDEA) as the only psychoactive ingredient. In Luxembourg,
Cyprus and Turkey high percentages (over 50%) of analysed tablets did not contain any MDMA or derivatives
(EMCDDA, 2009a).

In the UK the mean mg of MDMA per ecstasy tablet decreased from 52mg in 2007 to 33mg in 2008 (Davies et al.,
2009). There were also reports that MDMA powder was becoming increasingly popular due to higher levels of purity;
wholesale purity was estimated at 79% in 2008 and street level purity at 62% (Davies et al., 2009).

Ecstasy is synthesised through a complex set of chemical reactions incorporating distillation and crystallisation
(chemicals used include safrole, piperonal, isosafrole and 3,4-Methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone [PMK]). The
number of clandestine MDMA laboratories detected in Australia decreased from 19 in 2006/07 to 11 in 2007/08, with
the vast majority detected in 2007/08 located in New South Wales (ACC, 2009). The EMCDDA reported that many
ecstasy tablets seized in Denmark and the Netherlands did not contain MDMA or related analogues, but instead
contained meta-Chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), a piperazine44 (EMCDDA, 2009a). It was theorised that the recent
trend for ecstasy synthesised with mCPP may be the result of a PMK shortage. The UNODC also commented on
ecstasy tablets available that contained no MDMA but were actually piperazines (UNODC, 2008).

Johnston et al. (2006) conducted a study investigating ecstasy user’s perceptions and methods of testing for purity in
Australia. Findings indicated that approximately one quarter of respondents used ecstasy testing kits (22%), with the
most widely used method of purity assessment coming from word of mouth from dealer/supplier. Of those who used
testing kits more than half said they would not take a tablet that contained ketamine and three-quarters would not take
a tablet that did not show any results in the test (therefore of ‘unknown’ composition). The authors also found that a
high percentage of participants showed an interest in ecstasy testing kits, and there was moderate awareness of their
limitations45 amongst those who already used the kits. The research showed that many of those who used testing kits
would alter their drug use depending upon the results of the test.
42
Similar to MDMA but with longer lasting effects (8-12 hours) and effects more similar to amphetamine.
43
Similar to MDMA but with shorter lasting effects (3-5 hours).
44
An anthelmintic drug, typically used in treating worm infections.
45
Limitations of reagent testing kits include their ability to only identify the most prominent substance in a sample, they do not provide information
about how much of this substance is present and there are problems with subjectivity amongst the individual interpreting the colour shown in the
test. Marquis and Mandelin kits do not differentiate between different MDMA-type substances. Winstock, Wolff and Ramsey (2001) argue that
the limitations of ecstasy tablet testing techniques outweigh the potential harm reduction benefits and create an inaccurate perception of safety.

33
6.2 Findings from studies reporting forensic analysis
Table 8: Details of studies where adulterants have been reported in ecstasy
Author & Year(s) of
No. Analysis ‘Ecstasy’ composition47 Adulterants identified
publication data Location
samples technique46 (% samples) (% of samples)48
year collection
Baggott et Feb 1999 California, 107 GC & MS MDMA or related analogue 63% Dextromethorphan (Average 21%
al. 2000 and March USA concentration 136mg)
2000
No MDMA or related analogue 29% Caffeine, ephedrine, NS
pseudoephedrine and
No identifiable drug 8% salicylates
Cheng, 2000-2001 Hong Kong, No GC/MS & MDMA 55% No detail
Poon & China detail49 Electrospray Methamphetamine 40%
Chan ionization-
2003 MS MDA <5%

Amphetamine <1%
Cole et al. 2001 England, 136 HPLC MDMA 94.1% Average MDMA content 60-69mg
2002 UK tablets MDMA and MDEA 5.9%
Renfroe 1973-1985 USA 101 TLC & GC MDMA 58% No detail
1986 MDMA and another substance50 24%
No identifiable drug 2%
Sherlock, 1999 Leeds, 25 GC/MS MDMA 32% Caffeine 44%
Wolff, Hay UK tablets
MDMA and other stimulant 16% Amphetamine 12%
& Conner
1999 MDEA 16% Paracetamol 12%
Stimulant only 36% Ephedrine 8%
Ketamine 8%
Methamphetamine 4%
Spruit 1993-1997 Netherlands
51
2,653 ‘Quick test’ 52 MDMA 44.1% Other compounds53 18.2%
2001 and
MDMA and other compounds54 12.5%
laboratory
analysis MDMA and amphetamine 1.2%
Amphetamine only 4.0%
Amphetamine and other 11.5%
compounds55
MDEA 6.8%
MDA 1.7%
Tanner- 1999-2005 USA 1,214 GC/MS MDMA 39% Caffeine 16.6%
Smith tablets MDA 5.2% Dextromethorphan 8.0%
2006
MDE <1% MDA 12.6%
Methamphetamine 1.5% Methamphetamine 8.7%
Pseudoephedrine 7.6%
MDE 5.1%
Acetminophen, <5%
benzylpiperazine, ketamine,
methyl salicylate,
phencyclidine,
Trifluoromethylphenpiperazi
nemonohydrochloride56
46
TLC – Thin layer chromatography GC - Gas chromatography MS - Mass spectrometry HPLC - High-pressure/performance liquid
chromatography. Techniques cited are those reported in the original articles, other techniques may also have been employed.
47
Primary active ingredient(s).
48
NS – Not stated
49
Ecstasy tablets were categorised into 212 categories based on physical properties, the number of samples in each category varied. The
number of tablets analysed in the sample detailed was not provided.
50
Mostly MDA
51
Figures reported in table refer to 1997.
52
The quick test was conducted by trained individuals who identified the drug through measurements, Marquis test and a recognition list.
53
No further details provided.
54
Not including amphetamine and methamphetamine.
55
Not including MDMA.
56
Seventeen additional substances were also found in less than 1% of samples. See original article for further detail.

34
In addition to the adulterants reported in Table 8 above studies have reported adulterants present in ecstasy. These
have not been included in the table above as forensic analysis details were not available.

