Investigation of cutting agent towards the detection of methamphetamine by marquis and simon’s tests

Stewart, Samantha Rose (2025) Investigation of cutting agent towards the detection of methamphetamine by marquis and simon’s tests. Other thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

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Abstract

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant frequently encountered in illicit drug markets, often adulterated with cutting agents to enhance volume or mimic its effects. Presumptive colorimetric tests, such as the Marquis and Simon’s tests, are widely used for preliminary methamphetamine identification. However, the presence of cutting agents may influence test outcomes, leading to potential misinterpretations in forensic analysis. This study aims to investigate the influence of cutting agents on methamphetamine detection using colorimetric tests. In this study, methamphetamine samples with and without various cutting agents including caffeine, starch, fructose, mannitol, PCM, and lactose, were prepared and tested using the Marquis and Simon’s reagents under controlled conditions. The findings revealed that cutting agents such as sugars and paracetamol significantly alter the colour intensity and hue of the colour formed upon the chemical reactions, among are the reaction between hydroxyl groups of the sugars react and the reagents, and the solubility of paracetamol. These chemical reactions could lead to false positives or negatives in forensic investigations. In conclusion, this study highlighted the limitations of presumptive colour tests in the presence of cutting agent and emphasised the need for standardised testing protocols and confirmatory analytical methods to enhance forensic drug analysis accuracy

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Methamphetamine
Subjects: R Medicine
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Divisions: Kampus Kesihatan (Health Campus) > Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan (School of Health Sciences) > Thesis
Depositing User: MUHAMMAD AKIF AIMAN AB SHUKOR
Date Deposited: 29 Oct 2025 23:47
Last Modified: 04 Nov 2025 03:03
URI: http://eprints.usm.my/id/eprint/63135

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