Detection of cocaine on euro banknotes; Development of a practical approach for the interpretation of suspect cases

Forensic Science International : Synergy
Maria Teresa PinoriniWolfgang Weinmann

Abstract

The presence of traces of narcotics, particularly cocaine, on banknotes in circulation is a known and widespread fact in all countries. While linked to consumption and trafficking (primary contamination), their spread is due to direct contact with other banknotes during machine counting and cash financial transactions. The mere detection of traces of cocaine on a sample of banknotes is therefore not sufficient evidence to establish the banknote's illegal origin. Increasing levels of contamination are recorded close to (in terms of both place and time) the first direct contact with the substance. The analysis must thus be able to demonstrate that the concentration of narcotics on the banknotes is significantly higher (statistically) in terms of value and frequency than would be expected from background noise alone. Even in that event, however, this evidence has to be substantiated with additional confirmations linking banknotes to the person and this latter to drug trafficking and/or dealing. In general, an in-depth and systematic analysis of all seized banknotes to search for traces of narcotics is not only prohibitive in terms of cost, but also unnecessary. If the sampling procedure is respected, the Swiss Federal Supreme Cour...Continue Reading

References

Dec 19, 2006·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Karl A EbejerRichard Sleeman
Apr 5, 2013·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Thomas H JourdanJarrad R Wagner
Feb 18, 2014·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Amy WilsonJames Carter
Jul 9, 2016·Chemical Reviews·Stamatios GiannoukosGuido F Verbeck
Nov 16, 2016·Forensic Science International : Synergy·C G G AitkenJ Huish
Oct 11, 2017·European Journal of Public Health·Gianmarco TroianoMauro Bacci
May 8, 2018·Forensic Science International : Synergy·A BiedermannC G G Aitken

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Forensic Science International : Synergy
A WilsonJames F Carter
Forensic Science International : Synergy
Karl A EbejerRichard Sleeman
European Journal of Public Health
Gianmarco TroianoMauro Bacci
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved