Chapter 12 - Forensic Science

Illicit Drugs and Poisons

Illicit drugs represent one of the biggest areas of forensic science by number of cases submitted. What substances and drugs are regulated and controlled varies based on social norms, which change over time. Key factors in determining the legal status of drugs are their potential harm and addiction potential. We will explore what drug are, how they are classified, and how forensic chemists analyze and identify them. We’ll also learn about novel psychoactive substances and clandestine laboratories and how forensic science responds to them.

Learning Objectives

12.1 List factors that are considered when determining the legal status of drugs

12.2 Appreciate different methods of classification of abused drugs

12.3 Describe the general analytical approach for solid dose drug evidence

12.4 Recognize groups and types of novel psychoactive substances and their impact on society, law enforcement, and forensic analysis

12.4 Recognize the challenges presented to forensic science by clandestine drug laboratories.

Multiple-choice questions

Fill-in-the-blank questions

True or false questions

Drag and drop activity

Question 1

Match schedule to the criteria

Question 2

Match description to definition

Inhalants

Narcotics

Stimulants

Predator Drugs

Performance enhancing substances

Club Drugs

Analgesics

Used to incapacitate a victim for sexual purposes

These are drugs used at parties and clubs frequented by young people; many are also predator drugs.

Substances that relieve pain

Substances that cause elevated heartrate, breathing and other processes controlled by the central nervous system

Substances ingested through breath to produce their desired effects.

substances taken to improve or impair performance

Substances with pain-relieving effects and tend to depress the CNS and promote sleep.

Hot spot activity

The hot spot activity will be added shortly.