NL1043265B1 - Method for electrochemical detection and identification of drugs, narcotics and precursors thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates methods for the electrochemical identification and quantification of drugs, narcotics and its chemical precursors. Specifically, the present invention relates to 5 method for detecting and identifying narcotics, or precursors thereof, in a sample, the method comprises the steps of: a) dissolving a solid or liquid sample suspected to comprise narcotics, or precursors, thereof in a buffer solution comprising electrolytes thereby providing an electrochemically reactive solution; b)transferring the electrochemically reactive solution onto a screen printed electrode sensor provided with a reference, working and counter electrode , the sensor is configured to provide electrochemical 10 interaction between the electrochemically reactive solution and the electrodes; c) transferring the sensor to a portable device capable of voltammetry and equipped with voltammetry analysis and display means; d) subjecting the electrochemically reactive solution to a voltammetric analysis using the portable device with a AV (potential) in the range from -3,000 mV to 3,000 mV and measuring the resulting current (A) in the electrochemically reactive solution; e) plotting the measured current against the applied voltage; 15 and f) detecting and identifying narcotics, or precursors thereof, based on the position of at least two peaks and/or pattern of peaks in the plot. 1043265

Description

METHOD FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF DRUGS,

NARCOTICS AND PRECURSORS THEREOF Description The present invention relates to methods for voltammetric characterization of an analyte § in a fluid, specifically narcotics, including drugs of abuse and its precursors. The present method includes providing a fluid containing the analyte to a working clecirode in association with an apparatus able to perform the electrochernical stimulation and its interpretation.

Abuse of drugs constitutes a historic problem that continues to worsen mexorably from year to year, Indeed, according to the 2018 World drug report, the number of people using illicit drugs is still increasing, and international drugs cartels are becoming more aggressive and raore expansionist. Nowadays, new record levels on drug production and consumption are evidencing the growing trend of this alarming issue. The most tragic result of this situation is the fact that deaths directly caused by the use of drugs are raising globally by 60 % from 2000 to 2915, and this issue exhibits an ever-increasing rate. In 2016, the United States reported more than 10,000 drugs -related deaths.

Although many of those deaths involved synthetic opioids and cannot be attributed exclusively to higher levels of consumption, the increase is nonetheless a strong indicator of increasing ievels of harmful drugs use (Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 1999-2016, NCHS, No 294). In this regard, a notable increase has been perceived in cocaine and heroin production. Indeed, global cocaine manufacture reached its highest level ever in 2016, exhibiting an increase rate of 25 % from 29 2015, Furthermore, the total global opium production jumped by 65 % from 2016 to 2017, easily the highest estimate recorded by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) since it started monitoring global opium production at the beginning of the twenty-first century (World Drug Report 2018). Accordingly, this scenario correlates with huge volumes of drugs trafficking such as: cocaine, ecstasy, meth, heroin, and emerging threats like fentanyl.

Despite that the main drugs used are the classic drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine, the growth in the complexity and diversity of the synthetic drag market is leading to an increase in related harm. In recent years, hundreds of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been synthesized and added te the established synthetic drog market for amphetamine-type substances. Grouped according to their main pharmacological effect, the largest portion of NPS reported since UNODC began monitoring are stimulants.

Currently, certain designed drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids, are increasing their chemical diversity and the speed of their emergence make this group of compounds particularly challenging in terms of detection, monitoring, and responding. Suppliers simply atm to mimic the effects of THC. In essence, this makes each synthetic cannabinoid disposable. When one synthetic cannabinoid is, or is about to be legally controlled, manufacturers can have ong or more replacement substance ready for sale. Indeed, Synthetic cannabinoid products are often chosen by the users due to their low cost and their ability to avoid drug tests. For that reason, Synthetic cannabinoids are the largest group of newpsychoactive substances monitored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

In pursuit of keeping drugs, and drug dealers off the streets, law enforcement officials need a quick method to identify suspected narcotics ‘in the field’. This is motivating the police and custom departments of ports and airports to look for a fast, portable, selective and reliable way to detect drugs.

Nowadays, presumptive analyses of drugs are commonly performed via colorimetric tests such as provided by M.M.C, International B.V. Even though these tests are fast and simple, colour is not always a reliable way for analysis interpretation. One of the most evident limitation of this methodology, is that the interpretation of these tests may be subjective (i.e. depends on the police officer reading), which may lead to false positives and false negatives. While a false negative is undesired and should be avoided, a false positive may imply serious consequences that may result in an individual wrongfully charged and prosecuted. For this reason, is recommended a specialized laboratory confiomation.

Developed by M.M.C. International, the Narcosens unit is a device able to detect, qualify, and even quantify a large number of psychoactive compound and precursors. This determination is based on an electrochemical technique called Voltammetry. Voltammetry may he considered a direct application of the kinetic molecular theory, which stands that by applying a certain voltage (i.e. energy) to a molecule it’s energy level can change. This is achieved at an specific voltage, when the excited molecule’ will ascend into another energy level which is called oxidation. This process releases a certain amount of energy, and this energy is then measured as a fluctuation in the current. It is iroportant to emphasize that under the influence of an electron transfer (i.e. voltage), each functional group of the molecule will be oxidized/reduced at a certain potential. Therefore, voltammetry may be used as a selective and sensitive technique for the qualification of organic compounds.

The Narcosens unit was designed at M.M.C. international and includes the following components: a commercially available potentiostat, a small-size computer system, and self-developed procedures contained within a self-progranymed software. Due to its speeificity, is expected that Narcosens will reduce significantly false positive/negatives responses compared to the currently used colour tests.

Electrochemical analysers hike Narcosens are devices aimed to provide information about the composition of a sample in real time, this is accomplished by coupling a unit that provides stimulation over the analyte into an electrochemical transducer (sensor). In this way, and thanks to the interaction between the analyte and the sensor, the electrochemical variations can be detected and transduced into an analytically useful signal, Nowadays, due to the prospect of miniaturization and integration into automatic systems, electrochemical sensors are increasing in interest for commercial uses.

Electrochemical sensors can be divided into four general groups. Potentiometric sensors that provide information about the {on activity of electrochemical reactions, measuring the accumulation of charges. Conductometric sensors, which are:able to measure the analyte capacity for the electrical conductivity, Impedimetric sensors measure the impedance (both resistance and reactance) of thereaction, and voltanunetric or amperometric sensors, which measures the resulting current from the oxidation or reduction of an electroactive species. In this case, the current can both be measured at a constant potential, referred to as amperometry, or with controlled variations of potential, referred as voltammetry.

