Images of six different counterfeit tablets in a single atypical case. The tablets pictured were differentiated from each other based on differing colors and/or monogramming. Credit: CFSRE
Selected samples seized from the United States Southwest border are submitted to the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) for testing for research purposes of qualitative and quantitative testing. The purpose of this report is provide information on an atypical batch of counterfeit tablets that was received and tested which contained multiple complex drug mixtures representing a significant health threat.
CFSRE received a case involving suspected counterfeit tablets seized at the US Southwest Border. It consisted of six separate exhibits containing a total of 40 counterfeit tablets. One tablet was tested from Exhibits 1-3, ten tablets were tested from Exhibit 4, twelve tablets were tested from Exhibit 5, and fifteen tablets were tested from Exhibit 6.
All 40 tablets contained fentanyl and the banned analgesic metamizole. The fentanyl analog para-fluorofentanyl was present in 5 of the exhibits. Other substances present in the tablets were the psychoactive substances methamphetamine, xylazine (a veterinary sedative) and pentobarbital (a veterinary euthanasia agent).
The samples also contained other adulterants including acetaminophen, lidocaine the banned anti-worming agent levamisole, and chemical reaction byproducts and precursors from illicit fentanyl manufacture.
Seized tablets and powders suspected of containing fentanyl are analyzed at CFSRE using a workflow that includes microscopic imaging of tablets using the MiScope Megapixel MP3, qualitative analysis by both gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) as well as liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) for identification of novel substances, and quantitative analysis using Waters Acquity UPLC coupled with a Waters Xevo TQ-S micro.