Forensic Science International
Volume 206, Issue 1 , Pages 172-177, 20 March 2011

Screening for illicit drugs on Euro banknotes by LC–MS/MS

  • Kurt Wimmer

      Affiliations

    • Université du Luxembourg, Division of Toxicology, Avenue de la Faiencerie, 162 A, L-1511 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
    • ,
  • Serge Schneider

      Affiliations

    • Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Division of Toxicology, Avenue de la Faiencerie, 162 A, L-1511 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +352 4666446480; fax: +352 221331.

Received 14 April 2010; received in revised form 19 July 2010; accepted 28 July 2010. published online 02 September 2010.

Abstract 

A method for the simultaneous quantification of illicit drugs on Euro banknotes, using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, was developed and validated. The method included cocaine, benzoylecgonine, MDMA, MDEA, MDA, methamphetamine, diacetylmorphine, 6-MAM, morphine and Δ9-THC. Drug residues were monitored and quantified via positive ESI mode using multiple reaction monitoring. Banknotes were extracted with methanol by vigorous shaking. Recovery rates were in the range of 60–80%. Calibration was performed with spiked banknotes in the range of 10–100ng/note (R2 0.98–0.99). Intra-day analysis showed fair precision and accuracy (≤15%). Matrix effects were in the range from 27% to 235%. 7–15 samples of each denomination were analyzed. The calculated median values per note were 106ng cocaine, 43ng benzoylecgonine, 41ng heroin, 15.5ng 6-MAM, 16.5ng morphine, 9ng MDMA and 7ng methamphetamine. Δ9-THC was detected on 4 banknotes. MDEA and MDA were not detected on any note. A widespread background contamination for cocaine and opiates was demonstrated.

Keywords: Drugs of abuse, Paper currency, LC–MS/MS

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PII: S0379-0738(10)00387-7

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.07.037

Forensic Science International
Volume 206, Issue 1 , Pages 172-177, 20 March 2011

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