Course Introduction

FSP 402 : Forensic Drugs Analysis

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  • Curriculum
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One of the major and vast disciplines of Forensic Science, with innumerable probabilities to learn, explore and practice is Forensic Drugs Analysis. With the increasing cases of drug abuse among the youth and its unethical use for doping, this subject has become very vital for the investigators, analysts and medical practitioners. A day by day increase in the illegal drug trade because of its growing demand has posed a threat to the society and the community around.


Due to a rapid escalation in drink and drive cases for the past few years, police officials all around the world are using Breathalyzer to detect the presence and concentration of alcohol (ethanol) in the blood, commonly termed as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). In similar manner, various drugs can be detected through biological samples as urine, hair, blood, breath air, sweat, or oral fluid / saliva – to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites. Along with the above-mentioned facts, there are a few factors which are responsible for an accurate detection period of several drugs. They are: drug class, quantity and regularity of use, metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, and urine ph. For ease of use, the detection times of metabolites have been incorporated into each parent drug. For example, heroin and cocaine can only be detected for a few hours after use, but their metabolites can be detected for several days in urine.


The common drugs of abuse are: Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine), Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Buprenorphine, Cannabinoids (THC), Cocaine, Methadone, Methaqualone, Opioids (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, etc.), Phencyclidine (PCP), Propoxyphene, Synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice), Tricyclic antidepressants etc.


The theoretical and practical session on the commonly used drugs of abuse may help the aspiring students in understanding the nature of the specific drug, its mechanism on the body, the activity of the concerned metabolite, the effects produced by the drug on the body, the detection techniques to be employed on acute as well as chronic users, their fatality rate, their post-mortem appearances and the medico-legal aspects of the related drug. The students would also be made aware with certain lethal drug combinations by the discussion of some very famous actual case studies.

  • Level I : Forensic Drugs Analysis

    MODULE 1 – DRUG ADDICTION

    In Drug Addiction module scholars would understand the basic difference between legal and illegal drugs. Addiction of drugs can lead to criminal behavior and this module would help the scholars in understanding the causes behind the drug addiction and its legal aspects. Sign and withdrawal symptoms related to numerous drugs will also be discussed.

    MODULE 2 – DRUGS AND CRIMES

    Addiction of drugs can lead to criminal behavior and activities. The uses of illegal drugs is frequently associated with homicide, rape, theft, serious assault, burglary, motor vehicle offenses with hazardous penalties, arson etc. In this module, the role of drug would be taught to the students. The minute details drug problems and related crime, non-violent crimes, violent crimes, drug problem in India- Cannabis and Poppy.

    MODULE 3 – CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS

    Classification of drug, as the name itself signifies how to deal with various types of drugs as Sedatives, Miscellaneous, Stimulants, Hallucinogens, Solvents, Synthetic narcotics and Designer drugs.

    MODULE 4 – STEROIDS

    Steroids are medicine which can have side effects on an individual and it has also been be classified into anabolic and catabolic. This module would help the scholars in understanding the different type of steroids and its consumption limits.

    MODULE 5 – THE NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ACT, 1985 (NDPS ACT)

    The narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances act, 1985 will introduce you to the definition, power of officers, delegation of power, narcotic commissioner and other exercise the powers of their subordinates, officers of state government and officers of central government.

  • Level II : Forensic Drugs Analysis

    MODULE 1 – DRUG ADDICTION

    In Drug Addiction module scholars would understand the basic difference between legal and illegal drugs. Addiction of drugs can lead to criminal behavior and this module would help the scholars in understanding the causes behind the drug addiction and its legal aspects. Sign and withdrawal symptoms related to numerous drugs will also be discussed.

    MODULE 2 – DRUGS AND CRIMES

    Addiction of drugs can lead to criminal behavior and activities. The uses of illegal drugs is frequently associated with homicide, rape, theft, serious assault, burglary, motor vehicle offenses with hazardous penalties, arson etc. In this module, the role of drug would be taught to the students. The minute details drug problems and related crime, non-violent crimes, violent crimes, drug problem in India- Cannabis and Poppy.

    MODULE 3 – CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS

    Classification of drug, as the name itself signifies how to deal with various types of drugs as Sedatives, Miscellaneous, Stimulants, Hallucinogens, Solvents, Synthetic narcotics and Designer drugs.

    MODULE 4 – NARCOTICS

    Here in this module scholars would come across the different illegal drugs such as Opium, Morphine, Heroin, Codeine, and Thebaine and its origin, fatal dose and period, physiological and psychological effect, addiction and withdrawal symptom, collection and preservation, examination and at last but not the least the antidote given. Narcotic drugs basically affects the central nervous system. Through this module, students would be made aware of the legal definition of drugs, causes of drug addiction, identification of the addicts, withdrawal syndrome and forensic problems.