According to Siegel (1985) ecstasy has been found to contain a variety of adulterants including ephedrine,
phenylpropanolamine, procaine and niacinamide. Clandestine manufacture of ecstasy can cause toxic contamination.
The EMCDDA (2009b) and NDIC (2008) also reported that methamphetamine is used as an ecstasy adulterant.

King (1997) reported that ecstasy seized in the UK commonly contained lactose. Other ecstasy adulterants reported
by King (1997) included other sugars, cellulose, talc, calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate and other
pharmacologically active substances (paracetamol, ephedrine, caffeine, procaine, amphetamine and 1-
phenylethylamine).

6.3 Poisonings caused by adulterated ecstasy: Findings from case studies

Case study reports of adverse health consequences related to use of adulterated ecstasy are detailed in Table 9. All
cases studies which met the criteria for inclusion in this section relate to poisoning by ecstasy adulterants. Details of
the health effects, where and when the case was recorded and analysis results are included.

Table 9: Details of case reports where adverse health effects and death were reported as a
consequence of adulterated ecstasy

Author Year Location Details Ecstasy analysed? Analysis & findings

Poisoning
Becker et al. 2003 Germany One case of death after ingestion " Urinary, femoral blood and heart
of ecstasy tablet containing blood analysis indicated the
paramethoxymethamphetamine individual had ingested PMMA,
(PMMA) and PMA and a trace amount of
paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA). amphetamine.

Byard et al. 1998 Adelaide, Six cases of death due to " Post mortem analysis indicated
Australia consumption of tablets sold as that death was most likely caused
ecstasy. Post mortem analysis by PMA.
indicated the presence of PMA in
all cases, meth/amphetamine in
four cases and MDMA was
present in only two cases.

6.4 Chapter summary

During the 1990s there was much media interest in ecstasy and a perception, perpetuated by media outlets, that
ecstasy tablets were maliciously adulterated with other drugs (LSD, heroin), rat poison and crushed glass (Coomber,
1997e). Forensic analysis shows that the media perception is not accurate and ecstasy is generally a combination of
MDMA and/or related analogues in combination with caffeine, dextromethorphan and amphetamines. The evidence
also shows that selling of ‘counterfeit ecstasy’ is also common i.e. the selling of other stimulant drugs (amphetamine,
caffeine, ketamine etc) as ecstasy, yet the drug does not contain any MDMA or related analogues. The case studies
detailed the fatalities of a number of individuals who had consumed paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) and/or
paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA). This evidence supports the notion that often other substances are sold as ‘ecstasy’
but contain little or no MDMA or related analogues.

35
7. Cannabis
Cannabis comes from the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.) and is a mild sedative and hallucinogenic drug which
can be either smoked or eaten. There are three commonly used forms of cannabis – cannabis resin, herbal cannabis
and ‘skunk’ (a genetically modified version of herbal cannabis). Within each of these types there is huge variety.
Cannabis oil can also be extracted from cannabis resin but is much less common than other types of cannabis.

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide, with an estimate of between 143 and 190 million
worldwide users in 2007 (UNODC, 2009) and an estimated 22.5 million Europeans having used the drug in the last
year (EMCDDA, 2009a).

7.1 Purity and production

Cannabis is produced worldwide, with almost all countries having the potential for outdoors growing (UNODC, 2009).
The main source of cannabis resin is Morocco and Afghanistan, and the main source of herbal cannabis is the
Netherlands and South Africa (UNODC, 2009). It was estimated that between 2,200-9,900 metric tonnes of cannabis
resin and 13,300-66,100 metric tonnes of herbal cannabis were produced globally in 2007 (UNODC, 2007).

Stambouli et al. (2005) analysed the average tetrahydrocannabinol57 (THC) content of cannabis shortly after
harvesting or preparation in Morocco58, before the THC levels were altered by oxidation. The authors reported the
average THC content of fresh, dried and powdered cannabis at 0.5%, 2.21% and 8.3% respectively.

The mean THC content of cannabis resin in Europe in 2007 ranged from 2.9% to 13.3%, and the mean THC content of
herbal cannabis ranged from 1.2% to 10.2% (EMCDDA, 2009a). The mean THC concentration of herbal cannabis and
cannabis resin in England and Wales in 2007 were 8.4% and 5.9% respectively (Hardwick & King, 2008). In 2008/09 the
average THC content of herbal cannabis in the USA was 9.6% and for cannabis resin was 19.8%59 (ONDCP, 2009).

The Australian Crime Commission reported on the detection of three clandestine laboratories for the extraction of
cannabis oil in 2007/08 (ACC, 2009)60.

In their review of cannabis potency and contamination McLaren et al. (2008) concluded that cannabis users believe
the drug is likely to have been contaminated with pesticides and other substances to enhance yield during cultivation,
this perception was particularly linked to indoor grown cannabis. An Australian study found that users of cannabis for
medicinal purposes considerably favoured outdoor grown cannabis because it was considered more organic and to
have received less chemical treatment than indoor grown cannabis (Swift et al., 2005). In Rome forensic analysis of a
seizure of 80 cannabis plants grown indoors and a grey-white powder, also found at the scene, confirmed the
presence of naphthalene (which is commonly used as a pesticide) (Fucci, 2003). Unlike the cultivation of other plants,
there is no control over or guidelines about the use of pesticides when growing cannabis due to its illegal status.
Stambouli et al. (2005) noted a reduction in the average THC level of cannabis powder and of seized samples of
cannabis resin (from an average THC level of 8.3% to 6%). The authors stated that this difference may be due to the
process of manufacturing cannabis resin from cannabis powder, adulteration or the degradation due to the storage
conditions of cannabis resin blocks.

57
The active ingredient in cannabis and therefore THC is used as a measure of purity.
58
245 samples from 30 plots in three provinces of Morocco were analysed.
59
This figure is based on 27 samples and therefore should be interpreted with caution.
60
The Australian Crime Commission did not include data on purity of cannabis in their latest illicit drug data report.

