Study of Illicit Cocaine Seizure Classification by Pattern Recognition Techniques Applied to Metal Data

• NCJ Number: 183387
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 2 Dated: March 1999 Pages: 270-274
• Author(s): Pilar Bermejo-Barrera Ph.D.; Antonio Moreda-Pinero Ph.D.; Jorge Moreda-Pinero Ph.D.; Adela Bermejo-Barrera Ph.D.; Ana M. Bermejo-Barrera Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 1999
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This is a study of illicit cocaine seizure classification by pattern recognition techniques applied to metal data.

Abstract

Spanish police in Galicia (northwest Spain) identified 15 metallic species (silver, aluminum, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel, lead, strontium, and zinc) in 46 confiscated cocaine samples. Pattern recognition techniques applied to the metallic content data disclosed the cocaine’s geographic origin (Colombia and Venezuela). The metals were quantified by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and flame atomic emission spectrometry. However, because Colombia and Venezuela are used as transshipment countries for cocaine export, it cannot be stated specifically where the cocaine originated. Future research on the use of solvents and data on impurities, in addition to analyses of known origin standard cocaine, will be needed to determine the geographic origin of cocaine seizures. Tables, figures, references