Statistical analysis of trace metals content of cocaine using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry calibrations

Abstract

The trafficking of cocaine has become a global challenge now and Ghana is no exception. Cocaine is a whitish powder, which is, produced both from natural and synthetic means. This paper studied the metal content of seized cocaine in Ghana and the data used for batch identification. Ten metals, namely, Pb, Cu, Mg, Mn, Cr, As, Ni, Fe, Co and Ca were analyzed in 37 samples which were sampled from 2010 to 2014. Analyses of the metals were done using ICP-MS and data was analyzed using statistical tools. The results showed that, calcium recorded the highest amount in all the samples with a mean of 64.94mg/kg followed by Magnesium, Zinc and Iron with mean values of 24.35mg/kg, 6.25mg/kg and 2.65mg/kg, respectively. All the samples, within-seizure classification under class A showed to significant differences between each pair at a confidence level of 95%. With three sample pairs under class B in the within-seizure classification, one of the pairs; 10_3A and 10_5B showed no significant differences between them even though they were sampled from two different packages from the same seizure. Five samples from five different seizures also showed a significant difference among them showing that they came from different batches or origin. It is confirmed that seized cocaine contained poisonous heavy metals like Lead, Arsenic and Chromium, which have the amount that could affect the user-provide figures. Based on the data gathered from the within-seizure class A group, it could be proposed that a missing cocaine could be identified by its metal content.

Keywords:

• Trace metals
• cocaine
• statistical tools
• inductively coupled plasma
• mass spectrometry

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

Generally, illit drugs are very dangerous drugs which can affect the human body in so many ways. Some of them such cocaine can even damage parts of the human brain which may lead to mental disorders in human beings. Governments all over the world are cracking down on illicit drugs trafficking and cocaine is no exception. This article studied the metal content of seized cocaine in Ghana. Ten metals which includes lead, Iron, Copper and Calcium were analyzed in 37 samples which were sampled from 2010 to 2014. From the research, it is confirmed that seized cocaine contained poisonous heavy metals like Lead, Arsenic and Chromium, which have the amount that could affect the user. The Authors are therefore appealing to the general public to desist from abusing of cocaine since the combination of pure cocaine and metals is deadly.

Competing Interests

The authors declares no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

The Authors wish to the entire Technical staff of the Department of Biochemistry, KNUST Kumasi. The Authors gratitude also goes to the Narcotic Control Board,and Ghana Standards Authority for providing samples and assistance in the data analysis.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Nana Asiedu

Ing. Dr. Nana Asiedu is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Kumasi Ghana. Nana’s research interest includes Reactor Modeling, Synthesis, Optimization, and Simulations. Nana has also done work in Forensic Chemistry, Heterogeneous Catalysis and Bioprocess Engineering. Currently Nana’s research team is working on modeling inhibitions in ethanol production, development of catalysts for the conversion of waste biomass materials to specialty chemicals, developing new technology for the treatment of pharmaceutical liquid waste. Nana is passionate about science and technology.

James Ataki

MR. Edward Bentil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree in Forensic Science form Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Kumasi Ghana. Edward is currently working as a Quality Control Officer in a Pharmaceutical Industry in Ghana and pursuing a Doctoral course in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in KNUST. His research interest includes Analytical Chemistry, Analysis of illicit drugs in humans and Biochemistry