The analysis of illicit methaqualone containing preparations by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for forensic purposes.
A validated gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for quantitative analysis of methaqualone (MTQ) in illicit preparations is reported. The method proved to have a coefficient of variation of below 5%. Four batches of seized tablets, two pairs with similar imprints, were analyzed. It was found that the average MTQ concentration in all four batches of tablets differed significantly (p = 0.01) rendering it impossible to conclude that, on the basis of MTQ concentration alone, the batches with a similar logo originated from the same manufacturer or manufacturing batch. Conversely, it can be said that in this case, the four batches originated from either different clandestine laboratories or manufacturing batches.
Forensic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Health, Private Bag X282, Pretoria 0002, Republic of South Africa. grovea@health.gov.za
Alida A
AA
Grové
Egmont R
ER
Rohwer
Johannes B
JB
Laurens
Barend C
BC
Vorster