There are different ways of applying a voltammetric stimulation. In this regard, the methods can be divided into two mam categories, potential sweep methods and potential step methods. In potential sweep methods, the potential sweeps along time and the current is directly and continously recorded. The most used potential sweep method is the cyclic voltammetry (CV), which is a popular technigue for initial electrochemical studies, constituting a very useful tool for obtaining information 18 about fairly complicated electrode reactions. In turn, in potential step methods, the potential is applied in pulses, one important methodology is the square wave voltammetry (SWV). SWV combines the best aspects of several different pulse voltammetry methods which results m background suppression, high sensitivity, a good diagnostic value and an ability to interrogate products directly. This makes SWV generally a good choice among pulse methods for practical analysis.

As stated above, in voltammetry, the current is measured as the potential is varied. This is conunonly done by using the three electrode system consisting of a working electrode (WE), reference electrode (RE) and counter electrode (CE). The potential is applied to the WE in contact with the electrolyte, that facilitates the charge to and from the electrolyte. The RE has a fixed potential and acts as a reference in measuring and controlling the working electrode’s potential. Therefore, any changes in the cell are ascribable to the working electrode. The device measuring the potential difference between the working and the reference electrode has a high impedance, so negligible current goes through the reference electrode. Thus, its potential will remain constant. To complete the circuit an auxiliary electrode (CE) is connected to the working electrode to balance the charge added or removed from the electrolyte by the working electrode. A potentiostat modulates the voltage across the working and counter electrode and it adjusts this voltage to maintain the chosen potential difference between the working and the reference electrode.

The electrochemical oxidation of most common drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA and cannabis, have been studied by a large number of studies and experiments. As an example, for the electrochemical oxidation of cocaine, the tertiary amine group of cocaine is irreversibly oxidized to an iminium cation. During this process an amine cation radical is formed by a single electron transfer from the working electrode. This amine cation radical has a short lifespan and is therefore may be not detected electrochemically, but when the iminium cation is formed, a strong oxidation signal is emitted, and this signal can be easily measured. Nevertheless, this only signal might be not sufficient to procure the substance identity (i.e. cocaine). Indeed, the gained electrochemical signal might be masked by cutting agents, and what is more, the same signal may be induced by other compounds containing the same tertiary amine group, producing a false positive.

Currently, we can find many works aimed to gain selectivity to address the issue of interfering adulterants that have a redox potential close to or overlapping with the signal of the analyte ofinterest. Mast of them are limited to aliering certain parameters such as the pH of the sample solution or performing pre-treatments of the electrode, with a few subsiantial resulis achieved. Additionally, there are many other efforts focused on the modification of the electrodes. With respect to this, different strategies have been employed. One example is found in Asturias-Arribas et al, (2014), in this research, the surface of screen printed carbon electrodes were modified with wolti-walled carbon nanotobes in order to achieve the detection of cocaine in the presence of paracetamol, vativine and codeine.

Another extended exarople is the modification of the electrode surface with aptamers (Le. oligonucleotide or peptide molecules that bind to a specific target molecule), also widely applied in order to provide selectivity towards cocaine detection {Ma et al, 2011). Despite that the implementation of the aptamers may increase selectivity, it would not contribute with the qualification of unknown drugs. This is due to the fact that a certain aptamer will be only functional/active over a speeific molecule. Therefore, in order to perform the evaluation, every drug would require to be tested with a special senser {Le electrodes treated with cocaine aptamers will only respond on cocaine samples).

Consequently, this means that it Is required to know the identity of the substance beforehand, only allowing to confirm the presence of the drug, or requiring the use of several electrodes for qualification purposes (not practical).

It is an object of the present invention, amongst other objects to provide methods aimed to sche these imitations (Le. specific idemification of narcotics) based on the interpretation of a near sequence of consecutive positive and/or negative potential pulses over the analyte.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides methods for detecting and identifying narcotics, or precursors thereof, in a sample, the method comprises the steps of: 28 a} dissolving a solid or bguid sample suspected to comprise narcotics, or precursms, thereof in a buffer solution comprising electrolyies thereby providing an slectrochemically reactive solution; 0} transterring the electrochemically reactive solution onto a screen printed electrode sensor provided with a reference, working and counter electrode, the sensor is configured to provide electrochemical interaction between the clectrochemically reactive solution and the electrodes; c} transferring the sensor to a portable device capable of voltarametry and equipped with voltammetry analysis and display means; d} subjecting the electrochemically reactive solution to a voltammetrie analysis using the portable device with a AV {potential} in the range from -3,000 mV to 3,000 mV and measuring the resulting current {A) in the electrochemically reactive solution; €) plotting the measured current against the applied voltage;

f detecting and identifying narcotics, or precursors thereof, based on the position of at least two peaks and/or pattern of peaks in the plot; &} optionally repeating. step (d}; h) optionally, displaying the identified narcotics, or precursors thereof, on the 5 display means of the portable device; wherein the narcotics, or precursors thereof, are selected from the group consisting of cocaine, crack, ecgonine, methamphetamine, y-hydrosxybutyric acid (GHB), methiopropamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, cannabis including marijuana and hashish, opiates including heroin, and opium, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, synthetic cathinones such as methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), etheathinione, 4 16 chloro-metheathinone, dimethyl-metheathinone, mephedrone and 4-methylethyl-cathinone, pheneyclidine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), derivatives such as MDAIL MDA, 1,3 benzodioxolyl-n-methylbutanamine (MBDB), amphetamine, 4-flucroamphetamine, and other phenethylamines, synthetic cannabinoids including: naphihoylindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles, naphthylmethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles, benzoylindoles, cyclohexylphenols, gamma-carbolines, tetramethyleyclopropylindols, adamantoylindoles, indazole carboxamides, quinolinyt esters, aminoalkylindoles and others cannabinoids such as HU-210,5F-PCN, drugs precursor such as : acetic anhydride, piperonal, alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile, norephédrine, safrole, 3,4- methylenedioxypbenyl-2-propanone (PMK), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylanthranilic acid, ephedrine, isosafrole, lysergic acid, ergometrine, ergotamine, phenylacetic acid and also others compounds commonly used as cutting agents including: levamisole, procaine, benzocaine, phenacetine, lidocaine, and paracetamol, According to an preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to methods, wherein the AV (potential) is in the range of mV to 3,000 mV for the detection and identification of narcotics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cannabis, fentanyl, heroin, opium, morphine, paracetamol, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy} and other phenethylamine derivates such as MDAI MDA, 1,3-Benzodioxolyl-N-methylbutanamine (MBDB), Amphetamine, 4- fluoroamphietamine, synthetic cannabinoids bellowing to the flowing classes: naphthoylindoles, taphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles, gamma-carbolines, indazole carboxamides.

