Forensic profiling of Methamphetamine concealed in chinese teabags seized from multiple drug operations in the Philippines: A case report

Abstract

Establish the profile of Methamphetamine found inside Chinese teabags in the Philippines. Chinese teabags encountered by the PDEA Laboratory from March 2019 to June 2021 with labels “Guanyingwang”, “Chinese Pin Wei”, “Daguanying”, “Qing Shan” and “Alishan Jin Xuan Tea” were sampled and subjected to analysis. Different packaging varieties were noted for “Guanyinwang” and “Daguanyin” labels. The samples were profiled using GCMS and GCFID. The melting point was determined for each sample. Chiral analysis was done using GCFID. Impurity profiling was conducted using GCMS and GCFID. Adulterants were determined via Raman Spectrometer and GCMS. The chemical profile of the said samples were determined to evaluate possible trends and patterns, using recommended methods for methamphetamine profiling (UNDICP, 2000). The stimulant D-methamphetamine was the dominant chirality type among samples tested. However, L-methamphetamine were also detected. In terms of methamphetamine manufacturing starting material, almost all samples analyzed were produced via Ephedrine/pseudoephedrine route. Adulterants were determined in the samples seized from NCR, IVA and BARMM. These adulterants were alum, isopropylbenzylamine and sodium sulfate. No local clandestine laboratory detected yet for Chinese teabags, which supports the idea that it comes from overseas. Alarmingly, it seems that the majority of the source of methamphetamine in the Philippines is now shifting to the Golden Triangle Drug Syndicate that mainly operates on the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. The concealment trademark (Chinese teabags) of the Golden Triangle Drug Group, appears to be a diversionary tactic in order for other countries to think that its methamphetamine source comes from China. Chinese teabags labels noted in Malaysia and Thailand were “Qing Shan” and “Daguanying” (UNODC, 2019). The samples from seaport interdiction operation in Region V may imply possible local smuggling routes from Luzon to Mindanao or vice-versa. Importantly, the existing information provides vital intelligence lead among law enforcers and investigators dealing with anti-drug operations, as well as forensic chemists dealing with drug profiling and research works on methamphetamine concealed in Chinese teabags.