GC-IR technique a rapid tool for detection of Tramadol in Forensic Confiscated Drugs and Biological Fluids

Tramadol is placed under Drug Controlled Substance Act, in India since 2018, owing to its extensive abuse as a narcotic substance recently. Subsequently, there is increased illegal trafficking across our nation for the drug tramadol. Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi receives confiscated drugs and toxicological samples for chemical analysis to evaluate their precise composition enabling regulations from law enforcement agencies. Although considered a safe drug for its anti-inflammatory properties when used under medical guidance nevertheless, unintentional fatal tramadol intoxication due to its action on opioid receptors has been reported in several autopsy cases. Contraband tramadol is presently being examined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) instrumental techniques in routine forensic examination. In the proposed study, an advanced sensitive technique Gas Chromatography Infrared spectroscopy (GC-IR) was explored as an alternative tool for rapid identification and confirmation. Standard Tramadol was used for method establishment and the method was subsequently applied to seized drug samples and Biological Fluids (blood, and urine samples). Findings of the study indicate that this method can be successfully applied to seized drugs and biological toxicological samples in the forensic examination for the drug Tramadol which was successfully detected by GC-IR. This new rapid analytical method will prove beneficial for the forensic community during routine examination of forensic samples with confirmation.