SOFT: ANALYSIS OF DRUG-INFUSED PAPERS BY ASAP-MS

Importance of the Topic

Illicit drugs concealed within paper materials pose significant challenges for prison security and public safety. Rapid identification of substances smuggled via letters, cards or magazines is essential to curb misuse of traditional drugs (e.g., opiates, cocaine) and emerging novel psychoactive substances (NPS), such as synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids. A quick, reliable screening method supports enforcement, reduces contraband circulation and safeguards inmate health.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the RADIAN™ ASAP Mass Detector, employing Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe-Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS), as a simple, rapid screening tool for drug-infused paper. Key aims include assessing sensitivity, specificity and robustness across multiple paper types and drug classes, with emphasis on both classic illicit compounds and NPS.

Methods and Instrumentation

The evaluation comprised two paper-infusion approaches:

• Pipetting: 1×1 cm squares spiked with 50 µL of 0.2–1 mg/mL drug standards.
• Soaking: 4×4 cm sections immersed in 1 mg/mL solutions and sampled by 6 mm hole-punch.

Extracts were obtained by 5 minutes sonication in 500 µL methanol. Analysis used the Waters RADIAN ASAP interfaced with LiveID software. Ionisation occurred via heated gas and corona discharge, generating protonated molecules and in-source collision-induced dissociation at varying cone voltages (15–50 V). Library matching applied a reverse-fit model, with scores ≥800 indicating positive identification.

Main Results and Discussion

All seventeen target analytes, including common drugs and synthetic cannabinoids, were correctly identified at 1 mg/mL with mean match scores of 853–996. A lower concentration (0.2 mg/mL) still exceeded the 800 threshold. Sampling via hole-punch produced slightly lower but acceptable scores. Different paper substrates (white paper, newspaper, greeting card, glossy magazine) and ink presence had negligible impact. Extended sonication (10–15 min) did not improve results over 5 min. Instances of isomeric overlap (e.g., isotonitazene vs. protonitazene) may require orthogonal confirmation (e.g., LC-MS/MS) for definitive differentiation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid turnaround: less than two minutes per sample.
• No chromatographic separation needed.
• High sensitivity and specificity for a broad panel of drugs, including NPS.
• Minimal sample preparation and compatibility with diverse paper types.
• Potential for frontline screening in prison intake, postal inspections and forensic casework.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Integration with portable mass spectrometers could enable on-site detection. Expansion of spectral libraries for emerging NPS will enhance screening breadth. Combining ASAP-MS with automated sampling tools and AI-driven spectral interpretation may further streamline workflows and support real-time decision-making.

Conclusion

The RADIAN ASAP-MS approach offers a robust, user-friendly platform for rapid screening of drug-infused papers. Its speed, minimal sample handling and reliable identification performance make it an attractive tool for correctional facilities, law enforcement and forensic laboratories aiming to intercept contraband and protect public health.

References

• Centre for Social Justice. Drugs in Prison. London: Centre for Social Justice; 2015.
• Ford LT, Berg JD. Analytical evidence to show letters impregnated with novel psychoactive substances are a means of getting drugs to inmates within the UK prison service. Ann Clin Biochem. 2018;55(6):673–678.
• Norman C, et al. Detection and quantitation of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in infused papers from prisons in a constantly evolving illicit market. Drug Test Anal. 2020;1–17.
• Wood M. RADIAN ASAP with LiveID—Fast, Specific, and Easy Drug Screening. Waters Application Note Library Number 720007125EN.