36
7.2 Findings from studies reporting forensic analysis and case studies
There are a small number of peer reviewed papers which discuss adulteration of cannabis.

In Germany in 2008 there was a report of 29 patients admitted to hospital in the Leipzig area for lead poisoning as a
consequence of smoking adulterated cannabis (Busse et al., 2008). Analysis of cannabis samples revealed the drug
had been adulterated with lead to increase the drug weight by approximately one tenth. An anonymous screening
programme undertaken after the source of lead poisoning was confirmed screened 145 individuals, of which 95 had
blood lead levels which required treatment.

In 2006, Exley et al. conducted an investigation into the aluminium content of tobacco and cannabis products. They
found that the aluminium content of two samples of cannabis ranged from 0.01% to 0.04%. The authors also showed
that the aluminium content is biologically available (i.e. able to be absorbed into the body, rather than pass straight
through) and may contribute to an increased risk of respiratory, smoking-related or neurological diseases.

In 2007 the Department of Health in the UK issued three health alerts about herbal (skunk) cannabis contaminated
with microscopic glass particles61,62,63. In the May 2007 alert it was stated that approximately 5% to 10% of herbal
cannabis seizures forensically examined were contaminated with glass, and in September 2009 the alert stated that
there had been 151 cases in the UK and Ireland in the previous year. All alerts advised that cannabis users should
stop using herbal cannabis to reduce their risk of adverse health effects as a result of smoking glass particles, and
gave information on what to do if they did suffer an adverse reaction.

Verweij et al. (2000) analysed samples of cannabis in the Netherlands and found that all seven samples tested
positive for mould cultures, with six of the seven testing positive for penicillium species. In the national drug report of
the Netherlands for 2006 there was mention of further research conducted at the University of Leiden which confirmed
the presence of bacteria and fungus in cannabis being sold in Dutch coffee shops64 (van Laar et al., 2007).

In a study undertaken in Milwaukee, USA 24 cannabis samples were analysed for the presence of fungi and
actinomycetes (Kurup et al., 1983); the findings showed that only one sample tested negative, although it was heavily
contaminated with bacteria, and of the others the presence of various fungi and actinomycetes were confirmed. Half
of the samples tested positive for aspergillus flavus (a fungus associated with aspergillosis of the lungs). Llamas et al.
(1978) also produced a case report of an individual who developed allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis as a
result of smoking cannabis contaminated with aspergillus fumigates, aspergillus niger and aspergillus flavus.

7.3 Chapter summary

Cannabis users believe that during cultivation the plants are typically sprayed with pesticides and other cultivation
chemicals, particularly those grown indoors under hydroponic conditions. Cannabis is less likely to be adulterated
than illicit drugs which are available in powder or tablet form. However, cases of adulterated cannabis do occur and in
recent years there have been reports of cannabis adulterated with lead, aluminium and glass. In the Netherlands,
where cannabis is legally sold in coffee shops, samples of cannabis bought from these establishments tested positive
for mould cultures. Although cannabis is less likely to be adulterated, cannabis users are still at risk of potential
adverse health effects due to adulterants.

61
www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=100850
62
www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=100836
63
www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=100817
64
The research conducted by the University of Leiden was published in Dutch and therefore not directly referenced.

37
8. Other Illicit Drugs
For some other illicit drugs, such as ketamine, GHB and LSD, there is only a small amount of information relating to
their adulteration. This may be because these drugs are not typically adulterated, are relatively new, are usually
diverted from legitimate sources as opposed to clandestinely manufactured or because they are more commonly
used as adulterants of other illicit drugs.

As with the previous chapters information on purity, forensic analysis and case studies are included where available.

8.1 Ketamine
Ketamine is an arylcycloalkylamine, a powerful anaesthetic used in humans (mainly in surgery) and animals. When taken
recreationally it creates feelings of euphoria, dissociative psychedelic effects and at high doses can cause hallucinations.
It is available as a tablet, powder or liquid. It is usually swallowed, snorted or injected. Ketamine itself does not present a
great overdose risk, but the risk is much greater when mixed with other substances (including alcohol) (Wood et al., 2008).

Ketamine is not typically adulterated and the majority of ketamine that is found on the illicit market is diverted from
legitimate sources (i.e. pharmaceutical companies, hospital and veterinary clinics) (Copeland & Dillon, 2005;
EMCDDA, 2000). However, the UNODC reported an increase in clandestine ketamine laboratories in China from 17 in
2006 to 44 in 2007 (UNODC, 2009) and the Australian Crime Commission has reported an increase in ketamine
seizures at border controls since 2004/05 (ACC, 2009).

Rather than being subject to adulteration, ketamine is often cited as a common adulterant of ecstasy or as a
substance sold as ecstasy (ACC, 2009; Coomber, 1997e; EMCDDA, 2000; Sherlock et al., 1999; Shewan, Dalgarno &
King, 1996; Tanner-Smith, 2006; UNODC, 2009). Ketamine has also been cited as an adulterant of methamphetamine
(EMCDDA, 2009b). Kenyon et al. (2005) analysed illicit drugs handed in as part of a nightclub door amnesty. In
London nine samples of ketamine powder were provided, with caffeine detected in five of the samples. In Manchester
seven samples of ketamine powder were provided, no further details of their composition was provided and therefore
it is assumed they did not contain caffeine.

8.2 Gammahydroxybutrate (GHB)

Gammahydroxybutrate (GHB; also known as ‘liquid ecstasy’ and ‘liquid E’) is synthesised as a liquid, and makes the
user feel euphoric, drowsy and reduces inhibitions. It has sedative and anaesthetic effects and has been cited as a
drug used in facilitated sexual assaults as it can cause unconsciousness. There is an increased risk of overdose when
GHB is mixed with other substances (Liechti et al., 2006).

