Drug-facilitated Sexual Assault Research Articles

Drug-facilitated sexual assault followed by femicidal chloroform poisoning and suffocation: A case-report of criminal responsibility

IntroductionCriminal responsibility evaluation represents one of the most controversial and debated issues in forensic psychiatry. Although clear procedures have been recommended, little research exists on decision-making process by forensic psychiatrists. We present a case assessing the criminal responsibility of a murderer who committed femicide as a result of chloroform poisoning and suffocation after a drug-facilitated sexual assault. Materials and methodsA.S., a 30-year-old female, was found dead in the home of S.P., a 50-year-old male. S.P. recounted killing A.S. by forced inhalation of chloroform, when the woman had experienced sensory clouding following unintentional ingestion of Zolpidem, a hypnotic agent. A multidisciplinary approach was taken to resolve the case. Autopsy, histological, genetic, and toxicological examinations were performed by a forensic pathologist, while a digital forensic examiner analysed electronic devices. A pool of three forensic psychiatrists and two psychologists was asked to assess the mental state of S.P. at the time of the crime. Results and conclusionsThe cause of death of A.S. was identified as a lethal chloroform intoxication in altered consciousness caused by Zolpidem, while homicidal suffocation was also described. Mobile forensics demonstrated that S.P. had videotaped the crime scene, clearly revealing that A.S. had been sexually assaulted by S.P. before dying. Criminal responsibility of S.P. was evaluated through various psychological tests and seven interviews with the accused, each lasting an average of 180 min. Specialists concluded that S.P. could not be exempted from being responsible for the homicide.

Correction to: Drug-facilitated sexual assault acceptance scale: construction and validation of a new scale in Spanish context

Correction to: Drug-facilitated sexual assault acceptance scale: construction and validation of a new scale in Spanish context

Uncovering forensic evidence of drug-facilitated sexual assault: Toxicological findings from Eastern Denmark from 2015–2022

In drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), the victim is unable to provide consent or resists sexual activity due to substance intoxication by voluntary or covert consumption. Obtaining forensic evidence of the assault is challenged by rapid drug metabolism and late sample collection. The objective of this study was to present toxicological findings and associated demographics from police reported sexual assault cases in Eastern Denmark from 2015 to 2022. A total of 369 sexual assault cases were submitted for analysis and a subgroup of 268 cases were categorized as suspected DFSA cases. The majority of the total sexual assault victims were women at the age 15–25 and the perpetrators were often unknown or an acquaintance. Time from assault to sample collection was slightly longer for suspected DFSA cases (12–24 h) compared to non-DFSA (<12 h). Positive toxicology was observed in 86 % of cases and the most common drug groups included alcohol (45 %), drugs of abuse (38 %), antidepressants (14 %), antihistamines (12 %), and benzodiazepines (11 %). Hypnotics were detected to a smaller extent (7 %). A total of 77 drugs were detected and the most commonly observed were cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cetirizine, amphetamine, diazepam and sertraline. The high level of observed alcohol and drugs of abuse indicated that most DFSA cases in Eastern Denmark were of an opportunistic approach rather than proactive.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault acceptance scale: construction and validation of a new scale in Spanish context

Abstract Aim To construct and validate a scale to measure the degree of acceptance of the population towards drug-facilitated sexual assault. Subject and methods The drug-facilitated sexual assault acceptance scale was validated in a sample of secondary school students (n = 485). For this purpose, the sample was divided into two subsamples (n1 = 240; n2 = 245), and exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to each of them. In addition, the reliability of the developed scale was analyzed using Cronbach's α. Results In the exploratory factor analysis, a scale of 15 items was obtained, divided into three factors: (a) Sexual Duty, (b) Drunken Effervescence, and (c) Sexual Success. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the results. In measuring the reliability of the scale, a Cronbach's α of 0.877 was obtained for the whole sample. Conclusion These results confirm the adequacy of the scale and its component items, reflecting its suitability for measuring the acceptability of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Thus, the drug-facilitated sexual assault acceptance scale provides a valid and reliable instrument specifically designed to measure the acceptability of drug-facilitated sexual violence.

On-site drug detection coasters: An inadequate tool to screen for GHB and ketamine in beverages

