Abstract

MISUSE OF MEPHEDRONE CRYSTAL’S AS A NARCOTIC DRUG IN MUMBAI, INDIA

Sanjay S. Prabhavale*, Sampada S. Date, Nitin L. Chutke and Balasaheb B. Daundkar

ABSTRACT

Mephedrone drug also known as Meow Meow or MD.Mephedrone is highly popular in the illicit market. This drug is used as stimulant like cocaine, amphetamine, methylamphetamine. etc. Mephdrone addiction increased drastically since last year. Students from school and colleges became addict as it is stimulant. About 1000 cases ,received by Forensic science Laboratory, Mumbai Maharashtra in year 2014.The FSL Maharashtra and forensic medicine have given their view on this drug , hence since 5th Feb 2015 Mephedrone falls under NDPS act 1985. The Finance Dept. of India issued a notification and listed this drug in pshycotropic substance. Suspected samples were reffered to forensic science laboratory for testing of ketamine and methamphetamine as appearence of mephedrone is similar to ketamine and methamphetamine. But HPTLC and UV of this drug did not revealed presence of ketamine and methamphetamine. Hence GCMS analysis was carried out that showed the presence of mephedrone. Mass spectra was carefully studied and the drug was again validated by using other techniques.

Keywords: HPTLC, UV, GC-MS, Mephedrone, Ketamine, Methamphetamine.