In a comparative paper examining the differences between GHB and pharmaceutical sodium oxybate (pharmaceutical
GHB) the authors highlighted the differences in synthesis and manufacturing processes, with illicit GHB potentially
more risky due to clandestine manufacture and therefore difficulties with the consumer having accurate information
about dosage, drug composition and the presence of adulterants (Carter et al., 2009). The authors also noted that a
few small alterations in the manufacturing of illicit GHB can result in the synthesis of GBL (γ-butyrolactone)65 which has
been shown to be more potent than GHB and could increase the risk of overdose.

8.3 Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a semi-synthetic psychedelic drug. LSD is a white powder, but is sold on the
street as a liquid absorbed into small tablets or impregnated into small pieces of perforated paper, with each piece
representing a dose. Purity data is not commonly reported and is therefore not included in this report.

Of all the illicit drugs LSD is considered to be least likely to be adulterated, somewhat due to its small size which does
not facilitate adulteration. Brown and Malone (1976) found that over 90% of 746 LSD samples only contained LSD.
Coomber (1997d) reported a perception amongst drug dealers that LSD was commonly adulterated with strychnine,
although this has not been supported by forensic analysis.

65
When GHB is consumed it converts to GBL, however, direct ingestion of GBL is thought to be more toxic than GHB.

38
In a report of the observations of staff at a medical facility in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, USA, the authors referred
to the adulteration of LSD with methamphetamine and a substituted amphetamine (2,5-Dimethoxy-4-
methylamphetamine or STP) (Smith and Rose, 1968). However, it is important to note that this study is limited given
that no forensic analysis of the LSD was undertaken.

8.4 Chapter summary

The evidence presented in this chapter indicates that drugs which are typically diverted from legitimate sources rather
than clandestinely manufactured, such as ketamine and GHB, are less adulterated. In the case of ketamine it is more
likely to be an adulterant of other illicit drugs, particularly ecstasy. Clandestine manufacture of GHB can lead to the
synthesis of GBL, a more toxic form of the drug. The reports of adulteration of LSD are not supported by forensic
analysis, therefore indicating that this drug is not typically adulterated.

39
9. Public Health Response and Harm Reduction Messages
This section briefly outlines proposed steps of a suggested public health response to adulterated drugs. Harm
reduction messages and techniques are also discussed in this section.

9.1 Public health response

The public health consequences related to the use of adulterated drugs are wide ranging and vary according to the
drug used and the specific adulterant. However, there is very little published on the public health responses and their
effectiveness66. Illicit drug adulteration is typically brought to the attention of health or drug services as the result of a
disproportionate number of drug users becoming ill or the presentation of drug users with atypical symptoms.
Suggested steps in a response to these incidences, and issues of concern at each stage, are discussed below.
Refinement of emergency response plans should be undertaken by those responsible for health protection (in a
specific country, state or area as appropriate) and rely on accurate information and good methods of communication.
The information below is a brief guide to the possible components of a response.

Immediate response
When adverse health effects and/or fatalities due to drug adulteration are suspected an immediate assessment and
response is required to manage risk and minimise harm. At this stage the adulterant may not have been confirmed and a
generic response should be made in absence of knowing exactly what the adulterant is or how the adulteration occurred.
The response should be proportionate and realistic reflecting an accurate appraisal of the supporting evidence. See
dissemination of information below for the type of information that should be included in a warning campaign.

Specific response
Once knowledge about the adulterant has been refined and the suspected source confirmed (through analysis of
adulterated samples of illicit drugs or serum of affected individuals), the immediate response materials should be
updated with either confirmation of the previous information or provision of new information.

Dissemination of information
Information should be shared amongst all relevant health agencies in contact with drug users (A&E, primary health
care, drug support and treatment agencies, needle and syringe programmes, sexual health services, poison control
centres etc), the police, community wardens, criminal justice services, coroners’ office and any other organisation
considered appropriate. Specific decisions in relation to information releases via the media should be made in relation
to the target audience i.e. drug users, families/friends of drug users or others, and developed accordingly.

Materials should be targeted towards the particular group vulnerable to this adulteration (e.g. cocaine users, injecting
drug users), use accessible terminology and be provided in multiple languages (where required). The materials
should include information about:

• The (potential) adulterant and (suspected) source

• Potential harm(s)

• Spread of contamination (and how to avoid further spread)

• Guidance for drug users and those in contact with drug users (including how to identify someone who has been
affected by the adulterant)

• Alternative routes of drug administration

• Information regarding available treatment and support

66
A recent study conducted in the Netherlands evaluated the effectiveness of a warning system for contaminated cocaine (Keijsers,
Bossong & Waarlo, 2008). The study found that changes were required in warning protocols to improve communication and make clear
roles and responsibilities of different agencies/individuals. Coverage of the warning was also improved through contact with new
organisations/agencies.

40
• Treatment and emergency response

• Further dissemination of the warning to relevant organisations

• Who or where to contact for further information

Organisations with direct contact with drug users should disseminate this information, along with appropriate harm
reduction advice to drug users. Health organisations, and specifically drug support/treatment agencies, play an
important role in the dissemination of information about drug adulteration incidents to drug users with reading and
language difficulties and those without access to the internet or traditional media sources. Drug users should also be
asked to further pass these messages on to their peers (particularly those not in contact with drug services). Basic,
factual resources should be provided to drug users (e.g. card/small leaflet) containing the main warning and advice
points regarding the adulteration to ensure accurate dissemination across user groups.

Treatment
Emergency treatment for a person affected by drug adulteration presents a significant challenge for emergency
treatment personnel given that the individual may not admit to drug use, may not suspect that their drug was
adulterated or may not be able to tell emergency personnel anything about what they have used. It is important for all
emergency and frontline medical personnel to have access to information about typical adulteration practices, to
consider that an individual may present with symptoms atypical for the drug they are believed to have ingested and to
be able to recognise, diagnose and treat accordingly.