With drug facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) being alleged in 15–20 % of sexual assault cases, drink spiking is a serious concern for several people, casting doubts over the expected safety at events in public spaces. On-site drug testing material is often touted as a solution, allowing attendees to test their drinks for the presence of certain so-called “date-rape drugs”. In this manuscript, we aim to evaluate the efficiency of such a coaster device, manufactured by Drink Safe Technologies (Tallahassee, Florida, United States) and sold by Alco Prevention Canada (Laval, Québec, Canada), in detecting drink spiking by GHB and ketamine. From the onset, several generic arguments call into question the practicality of the test: limitations set by the manufacturer on drinks that can be tested, cost, waiting time, interpretation in suboptimal lighting and elevated limits of detection (LODs) compared to a standard recreational or impairing dose. More importantly, the test simply isn’t effective at detecting the targeted drugs. The GHB test reagent was identified as bromocresol green using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Therefore, it does not detect GHB, but any matrix with a pH higher than 5.5. The ketamine test reagent was identified as cobalt thiocyanate, a non-specific chemical commonly used in colorimetric drug testing. Performance tests were carried with more than 22 drug-free and drug-spiked (≥125 % of the LOD) matrices, including solvent solutions (water, methanol), fixed pH solutions, and an array of popular drinks (including wine, beer, cocktails and spirits). While specificity in drug-free drinks was 100 % for both GHB and ketamine, provided that the manufacturer’s limitations on drinks were respected, sensitivity in drug spiked drinks (at 150 % of the LOD) was 0 % for ketamine and between 31 % and 69 % for GHB, depending on whether one classifies inconclusive results as negatives or positives. We conclude that these coasters are an inadequate tool to screen for GHB and ketamine in beverages.

Comprehensive evaluation of the pharmacological and toxicological effects of γ-valerolactone as compared to γ-hydroxybutyric acid: Insights from in vivo and in silico models

Γ-valerolactone (GVL), marketed online as “Tranquilli-G” and “excellent Valium”, is used as a legal substitute for γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB); however, until now, GVL has only been connected to one Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) case. Moreover, the pharmaco-toxicological effects of GVL are poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the 1) in vivo effects of gavage administration of GVL (100–3000 mg/kg) on neurological (myoclonia, convulsions), sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile) responses, righting reflex, thermoregulation, motor activity (bar, drag, and accelerod test) and cardiorespiratory changes (heart rate, breath rate, oxygen saturation, and pulse distension) in CD-1 male mice and the 2) in silico ADMET profile of GVL in comparison to GHB and the open active form γ-hydroxyvaleric acid (GHV). The present study demonstrates that GVL inhibits, in a dose-dependent manner, sensorimotor and motor responses and induces cardiorespiratory depression (at a dose of 3000 mg/kg) in mice. The determination of the ED50 in sensorimotor and motor responses revealed that GVL is about 4–5 times less potent than GHB. In silico prediction of ADMET profiles revealed toxicokinetic similarities between GHB and GHV, and differences with GVL. These results suggest that GVL could be used as a substitute for GHB and should be added to forensic toxicology screenings.

Drug‐facilitated sexual assault in Africa: A scoping review of empirical evidence

AbstractBackgroundSexual assault has been a major social problem worldwide. Drug‐facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a form of sexual assault facilitated by psychoactive substances. DFSA is highly prevalent worldwide, though it is usually underreported. To understand the situation of DFSA in Africa, there is a need to map the available empirical evidence on DFSA in Africa. Hence, this scoping review was conducted to summarize the existing empirical knowledge and gaps in the literature and inform future research on DFSA in Africa.MethodsThis study adopted the design by the Arksey and O'Malley's guideline for scoping reviews. Without year limiters, literatures were retrieved through a systematic search of the 11 electronic databases using appropriate search terms and Boolean operators. The retrieved literatures were deduplicated and screened, using Rayyan, to identify eligible literature for inclusion into the review. Only those articles that met the eligibility criteria were included for data charting, collation, and summarization. Four articles were included in this review.ResultsFour articles were included in this review. The studies reported the characteristics of offenders and the context in which DFSA occurred. In the reviewed studies, rape of men was only reported among South Africans. Sedatives and alcohol are the most reported substances used in such rape. Perceptions of date rape, as documented by sexual assault survivors, suggest the pervasiveness of victim blaming. Typical DFSA cases appear opportunistic in nature, and an acquaintance is often the culprit. However, disaggregating DFSA as a specific sexual assault requires some logistics, including forensic and toxicological investigations.ConclusionDFSA is a significant dimension of gender‐based sexual violence. Infrastructure development should be improved to support systematic toxicological analyses and services to investigate and understand DFSA.

A Study of Illegality in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults (DFSA)

A Study of Illegality in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults (DFSA)

Toxicological analysis in victims of sexual and domestic violence: A retrospective study of a 3-year period (2018–2020)

This manuscript presents an epidemiological investigation carried out on abuse victims who accessed the Sexual and Domestic Violence Service (SVS&D) of IRCCS Ca’ Granda in Milan, Italy. The focal point of this research was the detection of alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit substances in victims who solicited help from the SVS&D center between 2018 and 2020. Over this three-year span, biological samples of blood and urine were procured from 207 victims, out of a patient pool of 2470. All collected samples were analyzed via High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).Toxicological examination results demonstrated that 43% of the cases tested positive for substances in 2018, 39% in 2019 and 60% of the cases in 2020. Overall, 45% of the victims tested resulted positive to some substance over a 3-year period, equivalent to 3.6% of the overall cases (2470 victims). Substances of toxicological interest were detected in 104 samples (out of 377, corresponding to 27.6%) belonging to 94 patients. The most detected classes of drugs were stimulants, antidepressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. Moreover, BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) indicated positivity in 25 cases (out of 184 cases analyzed - 14% of positive cases). Based on this study's findings, we recommend broadening the range of substances evaluated in drug-facilitated sexual assaults and establishing standardized protocols for both national and international implementation. Implementing procedures would significantly enhance forensic support provided to victims of abuse seeking healthcare services post-incident.