According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to methods, wherein step {d) is applied at least 1 time and the second AV (potential) scan is in the range of mV to 3,000 mV for the detection and identification of narcotics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of ecgonine, methamphetamine, y-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), heroin, opium, morphine, 3,4- methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and other phenethylamine derivates, methiopropamine, acetic anhydride, piperonal, alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile, norephédrine, safrole, 3,4 methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone (PME), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylanthranilic acid, ephedrine, isosafrole, lysergic acid, ergometrine, ergotamine and phenyiacetie acid.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to methods, wherein step (d) is applied at least 1 time and the second AV (potential) scan is in the range of -1,000 mV to 3,000 mV for the detection and identification of narcotics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of synthetic zcannebinaids including: naphthoylindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles, naphthylmethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles, benzoylindoles, cyclohexylphenols, garama-carholines, tetramethylcyclopropylindols, adamantovlindoles, indazole carboxamides, quinolingd esters, aminoalkylindoles and others cannabinoids such as HU210,5F-PCN.

According to still another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to methods, wherein step {d} is applied at least | time and the second AV (potential) scan is in the range of 8 i mV io -3,009 mV for the detection and identification of narcutics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), cannabis including marijuana {herbal cannabis) and hashish (cannabis resin}, 34 methylenedioxzymethamphetamme (MDMA, costasy} and derivates such as MDBAIL MDA, 1,3-benzodioxelyl-n-methyibutanamine (MBDB}, and synthetic canngbinoids bellowing to the flowing classes: naphthovlindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles, naphthyloethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles, benzoylindoles, cyclohexyiphenols, gamma~-carbolines, tetramethyleyclopropylindols, adamantovlindoles, indazole carbosanudes, qumolinyl esters, amincaliylindoles and others cannabinoids such as HUJ-210,5F-PUN, acetic anhydride, piperonal, alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile, norephédrine, saffole, 3, 4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone (PMX), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylanthranilic acid, ephedrine, isosalrole, lysergic acid, ergometrine, ergotaming, phenylacetic acid, , levamisole, procaine, benzocaine, phenacetine and hidocains.

According to a more preferred embodiment, the present invention relates te methods, wherein step {d) is applied at least 2 times and the third AV (potential) scan is in the range of 0 mV to 3,000 mV for the detection and identification of narcotics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine, acetic anhydride, piperonal, alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile, norephédring, safrole, 3 4-roethylenedioxyphenyl-2-prapanone (PMI), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylanthranilic acid, ephedrine, isosafrole, hysergic acid, ergomelrne, ergotamine, phenylacetic acid.

According to a another more preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to Rit methods, wherein step {d} is applied at least 2 times and the third AV (potential) scan 1s in the range of 0 mV io -3,000 mV for the detection and identification of narcutics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group cansisting of cocaine, levamisole, procaine, bernzecaine, phenaceting, lidocaing.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to methods, wherein step {d) is applied at feast 2 times and the third AV (potential) scan is in the range of 0 mV to 33 3,000 mV for the detection and identification of narcotics, or precursors thereof, selected froma the group consisting of cocaine, acetic anhydride, piperonal, alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile, norephédrine, safrole, 3 4-methylenedioxyphenyi-Z-propanone (PME), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate,

pseudoephedrine, acetylanthvanilic acid, ephedrine, isosafrols, lysergic acid, ergometrie, ergotannne, phenylacetic acid. According to an even more preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to methods, wherein step {d) is applied at least 2 times and the third AV (potential) scan is in the range of § S mV to -3,000 mV for the detection and identification of narcotics, ar precursors thereof, selected fromthe group consisting of cocaine, levamisole, procaine, benzocaine, phenaceting, lidocaine, acetic anhydride, piperonal, alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile, norephédrine, safrole, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propasone {PMK), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudosphedring, acetylanthrantlic acid, ephedrine, isosafroie, lysergic acid, ergometrine, exgotamine, and phenylacetie acid.

According to yet another even more preferred enbodiment, the present invention relates to methods, wherein step {dl} is applied at least 3 times and the fourth AV (potential) scan is in the range of 6 mV to 3,000 mV {or the detection and identification of narcotics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine, methamphetamine, methiopropamine, synthetic cathinones zach as methvlenedioxypyrovalerone {mdpv), etheathinione, 4 chloro-methcathinone, dimethyl-metheathinone, 13 mephedrone and d-methylethyl-cathinone, phencyclidine (PCP), 3,4-methylenedioxyniethamphetantine (MDMA, ecstasy) and derivates such as MDAL MDA, 1,3-benzodioxolyl-n-methylbatanamine (MBDB).

According to an especially preferred erabodinent, the present invertign relates io methods, wherein step {d) is applied at least 3 times and the fourth AV {potential} scan is in the range of § mV ta -3,009 mV for the detection and identification of narcotics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine, levamisole, procaine, benzocaine, phenacetine, lidocaine.

According to another especially preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to methods, wherein step (d} is applied at feast 4 times and the fifth AV {potential} scan in the range of § mV to -3,000 mV for the detection and identification of narcotics, or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine, levamisole, procaine, benzocaine, phenaceting, lidocaine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present methods are based on procuring and interpreting molecular changes of a sample subject to electrical stimulations via voltammetry. This is possible dus to the fact that at under a specifie positive or negative potential, applied using a potentiostat, the “excited” molecules within the sample will ascend or descent into another energy level, which is called oxidation or reduction. In turn, this process releases a certain amount of energy, and this energy is then measured as a fluctuation in the current.

Due to the fact that under the influence of a voltage, each functional group of the molecule will be oxidized/reduced at a certain potential, this permits through a unique and novel protocol {included within a software especially developed to this end), to complete the sample assessment.

The method and protocols disclosed in this document require an apparatus that comprise at least a potentiostat, a printed sensors placement for the interconnection with the potentiostat, a small-size

& computer system for controlling the stuoulation, the signal reading and its interpretation based in the protocol described below, and a display unit necessary for the output and the management of the wt.

To perform the analysis the present methods generally comprise the following steps: step a, first is required to add the samples to a specially buffered solution, this selution ams to dissolve the analyte while providing electrolytes for the transfer of electrons (i.e. conductivity). This solution may be or may be not involved in a chemical reaction for the sample preparation.