Review and debrief

Once the adulteration incident is considered under control it is important that all organisations, agencies and
individuals involved in the identification of the adulterant, treatment and care of those exposed to the adulterant, and
the dissemination of advice and guidance about the adulterant to debrief and review the process. This group should
consider:

• Methods for better prevention, earlier identification of adulteration should it reoccur (if possible)

• Usefulness of the advice, guidance and materials disseminated and ensure they are ready and up-to-date for use
in the future

• Whether the correct agencies, organisations and individuals were involved in the guidance development and
dissemination process

• The ongoing messages to those vulnerable to the adverse effects of adulterated drugs

• The overall effectiveness and coordination of the response

Box 7: The Health Protection Agency, UK

In the UK the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is an independent organisation, set up by government in 2003, to
protect the public from threats to their health from infectious diseases and environmental hazards. It does this by
providing advice and information to the general public, to health professionals such as doctors and nurses, and to
national and local government67. Their work has included advice and information in the area of illicit drug
adulteration and associated health impacts, most recently publishing information related to the recent outbreak of
anthrax amongst injecting heroin users.

The HPA is a specialist organisation. This type of organisation is not present in every country. Their published
resources may contribute to the development of emergency response protocols in other countries/areas.

67
See: www.hpa.org.uk/HPA/

41
9.2 Harm reduction messages and techniques
Drug users, drug dealers and the general public are often aware that illicit drugs are commonly adulterated with other
substances, compounds or bacteria, but there is confusion about which adulterants are typically present (Best et al.,
2004; Coomber, 1997c, 1997e, 1999). The need for advice for drug users is twofold; (1) there is a requirement for
drug users to regularly be made aware of and given advice about typical illicit drug adulteration and the potential
adverse health effects that may result, and, (2) when a batch of adulterated drugs causing serious health
consequences and death comes into circulation, specific advice and guidance about this drug should be
disseminated (see Section 9.1). This section details harm reduction messages and techniques, the target audience of
the messages are also detailed (these lists are suggestive, not exhaustive).

Early warning systems and surveillance should be employed internationally, nationally and locally
Target audience: Emergency medical personnel, general health professionals, drug treatment agencies, needle and
syringe programmes, harm reduction specialists/educators, policy makers, public health organisations, sexual health
and outreach, police, health protection organisations, poisoning control centres, infectious disease centres, coroners

An early warning system to identify adulterants and report adverse effects rapidly, similar to the process used by the
EMCDDA to identify trends in the use of new substances68 would be useful. A system of this type would enhance
understanding of, and public health responses to, illicit drug adulteration. Improvements in international data sharing
through such a system could assist in dispelling myths about adulteration and improve timely public health advice. This
system could also include surveillance of new trends in drug use linked to new population groups (such as immigrants).

An early warning system would not only be useful internationally but also nationally and locally. Poison control centres,
drug enforcement agencies and forensic science agencies in many countries routinely test and monitor illicit drug
samples. However, adulteration findings are not routinely published to allow trend analysis and investigation of
changes in adulteration practices. Additionally, much of the reported findings of adulteration do not facilitate
comparison by area or over time.

Locally, health and drug agencies conduct informal case control and highlight anything unusual regarding illicit drug
composition or the effects of drug use in their area. Questions about physical properties of the drugs, administration
techniques and changes in dealer/locality for purchasing drugs should be asked of anyone reporting atypical effects
of drug use.

Evidence-based interventions that respond to drug adulteration are required

Target audience: Emergency medical personnel, general health professionals, drug treatment agencies, needle and
syringe programmes, harm reduction specialists/educators, primary health care, community health care, policy makers,
public health organisations, police, health protection organisations, poisoning control centres, infectious disease
centres, coroners

Research examining public health and evidence-based responses to drug adulteration is scarce (Keijsers, Bossong &
Waarlo, 2008). Published analysis and assessment of previous practices and protocols used would enhance
understanding and improve techniques used to respond to adulteration incidents. Information about the effectiveness
of communication strategies across public health systems, relevant organisations and drug users would provide a
basis for others to build their own strategies upon. Additionally, analysis and development of the dissemination of
warnings and advice about drug adulteration through drug users peer networks could have wider public health and
harm reduction benefits.

68
The early warning system provides a quick response when new psychoactive drugs are identified. For more information, see:
www.emcdda.europa.eu/themes/new-drugs/early-warning

42
Dissemination of information and advice regarding adulterated drugs
Target audience: Drug users, families/friends of drug users, emergency medical personnel, general health
professionals, drug treatment agencies, needle and syringe programmes, harm reduction specialists/educators, policy
makers, public health organisations, sexual health and outreach, lesbian, gay and transgender support services, police,
health protection organisations, poisoning control centres, infectious disease centres, coroners, general public

Drug users require education about the risks associated with their drug(s) of choice, and of the potential adulterants
which may be present in these drugs. Harm reduction messages should be specific to the vulnerable population, as
too should the methods of delivery of these messages i.e. through needle and syringe programmes, treatment
agencies and outreach services as well as the media, general health establishments and hospitals.

Staff at accident and emergency services are often the first to come into contact with an individual who has been
affected by adulterated drugs (for example, Dimanno et al., 2008; O’Sullivan & McMahon, 2005; Perrone et al., 1999)
and they play an important role in dissemination of this information to drug treatment services, other health
professionals and the police. Once the distribution of adulterated drugs causing serious adverse health effects has
been confirmed it is typical for the public health agencies, police and drug treatment services to issue warnings69,70.

Warnings about adulterated drugs should be factual and should not use ambiguous terminology such as ‘rogue
heroin’, ‘bad heroin’ or ‘dirty cocaine’71,72,73. Drug treatment services should be equipped to disseminate information
when adulterated drugs are found to be in circulation. Also, messages on how to identify adulterants (if it is possible
without forensic analysis) or testing of drugs should be given to users.

Where the biggest risk is to those who are injecting drugs, harm minimisation advice about alternative methods of
administration should be provided. While a specific route may be less dangerous overall (for example smoking rather
than injecting) the less dangerous route may have associated adverse health effects due to the drug or specific
adulterants. Where alternative methods of administration are advised there is a need to highlight the potential effects
to drug users. It is important to consider that some individuals may not be able to stop injecting and therefore advice
about safer injecting practices should also be disseminated.

