NCJ Number
218540
Date Published
October 2006
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a modified procedure for extracting methaqualone--a synthetic sedative-hypnotic drug that has pharmacological effects similar to those of barbiturates--from various samples of toffee (a hard, chewy candy).
Abstract
Using the modified procedure, the average recovery percentage of methaqualone was 95 percent. Most of the toffee samples--which were received from various law enforcement agencies and purchased from the local market--did not contain any of the tested analytes of methaqualone. Only one variety of toffee sample contained methaqualone. Methaqualone was identified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared techniques. Methaqualone was estimated by using high-performance thin-layer chromatography. The calibration plot for the estimation of methaqualone was based on linear regression analysis. The purchased samples and the experimental samples from law enforcement agencies that had tested negative for the presence of methaqualone were used to conduct experiments that determined the recovery percentage of methaqualone. The recovery studies were conducted by spiking the similar toffee samples with standard methaqualone concentrations of 3 mg per 10 g, 5 mg per 10 g, and 10 mg per 10 g of toffee and then extracting it with the modified method. In India, criminals frequently use methaqualone and other sedative-hypnotics to rob passengers on buses and trains. The methaqualone is contained in tea, coffee, and toffees offered to unsuspecting travelers. 4 tables, 3 figures, and 11 references