    MODULE 5 – DEPRESSANTS

    Insomnia (sleeping disorder) in which most people face difficulty during their sleep which may be short term but not less than three-four weeks lasting longer than four weeks. Continuing insomnia may permit them to use of depressants. Under this module, students would be taught about the different types of depressants such as Sedatives (Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines) and Hypnotics. (Phenothiazines) and its origin, fatal dose and period, physiological and psychological effect, addiction and withdrawal symptom, collection and preservation, examination and at last but not the least the antidote given.

    MODULE 6 – STIMULANTS

    Stimulants are psycho active drugs that persuade short-term improvements in either physical, mental or both functions. Module will introduce you to different types of stimulants such as Cocaine, Benzedrine, Amphetamines and Methamphetamines and Nicotine and its origin, fatal dose and period, physiological and psychological effect, addiction and withdrawal symptom, collection and preservation, examination and at last but not the least the antidote given.

    MODULE 7 – HALLUCINOGENS

    Hallucinogens are the class of drug that origin hallucinations. Thoughtful misrepresentations in a person’s perceptions of realism. It can be found in few plants and their extracts. That are usually divided into two categories, classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Under this module, students will be accustomed to the introduction to hallucinogens such as Cannabis, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Mescaline, Phencyclidine (PCP) and Peyote – its effect, administration, addiction, metabolism and identification.

    MODULE 8 – STEROIDS

    Steroids are medicine which can have side effects on an individual and it has also been be classified into anabolic and catabolic. This module would help the scholars in understanding the different type of steroids and its consumption limits.

    MODULE 9 – THE NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ACT, 1985 (NDPS ACT)

    The narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances act, 1985 will introduce you to the definition, power of officers, delegation of power, narcotic commissioner and other exercise the powers of their subordinates, officers of state government and officers of central government.

  • Level III : Forensic Drugs Analysis

    MODULE 1 – DRUG ADDICTION

    In Drug Addiction module scholars would understand the basic difference between legal and illegal drugs. Addiction of drugs can lead to criminal behavior and this module would help the scholars in understanding the causes behind the drug addiction and its legal aspects. Sign and withdrawal symptoms related to numerous drugs will also be discussed.

    MODULE 2 – DRUGS AND CRIMES

    Addiction of drugs can lead to criminal behavior and activities. The uses of illegal drugs is frequently associated with homicide, rape, theft, serious assault, burglary, motor vehicle offenses with hazardous penalties, arson etc. In this module, the role of drug would be taught to the students. The minute details drug problems and related crime, non-violent crimes, violent crimes, drug problem in India- Cannabis and Poppy.

    MODULE 3 – CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS

    Classification of drug, as the name itself signifies how to deal with various types of drugs as Sedatives, Miscellaneous, Stimulants, Hallucinogens, Solvents, Synthetic narcotics and Designer drugs.

    MODULE 4 – NARCOTICS

    Here in this module scholars would come across the different illegal drugs such as Opium, Morphine, Heroin, Codeine, and Thebaine and its origin, fatal dose and period, physiological and psychological effect, addiction and withdrawal symptom, collection and preservation, examination and at last but not the least the antidote given. Narcotic drugs basically affects the central nervous system. Through this module, students would be made aware of the legal definition of drugs, causes of drug addiction, identification of the addicts, withdrawal syndrome and forensic problems.

    MODULE 5 – DEPRESSANTS

    Insomnia (sleeping disorder) in which most people face difficulty during their sleep which may be short term but not less than three-four weeks lasting longer than four weeks. Continuing insomnia may permit them to use of depressants. Under this module, students would be taught about the different types of depressants such as Sedatives (Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines) and Hypnotics. (Phenothiazines) and its origin, fatal dose and period, physiological and psychological effect, addiction and withdrawal symptom, collection and preservation, examination and at last but not the least the antidote given.

    MODULE 6 – STIMULANTS

    Stimulants are psycho active drugs that persuade short-term improvements in either physical, mental or both functions. Module will introduce you to different types of stimulants such as Cocaine, Benzedrine, Amphetamines and Methamphetamines and Nicotine and its origin, fatal dose and period, physiological and psychological effect, addiction and withdrawal symptom, collection and preservation, examination and at last but not the least the antidote given.

    MODULE 7 – HALLUCINOGENS

    Hallucinogens are the class of drug that origin hallucinations. Thoughtful misrepresentations in a person’s perceptions of realism. It can be found in few plants and their extracts. That are usually divided into two categories, classic hallucinogens and dissociative drugs. Under this module, students will be accustomed to the introduction to hallucinogens such as Cannabis, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Mescaline, Phencyclidine (PCP) and Peyote – its effect, administration, addiction, metabolism and identification.

    MODULE 8 - DESIGNER DRUGS AND DATE RAPE DRUGS

    Designer Drugs are basically illegal drugs created synthetically in laboratory condition just to impersonator the effects of already present drugs. Here in this module scholars would come across the origin, fatal dose and period, physiological and psychological effect, addiction and withdrawal symptom, collection and preservation, examination and antidotes given of the different designer drugs and date rape drugs.