Step b, the sample is then located on a screen printed electrode, allowing the reactions via clectrical-stimulation to occur, a printed electrode comprise a working, reference and counter (or auxiliary) electrode.

it Step © comprises of placing the sensor with the analytes in a portable device capable of performing the voltaronetric analysis like the Narcosens unit.

In step d, the methodology contained within the unit will apply a electrical stinudation to the samples, this stimulation consist of potential pulses at a voltage rage of between -3,000 mV to 3,000 mV, this potential is provided via a potentiostat, reaching the sample located at the screen printed 18 electrodes through the buffered solution.

During step e, a specially design software included within the computerised part of the anit, will plot the measured current against the applied voltage.

During step £, the software will interpret the resulting signals from the oxidation/reduction reaction of the sanples after every stinudation, which may lead to the identification of the analyte. This software also contains a series of predefined actions (i.e. sequence of stimuli} as described below, in this way and if required, the unit will proceed with the following step, which consists of applying and interpreting a sequence of additional electrical stiraulations, as described in step d, and required for the identification of certain analytes.

Finally, step h comprises presenting the results from the analysis on the portable device.

The present method focusses on the determination/identification of specific compounds such as illegal drugs, narcotics and drug precursors inchuding but not restricied to the following lst Cocaine, Crack, Ecgorine, Methamphetamine, y-Hydroxybutyrie acid, Methiopropamine, Ketamine, Lysergic acid diethylamide, Cannabis including Marijuana and Hashish, Opiates including Heroin, and Opium, Oxycodone, Morphine, Fentanyl, Synthetic Cathinones such as Methylenedioxypyrovalerone {(MDPV), Frheathiniong, 4 chloro-metheathinone, Dimethyl-metheathinone, Mephedrone and d- methylethylcathinone, Phencyeliding, 3 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetanine (MDMA) and derivates such as MDAL MDA, 1,3 Benzodiexolyl-N-methylbutanamine {MBDB), Arwphetuaine, 4- fluorsamphetamine, Synthetic Camabinoids including: Naphthoylindoles, Naphthyhnethylmdoles, Naphthoyipyrroles, Naphtiyhmethylindenes, Phenylacetylindoles, benzoylindoles, Cyclobexylphenols, Gamma-Carbolings, Telrameihyleyclopropylindois, Adamantoylindoles, Indazole carboxzamides, Cuinolinyl esters, Aminoalkylindoles and others cannabinoids such as HU-218,SF-PCN. Drugs precursor such as: Acetic anhydride, Fiperonal, alpha-Phenylacetoacetonitrile, Norephédrine, Safrole, 3,4- Methylenedioxyphenyl-2-proganone (PMN), Benzyl methyl ketone, Potassium permanganate,

Pseudoephedrine, Acetylanthranilic acid, Ephedrine, Isosafrole, Lysergie acid, Ergometrine, Ergotamine, Phenylacetic acid. Finally, this methodology can be also applied for the identification of other compounds commonly used as cuiting agents including: Levamisole, Procaine, Benzocaine, Phenacetine, Lidocaine, and Paracetamol.

In order to increase the level of certainty over the analyte identity, the present method is based on the identification on a minimum obtainment of two redox values (i.e. potential value for the position of the generated peaks), which may be obtained from one or more stimulation-interpretation steps contained within the protocol.

In Step a, the solution containing all of the components required for the reaction process, 19 and the unknown analyte’s to be measured, may be constituted by water, organic solvents, organic fluids or a mixture between them, including: ethanol, methanol, benzene, hexane, phenol, acetonitrile, di- chloromethane, chloroform, acetone and body fluids including saliva, blood and urine. Also, the solution can comprise a number of chemicals and electrolytes such as: sodium chloride, potassium hydrogen phthalate, potassium chloride, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, sodium acetate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, tetramnethylanunoniom chloride, tetrasthylammonium perchlorate, lithium perchlorate, tetrabutylammonium perchlorate, formaldehyde, 2- Bis 2-hydroxvethylaminoacetic acid, 2-Amino-2-hydroxymethylpropane-1,3-diol, 3-IN Tristhydroxymethyl) methylamino]-2- hydroxypropanesulfonic acid), 3-[N Tris(hydroxymethymethylamino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, 2-[[1,3-dihydroxy-2-{hydroxymethyDpropan-2- yilamine]ethanesulfonic acid, 3-(N-morpholine) propanesulfonic acid, zinc borohydride-n- methylpyrrolidine, Piperazine-IN,N'-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid), dimethylarsenic acid, 2-{N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid. in step b, the sample is then located on a screen printed electrode provided with reference, working and counter electrodes. The components of the electric circuit and/or the surface of the electrodes may be partially or totally constitute of carbon based materials, gold, platinum or silver, and may be coated with a layer of reagent in order to facilitate the reaction or increase the resulting signal from the reaction. In step d, for the analysis the voltage and the scans provide by the potentiostat may be applied using one or a combination of different voltanunetric methods, including lineal Sweep Voltammetry, Cyclic YVoltammetry, AC Voltammetry, Normal Pulse Voltanumetry, Differential Pulse Voltammetry, more preferably Square Wave Voltammetry, with a Step potential and Pulse Amplitude range between 0 mV and 1,000 mV. First, prior to conducting any stimulation phase or action, the potential may be stabilized during one or more seconds, refer to as equilibration time. The stabilizing pulse can be a continuous positive or negative potential and can be conducted at low potential values between. 1,090 mV and 1,000 mV. Previously to an analysis cycle, a positive and/or a negative potential may be applied to the sample during one or more seconds as preparatory ‘pre-treatment’, preferably conducted at potentialvalues between —3.000 mV and 3,000 mV. The analytical cycles are thus applied at a frequency of about 1 Hz to 50Hz or greater than about 10 Hz or about 15 Hz to 25 Hz.

In steps e, fand g after the initiation of the stimulation method by applying a sweep or pulsed potential, the software will read the value of the resulting currents peaks generated during the oxidation/reduction process of the analyte. To this end, the special algorithms aimed to “finding peaks’ may modulate the range of sensibility, allowing to omit or include signals in relation to its intensity. Finally, based in the protocol described below, the software interpretation of the resulting combination of signals (peaks) or its absence may lead to the conclusive detection, identification and a possible quantification of the analytes previously outlined, or the unit will proceed with the following stimulation- interpretation required to this end.

