Characterization of Shabu (Methamphetamine) Sold in Iloilo City

摘要

Analytical profiles (Marquis color testing, infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry) for a transparent crystalline substance, suspected to be shabu, are established to ascertain the impurities and precursors of illegally prepared drug being sold in Iloilo City. Marquis' and Simon's test shows that the street sample is positive for methamphetamine. Methamphetamine was isolated and purified by acid-base extraction. Impurities were extracted with chloroform and the sample was analyzed to contain 5.06 ± 0.006% methamphetamine. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography - mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) data confirm the presence of methamphetamine in the street sample and revealed ephedrine as the major adulterant.