Crime Lab Science

Case Scenario Part VIII

Sudbury, MA State Police Crime Laboratory

July 20, 2017

PART I Powder samples were taken from the kitchen, the packet of white powder in the toilet, and the roll of currency found at the house. The results from the laboratory’s toxicology section are provided below. A flow chart of color tests and results is provided on page 4. For each sample, complete the table below by answering the following:

1. Is the test considered a preliminary or confirmatory test? 2. What do the test results indicate? 3. Is there any follow up testing required? If not, why not.

Sample # Prelim. Or Conf? Drug(s) present Follow up Required?

1

2

3

4

5

Sample Number: #1 The sample produced the following response with Ehrlich’s reagent

.

Sample Number: #2 The sample produced the following response with Marquis reagent.

.

Sample Number: #3 A sample of the white powder was dissolved in methanol and spotted for TLC. The following results were obtained: . Spot 1. Cocaine standard Spot 2. Lidocaine Standard Spot 3. Sample 3 Spot 4. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

(MDMA) standard

Sample Number: #4 A few milligrams of the sample were dissolved in methanol and spotted for TLC. The following results were obtained:

Spot 1. Lidocaine standard Spot 2. Cocaine standard Spot 3. Sample 4

Sample Number: #5 UV Spectroscopy Refer to the following website for example spectra from various illicit substances: http://www.spectra- analysis.com/infraredspectra/controlled.htm