Illicit drugs may be synthesised for specific routes of administration

Target audience: Drug users, families/friends of drug users, emergency medical personnel, general health
professionals, drug treatment agencies, harm reduction specialists/educators, policy makers

Analysis of the patterns of adulteration in recent decades shows that a certain amount of changes in adulteration may
be due to customer preferences (de la Fuente, 1996; Furst, 2000). There is also evidence to suggest that specific
adulterants are added to drugs specifically to facilitate smoking, and that administration of these drugs via another
route (e.g. through injection) may cause adverse health effects (Eskes & Brown, 1975; Furst, 2000; Huizer, 1987;
Risser et al., 2007). It is important for treatment services, emergency services and other relevant organisations to be
aware and disseminate health messages about the potential health consequences when these substances become
available amongst injecting drug users.

69
www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/3202094.stm
70
www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2883449.stm
71
www.news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/health/newsid_7693000/7693575.stm
72
www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3100937.stm
73
www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008HLS0027-001879.htm

43
 Toxic gasses and waste products can be created during illicit drug manufacture
Target audience: Drug users, families/friends of drug users, emergency medical personnel, first response teams,
general health professionals, policy makers, police, chemical disposal teams

The manufacture of illicit drugs (particularly methamphetamine) creates waste products, which are not commonly
disposed of in a legal and proper manner, and areas which may require decontamination (Holton, 2001). In addition
to the direct risks for those manufacturing the illicit drugs and those residing in close proximity to the laboratory
(Danks et al., 2004; Lineberry & Bostwick, 2006), there are also risks for emergency personnel and police who attend
these scenes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2000; Lineberry & Bostwick, 2006; McFadden, Kub &
Fitzgerald, 2006). First response teams and police who attend illicit drug manufacture sites should receive training on
how to recognise and protect against exposure to toxic gasses, waste and contamination from the laboratory.
Guidance outlining safe procedures for disposal of waste products, dismantling of laboratories and decontamination
are issued by the Government/state health agencies of many countries74. This guidance is an essential part of public
safety for those involved in the clean up after discovery of a methamphetamine laboratory.

Emergency and drug treatment personnel must be aware of typical patterns of adulteration
Target audience: Emergency medical personnel, general health professionals, drug treatment agencies

In order to enhance both emergency and longer term treatment for drug use it is important that first response teams,
emergency medical personnel, general health professionals and drug treatment staff have access to information and
are aware of the effect of adulterants when treating drug users. To enhance the early identification and diagnosis of
health effects caused by illicit drug adulterants the awareness of typical and atypical signs of drug overdose,
poisoning and bacterial infections caused by drug adulteration should be increased amongst emergency and
frontline medical staff. Expertise should be built through professional development and illicit drugs experts amongst
staff. Addressing the potential effects of adulterants with regard to their physical and psychological health effects, and
their effects on drug treatment, can reduce the risk of long term health consequences and failure of drug treatment.
When drug adulteration is suspected, where possible, samples of illicit drugs should be tested along with the serum
of the affected individual.

74
For example: www.dhss.mo.gov/TopicsA-Z/MethLabCleanupGuidelines.pdf

44
10. Summary
10.1 Evidence summary
This document has reviewed the evidence for the presence of adulterants in illicit drugs, namely heroin, cocaine and
crack cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine, ecstasy, cannabis, GHB, ketamine and LSD. The evidence
suggests that illicit drugs are more commonly adulterated with benign substances (such as sugars), substances that
will enhance or mimic the effects of the illicit drug (such as quinine in heroin) or substances that will facilitate the
administration of illicit drugs (such as caffeine in heroin and cocaine which facilitates smoking). This assessment of
the available evidence supports research undertaken in this area (Coomber, 1997a, 1997b, 1997c, 1997d, 1997e,
1999, 2006) that reports of the routine adulteration of illicit drugs with ‘dangerous’75 substances are a myth.

Reports of the purposeful adulteration of illicit drugs with toxic substances were identified, including the adulteration of
heroin with strychnine. However, when further investigated, the amount of strychnine was not found to be present in
life-threatening quantities and as the substance has been shown to increase the retention of heroin when volatized
(Huizer, 1987), it is assumed that its purpose was to facilitate drug administration rather than malicious intent.
However, this is not an assurance that the use of strychnine and other poisons in illicit drug manufacturing does not
have the potential to cause serious health issues. There are particular concerns about the addition of phenacetin to
cocaine and crack cocaine, an analgesic which has been linked to bladder and kidney cancer. Cannabis was found
to be less likely to be adulterated than illicit drugs sold in powder or tablet form, but reports of cannabis adulterated
with lead, aluminium and glass in recent years highlight the potential health risks of adulterants to cannabis users. The
evidence indicated that LSD is not typically adulterated and there was little evidence identified for the adulteration of
ketamine and GHB, which are typically diverted from legitimate sources. Ketamine was found to be more likely to be
used as an adulterant in other illicit drugs. The evidence identified from case reports illustrates that adverse health
effects or death due to adulterated drugs are commonly due to poisoning, poor manufacturing techniques, poor
storage or packaging, or related to the effects of other substances sold as the illicit drug (for example, PMMA and/or
PMA sold as ecstasy). Bacterial infections attributed to illicit drug adulteration were most common amongst injecting
drug users (particularly heroin and cocaine injectors). The recent outbreak of anthrax in the UK provides an example
of a public health response to an adulteration incident and examples of the types of information which should be
disseminated in such an event and the variety of audiences who could receive the information.