The method can commence the electrical stimulation by applying a sweep or pulse positive potential between a range of 0 mV to 3,000 mV, afterwards, the unit will read the resulted currents peaks generated during the oxidation process of the analyte. In accordance with the stimulation provided, oxidation current peaks may occur at arrange between around 10 mV and 3,000 mV. In accordance with the protocol, the resulting combination of signals (peaks) or its absence, may lead to the conclusive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exhibit a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but is not restricted to: cannabis, fentanyl, heroin, opium, morphine, paracetamol, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) and other phenylamine derivates such as MDAI, MDA, 1,3-Benzodiosolyl-N-methylbutanamine (MBDB), Amphetamine, 4 fluorcamphetanine, methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids bellowing to the flowing classes: Naphthoylindoles, Naphthyimethylindoles, Naphthoylpyrroles, Gamma-Carbolines, Indazole carboxamides, Figure $ presents an example of this sequence allowing the identification of fentanyl. fa conclusive identification 1s not reached or a further stimulation and interpretation steps are required to this end, the protocol establish the details of the next method of stimulation and proceed with its mitiation {next action required for the identification of the analyte).

In following second action, the method can provide electrical stimulation by applying a sweep or pulse at a negative potential between a range of (0 mV to -3,000 mV), afterwards, the unit will read resulted currents peaks generated during the reduction process of the analyte. In accordance with the stimulation provide, reduction current peaks may occur at arrange between -10 mV and -3,000 mV. In accordance with protocol, the resulting combination of signals (peaks) or its absence, may lead to the conclusive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exhibit a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but is not restricted to: Cocaine, Ketamine, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), Cannabis including Marijuana (herbal cannabis} and Hashish {cannabis resin), 3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) and derivates such as MDAL MDA, 1,3- Benzodioxolyl-N-methylbutanamine (MBDB). and synthetic cannabinoids bellowing to the flowing classes: Naphthoylindoles, Naphthylmethylindoles, Naphthoylpyrroles, Naphthyimethylindenes, Phenylacetylindoles, benzoylindoles, Cyclohexylphenols, Gamma-Carbolines, Tetramethyleyclopropylindols, Adamantoylindoles, Indazole carboxarnides, Quinolinyl esters,

il Antinoalkylindoles and others cannabinoids such as HU-210,5F-PUN. If a conclusive identification is not reached or a further stimulation and interpretation steps are required to this end, the protocol establish the details of the next method of stimulation and proceed with its initiation {next action required for the identification of the analyte).

The second action, the method can provide electrical stimulation by applying a sweep or pulse at both negative and positive potential between a range of {-1,000 mV to 3,000 mV), afterwards, the unit will read resulted currents peaks generated during the reduction process of the analyte. In accordance with the stimulation provide, oxidation current peaks may occur at arrange between -1,000 mV and 3,000 mV. In accordance with protocol, the resulting combination of signals {peaks} or its absence, may lead to the conclusive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exhibit a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but is not restricted to Synthetic Cannabinoids including: Naphthoylindoles, Naphthylmethylindoles, Naphthoylpyrroles, Naphthylmethylindenes, Phenylacetylindoles, benzoylindoles, Cyclohexylphenols, Gamma-Carbolines, Tetramethyleyclopropylindels, Adamantoylindoles, Indazole carboxamides, Quinolinyl esters, Aminoalkylindoles and others cannabinoids such as HU-210,5F-PCN. If a conclusive identification is not reached or a further stimulation and interpretation steps are required to this end, the protocol establish the details of the next method of stimulation and proceed with its initiation {next actien required for the identification of the analyte).

The following second action, the method can provide electrical stimulation by applying a 28 sweep or pulse at a positive potential between a range of {0 mV to 3,000 mV), afterwards, the unit will read resulted currents peaks generated during the reduction process of the analyte. In accordance with the stimulation provide, oxidation current peaks may occur at arrange between 10 mV and 3,000 mV. In accordance with protocol, the resulting combination of signals (peaks) or its absence, may lead to the conclusive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exhibit a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but is not restricted to: Ecgonine, Methamphetamine, y- Hydroxybutyric acid {GHB}, heroin, opium, morphine and Methiopropamine. Figure 6 presents an example of this sequence allowing the identification of GHB. If a conclusive identification is not reached or a further stimulation and interpretation steps are required to this end, the protocol establish the details of the next method of stimulation and proceed with its initiation (next action required for the identification of the analyte).

The following third action, the method can provide electrical stinwlation by applying a sweep or pulse at a negative potential between a range of (0 mV to -3,000 mV) 388 and 890, afterwards, the unit will read resulted currents peaks generated during the reduction process of the analyte. In accordance with the stimulation provide, reduction current peaks may occur at arrange between -10 mV and -3,000 mV. In accordance with protocol, the resulting combination of signals {peaks) or its absence, may lead to the conclusive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exhibit a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but is not restricted to: Cocaine, Levamisole, Procaine, Benzocaine, Phenacetine, Lidocaine. If a conclusive identification is not reached or

3 further stimulation and interpretation steps are required to this end, the protocol establish the details of the next method of stinmilation and proceed with its initiation {next action required for the identification of the analyte), The following third action, the method can provide electrical stimulation by applying a 3 sweep or pulse at a positive potential between a range of {0 mV to. 3,000 mV) 600 and 700 afterwards, the ut will read resulted currents peaks generated during the reduction process of the analyte. In accordance with the stimulation provide, reduction current peaks may oceur at arrange between 10 mV and 3,000 mV. In accordance with protocol, the resulting combination of signals (peaks) or iis absence, may lead to the conclusive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exhibit a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but is not restricted to: Cocaine, Acetic anhydride, Piperonal, alpha-Phenylacetoacetonitrile, Norephédrine, Satrole, 3 4-Methylenedioryphenyl-2-propanone {PME}, Benzyl methyl ketone, Potassium permanganate, Pseudoephedrine, Acatylanthranilic acid, Ephedrine, Isosafrole, Lysergic acid, Ergometrine, Ergotamine, Phenylacetic acid, If a conclusive identification is not reached or a further stimulation and interpretation steps are required to this end, the protocol establish the details of the next method of stimulation and proceed with ils initiation (next action required for the identification of the analyte}.

The following fourth action, the method can provide electrival stimulation by applying a sweep or pulse at a negative potential between a range of (0 mV to «3,000 mV) 808, afterwards, the unit will read resulted currents peaks generated during the reduction process of the analyte. In accordance with the stimulation provide, reduction current peaks may occur at arrange between 10 mV and -3,000 mV. In accordance with the protocol, the resulting combination of signals {peaks} or its absence, may lead to the conchuive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exhibil a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but is not restricted to: Cocaine, Levamisole, Procaine, Benzocaine, Phenaceting, Lidocaine. At this stage, the protocol will provide a conclusive result or-further information to proceed with the next step of the analysis.

