The detection and characterization of controlled drugs imported into the United Kingdom.

The Laboratory of the Government Chemist examines most of the drugs that have been seized at the point of entry into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and has developed analytical methods for their rapid identification in the field and for more exact analysis and quantitation in the Laboratory. These methods are described for the major types of drugs encountered. Many seizures are examined in greater detail in order to compare samples and to correlate origin with physical and chemical appearance. Information on the procedures necessary to undertake this aspect of work is also presented.