10.2 Limitations of the evidence

Reports of drug adulteration were examined from worldwide sources and revealed the lack of standardised forensic
analysis and reporting practices. Representative sampling of illicit drug samples is not routinely undertaken to quantify
and qualify the extent of adulteration; most forensic analysis is undertaken for legal reasons to provide evidence for
prosecution. The case reports, where the information typically comes from health services or coroners, identified
indicated that analysis of drug samples is not routinely undertaken or that drug samples may not be available for
analysis. The majority of analysis is undertaken retrospectively following either a drug seizure or an adverse health
effect in an individual or group of drug users. Specifically, the lack of standardised analyses, reporting and, in some
cases, lack of detailed reporting, created difficulties in comparing adulteration practices over time and by country.

The majority of analysis techniques identify which additional substances are present in samples of illicit drugs but do
not report on the overall composition of the drug and the proportions of adulterants found. Also, it is not standard
practice to report the percentage of samples which contain no adulteration. Both of these pieces of information would
provide further useful information about adulteration practices. However, it is understood that financial implications
may prevent routine analysis beyond the identification of the primary drug and adulterants.

This document specifically focused on the adulteration of illicit drugs, however substances, including tobacco,
alcohol, prescription medicines and legal highs, may also be illicitly manufactured and subject to risks associated
with contamination, adulteration and dilution. For example, the World Health Organisation76 estimates that up to 1% of
prescription medicines available in developed countries may be counterfeit.

75
Coomber acknowledges that illicit drugs are dangerous substances. However in this context he is referring to substances such as brick
dust, talcum powder, rat poison, ground glass and household cleaning products.
76
www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs275/en/index.html

45
Box 8: Future considerations
Surveillance and monitoring
Improved surveillance of illicit drug adulteration could dispel myths and ensure timely medical treatment and
prevention is implemented where necessary
Overall, there is a requirement for improved surveillance of illicit drug adulteration. In order to address the public
health consequences of drug adulteration, improvements in international data sharing and collaborative working
across the many disciplines that may come into contact with illicit drugs and drug users are required. Creating
links between public health principles, analytical expertise, community-based professionals and the police could
enhance the dissemination of messages regarding illicit drug adulteration, dispel myths and improve the provision
of effective, and timely, public health advice.
A set of quality assured, robust and rehearsed interventions and information dissemination strategies would
enhance public health and the quality and effectiveness of responses to illicit drug adulteration incidents
There is a lack of information providing structured advice on responses to the consequences of illicit drug
adulteration. A set of quality assured, robust and rehearsed interventions and communication strategies would
provide a basis for response for a wide variety of organisations.

Media warnings
Research into the usefulness of media warnings about adulteration of illicit drugs is required
In the UK alone police warnings about ‘dirty’ drugs and ‘rogue’ heroin are commonly made through the media,
however, there is very little evidence about their usefulness in accurately informing drug users about the health
consequences of adulteration. Media reports can potentially perpetuate scare mongering and reinforce myths
regarding illicit drug adulteration. Research investigating the usefulness of these warnings with illicit drug users
would enhance our understanding of the information requirements of drug users in relation to drug adulteration
and potentially improve reporting practices.

Drug users
Drug users should be made aware of the relative and inherent risks associated with drug use and the potential
health effects that may arise from adulteration
In addition, to health problems caused by adulterated drugs, users may experience serious health problems as a
result of bacterial contamination through unsterile equipment used for administration or contamination of diluents
used to prepare illicit drugs for injection. In the event of an outbreak of a bacterial infection it is important for users
to be made aware of the relative and inherent risks associated with different routes of administration, including the
potential harms caused by different methods of injecting. Alternative routes of administration should also be
detailed, such as rectal administration and smoking.

Healthcare workers
Hospital emergency staff should be appropriately trained and equipped to respond to adverse health effects
suspected to be caused by adulteration of illicit drugs
Hospital emergency staff and other frontline emergency personnel are often the first professionals encountered by
those experiencing adverse health effects due to adulterated drugs. It is therefore important that emergency personnel
are sufficiently trained and equipped to respond appropriately in cases where use of adulterated drugs is suspected,
and to disseminate this information to poison control centres, drug treatment agencies and where necessary to drug
users. These individuals should be made aware of typical health reactions associated with illicit drugs so that they can
recognise and diagnose atypical reactions and investigate the potential for effects of adulterants.
Advice should be provided to those working with drug users about the risks of cross-contamination and infection
from coming into contact with adulterated drugs and users of adulterated drugs, and the steps they can take to
protect themselves
Providers of drug treatment services are at risk of cross-contamination (mainly an issue for methamphetamine
manufacture exposure) and infection through contact with adulterated drugs and users of adulterated drugs.
Advice provided should outline how healthcare workers can best protect themselves and what steps should be
taken if they come into contact with adulterated drugs and users of these drugs. For example, in the case of the
recent anthrax outbreak in the UK advice was circulated about the use of protective equipment when treating a
potentially infected individual or when handling any potentially contaminated heroin.

46
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54
Appendix 1 - Glossary

A weak organic acid used in the production of vinegar. Diluted acetic acid is
Acetic acid
often used in descaling agents.

Acetone Simplest example of the ketones, a solvent and active ingredient in nail polish remover.

Pathogenic actinobacteria, the leading killer of humans being Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Actinomycetes
(the causative agent of most cases of tuberculosis).

Aflatoxin A naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by fungus, they are toxic and carcinogenic.

An acute condition involving a severe and dangerous leukopenia (severe lack of one
Agranulocytosis major class of infection-fighting white blood cells). Causes high risk of severe infection
due to immune system suppression.

Allergic bronchopulmonary Relatively rare lung disease – characterised by a hypersensitive immune system
aspergillosis response to fungus (most commonly Aspergillus).

A bacterium which creates spores which can infect the body through three forms:
Anthrax
skin, inhalation or gastrointestinal. It produces lethal poisons and can cause death.

The American adopted name for phenazone; an analgesic (painkilling)

Antipyrine
and antipyretic (fever-reducing) compound.

Arsenic A poisonous metalloid.

Ascorbic acid A soluble sugar acid, also known as Vitamin C.

Assay analysis Analysis of the activity of a drug or biochemical in an organic sample.