The following fourth action, the method can provide electrical stipulation by applying a sweep or pulse al a positive potential between a range of {0 mV to 3,000 mV), afterwards, the anit will read resulted currents peaks generated during the reduction process of the analyte. In accordance with the stimulation provide, reduction current peaks may occur at arrange between 10 mV and 3,000 mV. In accordance with protocol, the resulting combination of signals (peaks) or its absence, may lead to the conclusive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exldbit a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but 1s not restricted to: Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Methiopropaming, Synthetic Cathinones such as Methylencdioxypyrovaterone {MDPV), Ethcathinione, 4 chloroa-metbcathinone, Dimethyl-metheathinene, Mepbedrone and 4-methylethyl-cathinone, Pbensyelidine (PCP), 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) and derivates such as MDA1, MDA, 1,3-Benzodioxslyl-N-methylbutimamins (MBDB). If a conclusive identification is not reached or a further stinndation and interpretation steps are required to this end, the protocol establish thedetails of the next method of stimulation and proceed with its initiation {next action required for the identification of the analyte). The following fifth action, the method can provide electrical stimulation by applying a sweep or pulse at a negative potential between a range of (0 mV to -3,000 mV), afterwards, the unit will read resulted currents peaks generated during the reduction process of the analyte. In accordance with the stinmulation provide, reduction current peaks may occur at arrange between -10 mV and 3,000 mV. In accordance with the protocol, the resulting combination of signals (peaks) or its absence, may lead to the conclusive identification, detection or exclusion of certain analytes that exhibit a sufficient number of signals, this identification preferably include but is not restricted to: Cocaine. At this stage, the protocol will provide a conclusive result or further information to proceed with the analysis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1: shows a schematic representation of an electrochemical analysis performed by the Narcosens to identify A9-THC (i.e, Cannabis); Figure 2: shows a Narcosens printed electro containing the three electrodes system and consisting of a working electrode (WE), reference electrode {RE} and counter electrode (CE); Figure 3: shows a schematic representation of the Narcosens operation procedure; Figure 4: shows a flowchart diagram describing an identification process suitable for determining a large mumber of drugs, narcotics and its precursors applicable in the present methods; Figure 5: shows an example of one-step electrochemical determination of fentanyl samples based on the obtainment and interpretation of two signals values after one sequence of stimulation~-interpretation; Figure €: shows an example of two-step electrochemical determination of GHB samples based on the obtainment and interpretation of two signals values after two sequences of stimulation-interpretation. Example Internal evaluation of the Narcosens unit In order to evaluate the Narcosens unit capability to identify a large number of narcotics, different narcotics were assessed with this device, tables 1-6 present the results for the analysis. The tested samples included common drugs of abuse, which were scanned in triplicate at different concentrations, ratios, and circumstances. Despite the fact that the recommended weight of sample for the analysis is 3-5 mg, tables below present the results for analysis conducted by using high purity streel saniple at different concentrations ranges between 10-0.5 mg/ml. The selected samples for this tests comprises Cocaine, Heroin, MDMA, Methamphetamine {Meth} and MDPV, samples were directly added to the solution provided (i.e. buffer), and the results are presented in tables 1 to § below. Despite the goodaccuracy of the device, we can see a saturation level above S mg/m! for MDMA, and MDPV samples. In tum, the limit of the detection was only reached with Meth samples at the lowest concentration of

3.5mg/ml. 3 Table 1, Cocaine sample analysed by Narcosens at different concentrations. Scans Sarnpie * Concentration Narcosens output Result 1-1 Cocaine 10 mg/ml Cocaine - High Positive identification 1-2 Cocaine 10 mg/ml Cocaine - High Positive identification 43 eene TÔ mn Cocaine High Positive identification 2-1 Cocaine S mg/ml Cocaine - High Positive identification

2.2 Cocaine 5 pda Cocaine - High Positive identification 23 Ceeaine OS mg Cocaine High Positive identification 31 Cocaine 2.5 mg/ml Cocaing - High Positive identification 3-2 Cocaine 2.5 mg/ml Cocaine ~ High Positive identification 33 Cocame 25mm Cocaine-High Positive identification 4-1 Cocaine i mg/d Cocaine - High Positive identification 4-2 Cocaine 1 mg/ml Cocaine - High Positive identification Ad Coeaine mg/ml Cocaine-High Positive identification 5-1 Cocaine 0.3 mg/ml Cocaine - High Positive identification 5-2 Cocaine 0.5 mg/ml Cocaine ~ High Positive identification 33 Locaine PS mghwd Cocaine High Positive identification Result Positive identification Misidentification False negative Accoracy SSUlis : : ° * 15 0 0 100% Cocaine high purity street sample Table 2. MDMA sample analysed by Narcosens at different concentrations, Scans Sample” Concentration DMarcosens output Result 1-1 MDMA 10 mg/ml Methamphetamine Misidentification 1-2 MDMA 10 uy Negative False negative 13 MDMA lOmgíml Designer drugs (ecstasy) Positive identification _ 21 MDMA S mg/nd Designer drugs (ecstasy) Positive identification 2-2 MDMA 5 mg/ml Designer drugs (ecstasy) Postive identification 23 MDMA Sg Designer drags (ecstasy) | Positive identification | 3-1 MDMA 2.5 mg/ml Designer drugs (ecstasy) Positive identification 32 MDMA 2.5 mg/ml Designerdrugs {eostasy) Positive identification 33 MDMA Sg] Desigoer drags (ecstasy) | Positive identification 4-1 MDMA 1 mgmt Designer drugs (ecstasy) Positive identification 4-2 MDMA 1 mg/ml Designer drugs {eostasy) Positive identification 4-3 MDMA 1 mg/ml Designer drags (ecstasy) Positive identification 5-1 MDMA 0.5 mg/l Designer drugs {ecstasy} Positive identification 5-2 MDMA 0.5 mg/d Designer drugs (ecstasy) Positive wentification 5-3 MDMA OS mm! Designer drugs {ecstasy} Positive identification ; Positive identification Misidentification False negative Accuracy Resulis 14 2E 0, On BOTY *MDMA high purity stroet sample 1G

