Forensic Analysis of a Confiscated Illicit Heroin Sample

Different forensic analytical methods involving physical and microscopical examination, color tests, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) were applied for the identification and characterization of an illicit heroin sample confiscated in Egypt.These methods confirmed that the heroin sample under investigation is a poorly manufactured sample, prepared by acetylation with acetic anhydride, badly stored, adulterated and it is of the South West Asian type and suggested to be abused by inhalation through smoking.