Barbitone Also known as barbital; a barbiturate used as a sleeping aid.

Benign adulteration Adulteration with non-harmful substances.

A recreational drug with euphoric, stimulant properties.

Benzylpiperazine (BZP)
Reported to have similar effects as ecstasy and methamphetamine.

Bio-typing analysis Determination of the genotype group of the organism(s).

Bupivacaine A local anaesthetic drug belonging to the amino amide group, trade name Marcain.

Candida endophthalmitis Intraocular fungal infection.

A weak organic acid, used to aid the solubility of illegal substances in the
Citric acid
preparation for intravenous injection.

Clenbuterol A decongestant and bronchodilating drug with stimulant properties.

An antitussive (cough suppressant) drug. When exceeding label-specified maximum

Dextromethorphan (DMX)
dosages, DMX acts as a dissociative hallucinogen.

A benzodiazepine derivative drug used to treat anxiety disorders, muscle spasms

Diazepam and alcohol withdrawal. Has hypnotic, sedative, anticonvulsant and amnestic
properties. Trade name Valium.

Diethyl ether Also known as ‘ether’, a common solvent and was once used as a general anaesthetic.

A calcium channel blocker (benzothiazepine) used in the treatment of high blood pressure,
Diltiazem
angina and some heart rhythm disorders.

Flameless atomic-absorption
Technique to analyse trace metal elements in aqueous solutions.
spectrophotometry

Gammahydroxybutrate Sedative, anaesthetic drug which produces feelings of euphoria, drowsiness

(GHB) and reduces inhibitions.

An antifungal drug used to treat ringworm and fungal infections of skin,

Griseofulvin
nails and hair. Trade name Grisovin.

Hydroxyzine First generation antihistamine.

An organic chemical precursor to MDP2P which is converted to MDMA.

Isosafrole
Similar smell to aniseed or liquorice.

Lactose A sugar found in milk.

55
Leuckart method A commonly used amphetamine and methamphetamine manufacturing method.

Levamisole An anthelmintic medication used as a dewormer.

Lidocaine A local anaesthetic and antiarrhythmic drug.

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) A semi-synthetic psychedelic drug.

Lysine acetylsalicylate Soluble form of acetylsalicyclic acid, otherwise known as aspirin.

Mannitol A sugar alcohol.

The simplest alcohol, also known as methyl alcohol; used as anti-freeze,

Methanol
solvent and a denaturant for ethanol.

Methaqualone A sedative-hypnotic drug and a general CNS depressant, trade name Mandrax.

A blood disorder where excessive levels of haemoglobin are present in the blood
Methemoglobinemia
(and therefore oxygen-carrying ability is reduced). Can cause tissue hypoxia.

MBDB
([N-methyl-1-(3,4-
Related analogue of MDMA (see below).
methylenedioxyphenyl)
-2-butanamine])

MDA
Related analogue of MDMA (see below).
(3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine)

MDEA
Related analogue of MDMA (see below).
(N-methyl-diethanolamine)

MDMA
A synthetic drug chemically similar to amphetamine. Commonly referred to as ‘ecstasy’.
(3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) A substance used as an industrial solvent and also marketed as a dietary supplement.

Microbiological analysis Study of microorganisms or microscopic organisms.

Molecular typing analysis Molecular identification of organisms present in sample.

Niacinamide Also known as ‘Nicotinamide’, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin (B3).

An alkaloid from the poppy plant, used primarily for its cough suppressant effects.
Noscapine
It can survive the manufacturing process of heroin.

Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) A psychoactive drug producing stimulant and psychedelic effects.

Paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA) A stimulant drug related to PMA, but with effects more similar to MDMA.

An analgesic substance now banned in many countries due to its carcinogenic and kidney-
Phenacetin
damaging properties.

Phenazone An analgesic (painkilling) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) compound.

Phendimetrazine A stimulant drug used as an appetite suppressant.

Also known as phenobarbitone; a barbiturate used as an anticonvulsant,

Phenobarbital
also has hypnotic and sedative properties.

A chemical compound that turns colourless in acidic solutions and pink in basic solutions.
Phenolphthalein It was previously used as a laxative, but now has been removed from over-the-counter
laxatives due to carcinogenicity concerns.

Also known as norephedrine; a psychoactive drug with stimulant,

Phenylpropanolamine
decongestant and anorectic properties.

Phenytoin A commonly used anticonvulsant used in the treatment of epilepsy.

Aromatic aldehyde used in flavouring and perfume. May be used in the synthesis
Piperonal
of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).

Piracetam A nootropic supplement, a cyclic derivative of GABA.

Procaine A local anaesthetic of the amino ester group, trade name Novocain.

Minute, granular, inflammatory lesions caused by granulomatous

Pulmonary granulomas
diseases (e.g. tuberculosis).

An antimalarial and muscle relaxant medication. Also synthesised as an

Quinine
ingredient of tonic water.

56
Reductive amination An organic reaction converting a carbonyl group to an amine, via an intermediate imine.

Saccharose/Sucrose Organic compound commonly known as table sugar.

A colourless or slightly yellow oily liquid obtained from sassafras oil, or synthesized from
Safrole
other related methylenedioxy compounds. A precursor in the synthesis of MDMA.

Salicylate Salts and esters of salicylic acid.

A tropane alkaloid drug with anticholinergic, anti-muscarinic properties.

Scopolamine
Used in the treatment of motion sickness, nausea and intestinal cramping.

A typical phytosphere bacterium that is found on a wide range of plants and is known
Serratia liquefaciens
to have beneficial antifungal properties.

Serum bioassay Measurement of the effects of a substance from bodily fluid.

‘skim’ Sell slightly underweight amounts of drugs.

Strychnine A very toxic, colourless, crystalline alkaloid. Commonly used as rat poison.

Xylazine An antagonist used as a veterinary sedative.

Zinc protoporphyrin Compound present in red blood cells used to screen for lead poisoning or iron deficiency.

57
 Centre for Public Health
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