Abstr Identification of new psychoactive substances (NPS) using handheld Raman Spectroscopy employing both 785 and 1064nm laser sources.

In recent years, the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has proliferated globally [1]. NPS, also known as ‘legal highs’, designer drugs, ‘herbal highs’, ‘bath salts’ and ‘research chemicals’, are often perceived as ‘legal’ synthetic recreational drugs with analogous pharmacological effects to internationally controlled drugs of abuse [2]. The UK Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, rece ntly enacted, defines these substances as ‘capable of producing a psychoactive effect in a person who consumes it’ [3].

Source: Forensic Science International - February 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Amira Guirguis, Sarah Girotto, Benedetta Berti, Jacqueline L. Stair Source Type: research