Table 3. MOPY sample analysed by Narcosens at different concentrations. Scans Sample * Concentration Narcosens output Result 1-1 MDPV 19 mudi CocaIne Misidentification 1-2 MDPV 19 mg/ml Negative False negative 2-1 MIPV Smg/ml MDPV Positive identification 2-2 MDPY Smg/ml MDPV Positive identification 23 MDPV OO Sg MDPY Positive identification 3-1 MIDPV 2.5 mg/ml MDPV Positive identification 3-2 MBPY 2.5 mg/ml MDPV Positive identification 33 MDPV ZSwmghel MBPY Positiveidentification 4-1 MPV { mg/ml MDPV Positive identification. 4-2 MDPV 1 mg/ral MDPV Positive identification Ad MDPV dmg MDRY Positive identification 5-1 MDPV 0.5 mg/ml MDPV Positive identification 5-2 MIJPV 0.5 mg/ml MDP Positive identification 33 MDPV OO GS mg 0 MDPV OO Positive identification Resulis Positive identification Misidentification False negative Accuracy YMIDPV high purity street sample Table 4. Heroin sample analysed by Navrcosens at different concentrations. Scans Sample * Concentration Narcosens output Result 1-1 Heroin 10 mg! Opiates Postitve identification 1-2 Heroin 10 mg/ml Opiates Positive identification +3 Heroin Omg OO Oplates Positiveidentification 21 Heroin S mg/nd Opiates Positive identification 22 Heroin 5 mg/ml Opiates Positive identification 23 Heroin OO Sg 0 Opiates Positive identification

3.1 Heroin 2.5 mg/ml (Opiates Positive identification 3-2 Heroin 2.3 mg/ml Opiates Positive tdentification 4-1 Heroin 1 mg/ml Opiates Positive iderdification 4-2 Heroin I rog/ml Opiates Positive identification +3 Heroin dmg Opiates Positive identification 5-1 Heroin {3.5 mg/ml (ates Positive identification 3-2 Heroin 0.5 mg/l Opiates Pasitive identification Results Positive identification Misidentification False negative Accuracy ender Oo MOO ¥Heroin street sample mixed with 6-monc-acetyl-morfine (MAM)

Table 5. Methamphetamine sample analysed by Narcosens at different concentrations. Scans Sample* Concentration Narcosens output™* Result i-1 Methamphetamine 10 mg/ml Methamphetaming Positive identification 1-2 Methamphetamine 10 mg/ml Methamphetamine Positive identification 13 Methamphetamine 10 mg/ml Methamphetamine Positive identification 2-1 Methamphetamine 5 mg/ml Negative False negative 2-2 Methamphetamine 5 mg/ml Methamphetamine Positive identification 23 Methamphetamine 5 mg/ml Methamphetamine Positive identification 3-1 Methamphetamine 2.5 mg/ml Methamphetamine Positive identification 3-2 Methamphetamine 2.5 mg/ml Methamphetamine Positive identification 33 Methamphelamine ~~ 25mg/ml ~~ Methamphetamine Positive identification 4-1 Methamphetamine 1 mg/ml Negative False negative 4-2 Methamphetamine 1 mg/ml Negative False negative 4-3 Methamphetamine Imgml Methamphetamine Positive identification Results Positive identification Misidentification False negative Accuracy ss *Methamphetamine high purity street sample One of the main challenges of a device like Narcosens, it is the capacity of detecting and identify cocaine when mixed with a variety of compounds, which is typically found in cocaine ‘street samples’. Cocaine mixtures with a common cutting agent called levamisole were analysed by the Narcosens at different ratios of cocaine: cutting agent. Results presented in the Table 6 below, shows a remarkable sensibility and accuracy for detecting cocaine. Table 6. Narcosens analytical output for cocaine mixed with levamisole at different raties.

ee Scans Sample“ Ratio Narcosens output Result 1-1 Cocaine - levamisole 2:1 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 12 Cocaine - levamisole 2:11 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 1-3 Cocaine - levamisole 2:1 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 2-1 Cocaine - levamisole 1:1 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 2-2 Cocaine - levamisole 1:1 cocame with levamisole Positive identification 2-3 Cocaine - levamisole 1: cocaine with levamisole Positive identification _ 3-1 Cocaine - levamisole 1:2 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 3-2 Cocaine - levamisole 1:2 levamisole False negative 3-3 Cocaine - levamisole 1:2 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 4-1 Cocaine - levamisole 1:4 levamisole False negative 4-2 Cocaine - levamisole 1:4 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 4-3 _ Cocaine - levamisole 1:4 levamisole False negative 5-1 Cocaine - levamisole 1:8 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 52 Cocaine - levaniisole 1:8 cocaine with levamisole Positive identification 5-3 Cocaine - levamisole 1.8 Negative False negative Results Positive identification Misidentification False negative Accuracy 11 0 4 73% * Total concentration of the samples (i.e. active compound and cutting agent) = 5 rag/ml

