Determination of Controlled Substances

The fabrication and use of illicit drugs are a growing problem in our society. In particular, the clandestine drug laboratories that exist in many multi-unit residential buildings in large metropolitan cities. Not only is the active usage of these illicit drugs deleterious to the users, families and society, their operations can generate significant environmental hazards and have serious impacts on the health and safety of surrounding residences. In general, a number of illicit drugs are synthesised in these labs such as Methamphetamine (Meth), Ecstasy (MDMA), Amphetamine. Many chemicals are used in such operations such as the specific chemical hazards can vary from site to site, depending on the drugs being synthesized and their mechanism. Often, these clandestine labs are discovered after a fire, explosion, or leaking of chemicals used into neighbouring properties. Cleanup and remediation of these labs are extensive, involving removal of gross contaminants, checking for the presence of health hazards, restoration of the property for future inhabitation, and final testing to ensure no hazards exist after such remediation.

CASSEN provides analysis of the following illicit drugs and some of the precursors using either Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrometry or Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry coupled with High Pressure Liquid chromatography (uHPLC), The list of analytes includes:

CASSEN Testing Laboratories also provides characterization of air and surface samples in Police Evidence Rooms to determine chemicals present due to the storage of drugs, marijuana plants, and any materials in the room that could cause exposure of workers in the area.

Please contact us to discuss any chemical testing requirements or questions regarding the above substances.