title: The distribution of controlled drugs on banknotes via counting machines.
abstract: Bundles of paper, similar to sterling banknotes, were counted in banks in England and Wales. Subsequent analysis showed that the counting process, both by machine and by hand, transferred nanogram amounts of cocaine to the paper. Crystalline material, similar to cocaine hydrochloride, could be observed on the surface of the paper following counting. The geographical distribution of contamination broadly followed Government statistics for cocaine usage within the UK. Diacetylmorphine, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) were not detected during this study.
authors.affiliation: Organic and Biological Section, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK. jim.carter@bristol.ac.uk
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sleeman
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Parry
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D003042:Cocaine / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000737:chemistry; D004739:England; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000737:chemistry; D010209:Paper
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D013759:Dronabinol; D003042:Cocaine; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine