Illicit substances from Mexico, China, India, and other emerging markets are increasingly entering the U.S. through land borders, express shipping, and international mail facilities. Under the Sentinel Project, the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) partners with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to analyze seized substances  using advanced qualitative and quantitative testing methods at our state-of-the-art facility in Horsham, PA.

SDT Reduced


Research

Seized tablets and powders suspected of containing fentanyl are analyzed using a comprehensive workflow, including microscopic imaging (MiScope® Megapixel MP3), qualitative analysis (GC/MS and LC-QTOF-MS), and quantitative analysis (Waters® Acquity UPLC with Waters Xevo® TQ-S micro). These cutting-edge methods enable the precise identification of novel substances, ensuring timely responses. This research provides valuable intelligence on fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, aiding in tracking trafficking patterns, identifying complex drug compositions, and supporting global harm reduction, law enforcement efforts, and public safety initiatives.

Benefits

  • Rapid turnaround time with most analyses being completed within two weeks of receipt of the samples.
  • Timely identification of new substances with analytical data provided via NPSDiscovery.org.
  • Ability to monitor trends and changes.

Applications

Working with law enforcement officials and testing seized material, the CFSRE scientists were able to rapidly identify and characterize the product, “Santa Muerte,” which was responsible for multiple deaths and several hundred overdoses in Philadelphia in the summer of 2018 within 24 hours of receipt of the product. The material was found to contain 5-fluoro-ADB, a potent synthetic cannabinoid, heroin and fentanyl. Since 2018, the CFSRE has continued to work and build collaborations with public health officials to test surrendered products with the aim of providing near real time detection of emerging substances.

Resources

The CFSRE is working to develop informative material including training materials and scientific publications to contribute to the scientific community.

Publication/ Presentations

Recent news articles

  • The CFSRE was involved in testing “Santa Muerte” product linked to several overdoses and deaths.