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. Method for detecting and identifying drugs or their precursors. The method consists of the following steps: a) A solid or liquid sample suspected of containing anesthetic agents or precursors thereof, is dissolved in a buffer solution containing electrolytes to provide an electrochemically reactive solution; b} The electrochemically reactive solution is transferred to a screen-printed electrode sensor with a reference electrode, a working electrode, and a counter electrode. The sensor is arranged to provide an electrochemical interaction between the electrochemically reactive solution and the electrodes. c} The sensor is transferred to a portable device capable of voltammetry and equipped with means orn. perform and display a voltammetry analysis. d) The electrochemically reactive solution is subjected to voltammetric analysis by means of the portable device having an AV {potential} within the range of -3,000 mV to 3,000 mV and resulting in the resulting current {A} in the electrochemically reactive solution. e) The measured amperage is plotted against the applied voltage; f Narcotics or their precursors are detected and identified based on the position of at least two peaks and / or patterns in the plot. £) Step (dl) can optionally be repeated. h) The identified drugs or precursors thereof can optionally be shown on the display, by means of the portable device. The narcotics or precursors thereof include: cocaine, crack, ecgonine, methamphetamine, 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (GHB), methiopropamine, ketamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, cannabis such as marijzana and hash, opiates such as heroin and opium, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, synthetic cathinones such as methylendioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), etheathinion, 4-chloro-methcathinone, dimethyl-methcathinone, mephedrone and 4-methylethyl-cathinone, phencyclidine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDPV), derivatives such as MDAI, 1,3yl Mioxyldaol -n-methyibutananune {MBDB}, amphetamine, 4-fluoro-camphetamine and other phenethylamines, synthetic cannabinoids including: naphthoylindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles, naphthylmethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles, benzoylindoles, adenyl-chenylindolines, amino-hexylindoles, caramel-indoles, caramel-indoles and other cannabinoids such as HU-210.5F-PCN. Drug precursors such as: acetic acid anbydride, heliotropin, alphaphenylacetoacetonitdle, norephedrine, safrole, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone (PMK), benzybmethyiketon, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylanthranilzour, ephedrine, isosafrole, ergotinic acid, ergo-gamine and other compounds commonly used in ergometryergamine can be cut, including: levamisole, procaine, benzoesine, fonaceting, lidocaine and paracetamol, Method according to claim 1, wherein the AV (potential) is in the range of 0 mV to 3,000 mV is located for detecting and identifying narcotics or their precursors, selected from the group consisting of cannabis, fentanyl, heroin, opium, morphine, paracetamol, 3,4-18 methylesndioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and other tenethylantne derivatives such as MDAL MDA , 1,3-benzodicxolyl-N-methylbutanamine (MBDB), amphetamine, 4-fluoroamphetamine, synthetic cannahinoids belonging to the following Classes: nafioylindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, naphthoylpyrroles, gamma-varbolines, ixlazole carboxamides according to claim 1, or claim 2 , in which step (d) is applied at least & ¢ n times and the second AV {potential} scan is within the range of mV to 3,000 mV to detect and identify narcotics or precursors thereof selected from the group consisting of owl ecgonine, methamphetamine, dhydroxybuiainzuu (GHB), heroin, opend, morphing, 3, d-melhyleendiaxy methamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and other phenethylamine derivatives, methiopropamine, asia jnzouranhydride, beliotropin, alfaphenylacetoacetonitrile, norephedrine, safrel, 3,4-methylenedinxyphenyl-2-propanone (PME), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylanthranilicur, ephedrine, tsosafrol, lysergine, ergotacetic acid, ergotzogramine. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which step {d) is applied at least once and the second AV {potential} scan is in the range of -1,000 mV to 3,000 roV for detecting and identifying narcotics or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of synthetic cannabinoids including: Naphthoylindoles, naphthylmethyhindols, maftovipyrrols, naphthyimethylindenes, phenylacetylindoles, benzoyindoles, cyclaheyxylphenols, gamma-carbolines, tetramethylevelopropylindoles, damantoylindoles, amino-amino-lin-5-amino, 5-aminoalkylindoles, indazole-carboxylic esters. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which step (d} is applied at least & one times and the second AV {potential} scan is within the range of 0 mV to -3,000 mV for detecting and identifying narcotics or precursors thereof , selected from the group consisting of cocaine, ketamine, lysergic acid di-ethylanude (LSD), cannabis including marijuana (cannabis leaf hem) and hash (camaba resin), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetaming (MDMA, ecstasy) and derivatives such as MDA, MDA, 1,3 benzodioxolyb-n-methylbutanamine (MBDB) and synthetic cannabinoids belonging to the following classes: naphtholindoles, naphthylmethylindoles, nafoylpyrroles, naphthylmethylindenes, tenylacstylindoles, benzoylindoles, cyclohexylphenols, gamma-carbolines, tetramethylyelopropylindoles, adamantoylindoles, indazole carboxamides, quinolinyl esters, aminoalkylindoles, and other cannabinoids such as HU-210.5F-PCN, acetic anhydride-methylenephthyloxyphenylphenyloxyphenyl-3, 4-saphyl-tonedlacetyl-oxyphen propanone (PMK), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylantraic acid, ephedrine, isosalrol, lysergic acid, ergometrine, ergotamine, phenylacetic acid, levamisole, procaine, benzocaine, phenacetin and lidocaine. 6. Method according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 5, wherein step (d) is applied at least twice and the third AV {potential} scan is in the range of 0 mV to 3,000 mV for detecting and identifying narcotics or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine, acetic anhydride, heliotropin, alpha-phenylacetoacstonitrile, vorephedrine, safrole, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone (PMK), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylanthranilic acid, lometric acid, ergosaphrine, isosaphroline, lometrin ergotamine, phenylacetic acid. Method according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, in which step {(d) is applied at least twice and the third AV (potential) scan is in the range of 0 mV to -3,000 mV for detecting and identifying drugs or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine levamisole, procaine, benzocaine, phenacetin and lidocaine. 8. Method according to clair 1, claim 2 or claim 3, in which step (d) is applied at least twice and the third AV (potential) scan is in the range of 0 mV to 3,000 mV for detecting and identifying drugs or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine acetic anhydride, heliotropin, alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile, norephedrine, safrole, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone (PMK), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudoephedrine, acetylanthranilic acid, lephedrin, ergotransilic acid, ergotergamic acid and phenylacetic acid. 9. Method according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 5, wherein step (d} is applied at least twice and the third AV (potential) scan is within the range of 0 mV to -3,000 mV for detecting and identifying drugs or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine, levamisole, procaine, phenacetin, lidocaine, acetic anhydride, heliotropine, alpha phenylacetoacetonitol, norephedrine, safrole, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone (PMK), benzyl methyl ketone, potassium permanganate, pseudyl-permranate , ephedrine, isosafrol, lysergic acid, ergometrine, ergotamine, phenylacetic acid. Method according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 5 or claim 9, wherein step (d) is applied at least three times and the fourth AV (potential) scan is in the range of 0 mV to 3,000 mV for detection. and identifying narcotics or precursors thereof selected from the group consisting of cocaine, methamphetamine, methiopropamine, synthetic cathinones such as methylenedioxypyrovalerone (mdpv), etheatchinion, 4-chloro-methcathinone, dimethyl-metheathinone, mephedrone and 4-methylethyl-cathinidine (phthylethyl-cathinidine ( PCP), 3 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and derivatives such as MDAIL MDA, 1,3-benzodionolyb-α-methyibutanamine (MBDB}. 11. Method according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 5 or elaing 9, in which step {d} is applied at least three times and the fourth AV (potential) scan is within the range of § 10V to -3,000 mV for detecting and identifying of anesthetic nudes or precursors thereof, selected from the group consisting of cocaine levamisole, procaine, benzoecaine, phenacetins and lidocaine. 12. Method according to claim 1, clan 2, claùn 9 or claim 10, in which step (J) is applied at least four 10 times and the fifth AV {potential} scan is within the range of 0 nV tet -3,000 mV for detecting and identifying narcotics or precursors thereof selected from the group consisting of white cocaine levamisole, provain, benzocaine, phenacetin and lidocaine.