Rapid Detection of Illicit Drugs and Psychoactive Plant Component in Sachet Powder, Beverage and Oil Samples by Green Technology DPiMS-8060

Importance of the topic

Forensic detection of illicit drugs and controlled substances is essential in response to the global rise in drug seizures. Complex sample matrices such as powders, beverages and oils often mask target analytes, creating challenges for rapid and reliable screening. Developing high-throughput methods that reduce sample preparation and solvent use supports law enforcement, regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.

Objectives and study overview

This work introduces an ultrafast screening approach using direct probe ionization mass spectrometry to detect nine common illicit drugs and psychoactive plant alkaloids, including MDMA, methamphetamine, ketamine, THC and mitragynine. The primary goals were to achieve qualitative identification in under one minute per sample, simplify sample pretreatment and minimize organic solvent consumption.

Methodology

Samples comprising sachet powders, beverages and edible oils were prepared by simple mixing with methanol or methanol–chloroform (1:1 v/v), followed by filtration through a 0.22 µm PTFE membrane when necessary. A 10 µL aliquot was introduced directly into the mass spectrometer using a probe electrospray ionization (PESI) interface. Scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with five transitions per analyte and a 0.1 min time window enabled selective detection within a one-minute total analysis time, including a brief flush step.

Instrumentation

• Shimadzu LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
• DPiMS-8060 direct probe ionization kit
• PESI probe electrospray ionization accessory

Main results and discussion

The method achieved limits of detection ranging from 10 to 45 ppb across target compounds. Scheduled MRM enabled clean chromatographic traces for each drug, with all five diagnostic transitions observed at minimal concentrations. In a study of 14 real case samples, MDMA in sachet powders, mitragynine in beverages and THC in oil were all successfully identified, matching conventional GC/MS results. Crucially, the new workflow reduced total analysis time from approximately 30 minutes to one minute per sample and cut solvent usage by over 90 percent.

Benefits and practical applications

• Rapid qualitative screening in under one minute per sample
• Minimal sample preparation for complex matrices
• Substantial reduction of organic solvent consumption
• High selectivity and sensitivity via scheduled MRM
• Scalable approach for high-throughput forensic laboratories

Future trends and potential applications

Emerging directions include expanding compound coverage through automated MRM optimization, integrating ambient ionization probes into portable platforms for field-deployable screening and coupling with high-resolution mass analyzers for enhanced specificity. Further application areas span clinical toxicology, food safety and environmental monitoring, leveraging the technique’s speed and green credentials.

Conclusion

The direct injection ambient ionization method using DPiMS-8060 with scheduled MRM on a triple quadrupole platform offers a robust, rapid and environmentally friendly solution for forensic screening of illicit drugs and controlled substances in diverse matrices. Its performance matches traditional GC/MS workflows while delivering major gains in throughput and solvent savings.

References

• Harper L et al. An overview of forensic drug testing methods and their suitability for harm reduction point-of-care services. Harm Reduct J. 2017;14:52.
• Chiang C et al. Ambient mass spectrometry and LC-MS/MS for rapid detection of multiple illicit drugs. J Food Drug Anal. 2019;27(2):439-450.
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• Albright JA et al. Detecting ketamine in beverage residues for date rape detection. Drug Test Anal. 2012;4(5):337-341.
• Shimadzu. DPiMS-8060 Direct Probe Ionization Mass Spectrometer Kit. Shimadzu website.
• Shimadzu. LC/MS/MS Forensic Toxicology Database. Shimadzu website.