Clandestine Laboratory and Illicit Drug Analysis Course
The course on Clandestine Laboratory and Illicit Drug Sample Analysis offers comprehensive knowledge concerning the chemistry of widely encountered illicit drugs. Participants will delve into drug synthesis processes and will gain practical experience in preparing samples for analysis using advanced gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. The curriculum combines lectures with practical sessions where attendees will engage in synthesizing small batches of drugs under strictly controlled conditions, facilitating the collection and analysis of samples. This practical approach helps in identifying precursors, intermediate reagents, and degradation products specific to various synthetic pathways. Additionally, participants will be trained to utilize existing GC-MS databases for verification purposes. The course is conducted in English over an 80-hour duration at either the Core CBRN Training Facility or alternative licensed locations. A certification from Core CBRN International is awarded upon completion.
Aim
The aim of the Clandestine Laboratory and Illicit Drug Sample Analysis course is to provide participants with the basic knowledge about the chemistry of common illicit drugs, drug synthesis and methods of sample preparation for analysis by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique.
Learning objectives
- Chemistry of a range of common illicit drugs
- Common synthetic methods used for the preparation of illicit drugs.
- Illicit drug presumptive testing in the field (advantages and disadvantages)
- Sample preparation in the laboratory
- Main analytical instruments
- Analysis of samples using GC-MS Technique
- GC-MS Databases
- Independent practical problem solving
Methodology
The course will be a mixture of lectures and hands-on training relevant to sample preparation and analysis by using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. The course will also provide the participants the opportunity to prepare small batches of illicit drugs under controlled conditions allowing for sample collection during the process enabling identification of the precursors, reagents, final products and degradation products associated with specific synthetic processes. The course will also familiarise participants with the available databases (GC-MS Data) for verification.
Course participants
Experience/certification in analytical chemistry
Medical clearance to work in PPE
Duration
80 hours (Indicative)
Location
The training takes place at the Core CBRN Training Facility at the Hiddingen Test Center or at the client’s location. The training location will need to be licensed for the preparation of illicit drugs. The course could be extended/modified to suit customer’s choice of analytical techniques.
Language proficiency
English
Certification
Core CBRN International Clandestine Laboratory and Illicit Drug Analysis Certificate