In June 2024, befuddled forensic scientists started detecting the presence of BTMPS—a light stabilizer evaluated for use in plastic materials—in the recreational drug supply, specifically as an adulterant alongside fentanyl.
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The air of Dublin also contains cannabis, poppy, even magic mushrooms—or at least their DNA.
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ASTM International’s forensic sciences committee is developing a proposed standard that will help forensic analysts of seized drug evidence better evaluate which methodology to use when addressing detection/identification limitations within laboratories.
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At the scene, the tablets were found to contain a nitazene, allowing authorities to put out a drug warning within 36 hours of the initial death—possibly saving others from a similar fate.
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An experimental drug developed at Duke University School of Medicine could offer powerful pain relief without the dangerous side effects of opioids.
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The Tulsa forensic laboratory has detected the presence of medetomidine, a powerful veterinary sedative, in fentanyl mixtures.
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A new drug concoction that poses unique risks and has been heavily under-researched has made its way from Latin America and Europe to the U.S. recently.
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In recent years, legal smoke shops have seen a surge in the sale of Kratom products. Marketed as “7-Hydroxymitragynine” products, these include chewable tablets, concentrates, extracts, edible materials and even beverages.
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“Naloxone kits are somewhat analogous to AEDs in that they can reverse the effects of an opioid poisoning event, but only if they are available quickly, which means they need to be in the right locations.”
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Law enforcement officers across the country are facing an escalating challenge: new, more potent synthetic opioids that make overdose reversal harder and field drug identification riskier. A new initiative is stepping in to help.
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