    MODULE 9 – STEROIDS

    Steroids are medicine which can have side effects on an individual and it has also been be classified into anabolic and catabolic. This module would help the scholars in understanding the different type of steroids and its consumption limits.

    MODULE 10 – ALCOHOL/ ILLICIT LIQUOR ABUSE

    In this module, students will be familiarized to the cases concerning the involvement of Medical Jurisprudence. Then nature and production of alcohol, production, classification, properties, absorption, elimination and their effects.

    MODULE 11 – REPORTS ADMISSIBILITY

    Reports Admissibility module would comprises bona fide expert, liquor identification, prohibited liquor, improper collection, inadmissible report, reports admissible, intoxication, random sampling and significance of correct sampling.

    MODULE 12 – THE NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ACT, 1985 (NDPS ACT)

    The narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances act, 1985 will introduce you to the definition, power of officers, delegation of power, narcotic commissioner and other exercise the powers of their subordinates, officers of state government and officers of central government.

    MODULE 13 – NATIONAL FUND FOR CONTROL OF DRUG ABUSE

    National fund for control of drug abuse essentially introduce with the national fund for control of drug abuse, annual report of activities financed under the fund, prohibition, control and regulation, prohibition of central government to permit, control and regulate and restriction over external dealing in narcotic drug and psychological substances.

    MODULE 14 – OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

    Import, export and transshipment of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and their offences and penalties would be introduce you to the punishment for contravention in relation to poppy straw, coca plant and coca leaves, prepared opium, opium poppy and opium, manufactured drugs and cannabis and psychotropic substances.

    MODULE 15 – FORFEITURE OF PROPERTY DERIVED FROM, OR USED IN ILLICIT TRAFFIC

    Under this module, students would be taught about the illegally acquired property and its application. Other than this scholar will also gain knowledge on prohibition of holding illegally acquired property, procedure in relation to certain trust properties and release of property in certain cases.

  • What is Forensic Drug Analysis?

    In Forensic Drugs Analysis, the students will be acquainted with importance of various drugs, its analysis, impact and detection on a life-bearing body. This science is of great help in criminal investigation procedures.

  • How can I become a Forensic Drug Analyst?

    The course gives specific insights starting from the basics to the advanced level to make sure that the learner evolve as an Expert and groom his/her self in the area of expertise. These skills when combined with some training, would lead to an intellectual understanding of the case as an Expert. 

  • What are the responsibilities of a Forensic Drug Analyst?

    The responsible Forensic Drug Analyst has to analyse the evidence put forward and state the cause of death if concerned with use of any drug. They detect the drug of abuse and its effects on the individual in question and form an opinion on the same.

  • What are the scope and the opportunistic aspects of the course?

    As per the present scenario, any learner can apply for positions available for the same profile in Government established Forensic Science Laboratories at Central and State level. They can also opt for work in private laboratories or as a Faculty in any Forensic educational institution.  

  • Where can I contact in case of any queries?

    You can write to us at education@sifs.in or call us at +91-1147074263 or WhatsApp us +91-7303913002 or +91-7303913003.


Black-man Dead Case

A 33-year old black man. Last seen alive around midnight, was found unresponsive by his brother at 6:20 am. He had bloodshot eyes with obvious scleral hemorrhages and a brownish purge was protruding from his nose and mouth. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Drug paraphernalia was found which included a baggie with brownish granular substance, a syringe, and a spoon with possible drug residue. However, intra-venous drug use could not be confirmed due to the inability to break rigor mortis in the arms.

After a detailed analysis, it was concluded that the cause of death was promethazine overdose exacerbated by multi-drug toxic, and the manner of death was accidental. This case illustrates that a melting pot of benign medicine such as a cough mixture, and a host of proper prescribed drugs and alcohol is a recipe for a fatal outcome.

Manohar Kanheri Gajendra

5

Firstly i was worried about how can i invest my time in learning something good without having helpful resources and just mobile, then i get to know about "S.I.F.S” through one of my connection and i started attending online courses. I am really interested in learning more about drug analysis as currently i am doing M.Sc. forensic science. Then this course was suggested to me. I will really recommend this to my other friends and college colleagues. I am really thankful to S.I.F.S. and Dr. Ranjeet sir. I will be looking for more opportunities like this.

Premkumar Bhagwan Kapse

5

During this course, I totally understand what is examination and how that done in forensic lab, also I learn some tool which are helpful in the examination.
I am happy about that I was learn something by the help from talented staff at SIFS. 

Swati Sinha

4

This was the best utilization of my time as I gained a detail knowledge about drug analysis. All thanks to SIFS for providing such informative courses.

Vishnu Prasath

5

This course contains everything one could hope for. What I like about SIFS is the timely response for every queries.

 

Instructors

Akshita Verma

Akshita Verma

Forensic Science Lecturer
Arti Varshney

Arti Varshney

Scientific Officer
Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Managing Director
Neha Jain

Neha Jain

Senior Scientific Officer
Ranjana Vaishnav

Ranjana Vaishnav

Teaching Faculty (CHB, Mumbai University)

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