The primary function of the section is the analysis of drugs, including controlled substances, pharmaceuticals and clandestine laboratory samples. Forensic scientists in the section analyze evidence items and conclusively identify a controlled substance or perform sufficient analysis to determine that no controlled substances are present.
Controlled substances are designated by the legislature of the State of Alaska in Alaska Statutes 11.71. A controlled substances is placed into a level or schedule based on the degree of danger or probable danger to a person or the public. Alaska has six schedules. Controlled substances in Schedule I are considered the highest danger.
Drug evidence submitted to the section can be analyzed through a variety of methods that include preliminary testing combined with confirmatory testing. Preliminary testing can include color testing, microcrystalline microscopic analysis, or physical identification of a tablet using a reliable source. The confirmation of the presence of a controlled substance is performed through one of two confirmatory tests, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR).
Following analysis, a forensic scientist interprets the instrumental data and prepares a report of his/her findings. This report is used in criminal court proceedings and often the forensic scientist is asked to provide expert testimony to the courts.
Forensic scientists may also be called upon to analyze samples for federal agencies operating within Alaska for substances controlled under the Federal Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This action by the Drug Enforcement Administration, like the state statutes, organizes drugs into schedules which define substances that are controlled. Drugs are classified on their potential for abuse, current accepted medical use, and potential for dependence. There are five schedules in the federal guidelines.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. It is usually in the form of a dried mixture of the buds, stems, seeds and leaves of the plant Cannabis. Marijuana is usually smoked in a cigarette or pipe but can also be mixed in baked goods and ingested orally. The main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol). Marijuana is a schedule VI drug in the State of Alaska and is schedule I federally.
Cocaine
Cocaine is derived from the coca plant and is one of the most commonly abused drugs in America. Cocaine was first isolated in 1860 and was found to have local anesthetic properties in addition to stimulating properties. Cocaine is found in two primary forms; the powder form and the base form. The powder form is ingested by snorting (nasal insuflation) or intravenous injection. The base form, commonly known as "crack", is ingested by smoking. Reports of hazardous side effects-obsessive use, psychosis, convulsions and sudden death, eventually led physicians and scientists to build a strong case against cocaine abuse. Currently, cocaine is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This scheduling indicates a high potential for addiction and abuse in spite of having legitimate medicinal uses.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant that is closely related to amphetamine and has characteristics similar to that of cocaine. Methamphetamine remains in the system longer than these other two drugs, which can contribute to the significant health problems associated with methamphetamine abuse. Memory loss, aggression, psychosis, delusions, heart damage, rapid weight loss and severe tooth decay are among the many health problems attributed to the drug. Currently, methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This scheduling indicates a high potential for addiction and abuse in spite of having legitimate medicinal uses.
In recent years, a huge public safety issue developed with individuals manufacturing methamphetamine on their own using commonly available chemicals and drug precursors. These clandestine laboratories created major fire hazards and environmental pollution problems in addition to the manifold health problems.
Heroin
Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a narcotic drug, classified as a semi-synthetic opiate. It is produced from morphine which naturally occurs in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Heroin is a powerful analgesic and a central nervous system depressant; it is a more powerful analgesic than morphine. There are various ways of ingesting heroin: injecting, smoking, and snorting. It can have the appearance of white and beige powder; however, Black Tar Heroin that has a dark brown hard, candy-like appearance is the type most often seen in Alaska. Heroin is a schedule I drug in the State of Alaska and Federally.
Prescription Tablets
Various controlled and non controlled prescription drugs are submitted to the laboratory. Prescription drugs include narcotic and non-narcotic central nervous system depressants. Narcotic type drugs include Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Morphine, and Methadone. Non-narcotic tranquilizers include Alprazolam, Diazepam, and Clonazepam.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
MDMA or (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is more commonly known as Ecstasy. It is a synthetic drug that acts both as a stimulant and psychedelic and is chemically similar to methamphetamine. MDMA primarily comes in tablet form, often with popular logos and bright colors. MDMA is a schedule II drug in the State of Alaska and is schedule I Federally.
