Effects of Microwave Irradiation on Occluded Solvents in Illicitly Produced Cocaine Hydrochloride

• NCJ Number: 185063
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2000 Pages: 1126-1132
• Author(s): David R. Morello B.S.; John F. Casale B.S.; Margaret L. Stevenson B.S.; Robert F. X. Klein Ph.D.
• Editor(s): R. E. Gaensslen Ph.D.
• Date Published: September 2000
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

The current clandestine methodology for the manufacture of illicit cocaine hydrochloride uses microwave heating in order to dry the finished product; this study addressed the effects of this step on occluded solvents present in newly prepared cocaine hydrochloride.

Abstract

Nine 1-kilogram-sized batches of cocaine hydrochloride were prepared from cocaine base using a variety of solvents and solvent mixtures commonly used in clandestine laboratories. The batches were pressed into bricks and were submitted to microwave heating. Residual solvents were qualitatively and quantitatively monitored before, during, and following the microwaving step by static headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. All solvents used in the conversion process were easily detected in the bricks, even after extensive irradiation, confirming that occluded solvents were extremely resistant to removal by microwave heating. Qualitative and quantitative data corresponding to the residual solvents in the prepared cocaine hydrochloride bricks are presented. 10 references, 3 tables, and 4 figures