Ultrasound assisted membrane-assisted solvent extraction for the simultaneous assessment of some drugs involved in drug-facilitated sexual assaults by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A simple and highly efficient ultrasound assisted membrane-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) pre-treatment method for urine has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of twenty-two drugs involved in drug-facilitated sexual assaults (DFSAs) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. MASE was performed with 4.0 mL of urine (pH adjusted at 12), 400 μL of hexane as an organic solvent inside the polypropylene membrane, and ultrasonication (45 kHz, 120 W) for 10 min. A pre-concentration factor of 40 was achieved after evaporation (N2 stream) and re-dissolution in 100 µL of methanol. Analytes were separated using a Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column under gradient elution with aqueous 10 mM NH4HCO3 (pH 8.0) and methanol as mobile phases. Matrix-matched calibrations allowed the assessment of DFSA drugs of quite different octanol–water partition coefficients (Ko/w), from 1.32 101 for pregabalin to 2.45 105 for clomipramine (Log P values from 1.12 (pregabalin) to 5.39 (clomipramine)). The limit of detection (LOD) was between 0.0075 to 0.37 µg L−1, with analytical recoveries ranging from 73 to 103%, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) within the 2–20% range. The applicability of the method was demonstrated after analysing urine samples under forensic investigation.

More than meets the eye: a scoping review on the non-medical uses of THZ eye drops

Tetrahydrozoline is an alpha agonist imidazole derivative found in over-the-counter decongestive eye and nasal drops. The drug was patented in 1954 and was available for medical use in 1959. This drug recently gained the attention of law enforcement as it has been utilized in criminal activity such as homicide and drug-facilitated sexual assault. The aim of this scoping review is to scope the literature for all mentions of tetrahydrozoline eye/nasal drops use in a non-medical context to delineate areas of future research and development. We used Google Scholar and PUBMED/Medline databases to search for non-medicinal and criminal uses of THZ. The search word used was “tetrahydrozoline.” A total of 15 articles matched our criteria. Among the case reports, two (11.1%) cases reported on drug-facilitated sexual assault, and two (11.1%) cases used THZ eyedrops to attempt suicide. Incidental ingestion of THZ eyedrops was reported in eight (44.4%) cases, three (16.7%) cases of attempted murder were reported, two (11.1%) cases of intentional ingestion were reported, and one (5.5%) case was a combination of drug-facilitated sexual assault and attempted murder. The most common clinical presentation was unexplained and resistant bradycardia and hypotension. THZ eye drops can be used to produce false negative results on drug tests. This study recognizes that THZ can be used in non-medicinal and criminal uses. There is room for future research and development. More studies should be conducted to better understand the mechanism of action, therapeutic window, and toxicity levels among various age groups at different methods of intake and to find an effective treatment in case of overdose. Eyedrop and nasal decongestant bottles should be designed with child proofing to prevent incidental ingestion and should contain warning labels. A fast and alternative test to GC/MS can be developed to ease the diagnosis of THZ toxicity. Purchases of this medication may need to be monitored.

Hair analysis of selected drug-facilitated sexual assault substances using green supramolecular solvent extraction and LC-MS/MS analysis

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) investigations require the consumption history of certain drugs by the victim. Hair; as a keratinized biological sample, offers the possibility to perform retrospective quantitative analysis due to its large window of detection in comparison to other biological matrices. Many analytical methods have been reported to determine class-specific DFSA substances. However, generic methods able to determine multiclass DFSA substances and which are also more sustainable remain pending. In this paper, we develop an efficient and eco-friendly generic single-step extraction method, based on the use of a supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) made up of 1,2-hexanediol, to extract benzodiazepines, z-hypnotic compounds, cocaine and metabolites, amphetamine derivatives and other miscellaneous compounds involved in DFSA from hair. The proposed method offers a high extraction recovery (>86%) and acceptable matrix effects for 91% of the 23 tested substances, which cover a wide polarity range (log P from − 0.3 to 7.0). The estimated method detection and quantification limits were in the ranges 0.1–24.2 pg/mg and 0.4–80 pg/mg, respectively, and were lower than the recommended drug cut-off levels for all the studied substances, except for 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid. This fast and environmentally friendly method has been successfully applied to quantify DFSA substances in different hair samples.

Drug-facilitated sexual assaults: An impediment to the progression of Indian society

Globally, the number of crimes aided by drugs is rising. Both industrialized and developing nations are seeing an increase in the use of date rape medications. Any drug that can be used to facilitate the commission of a sexual assault is referred to as a date rape drug. Alcohol and other drugs, including gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, ketamine, and benzodiazepines, are frequently used in both sexual and nonsexual acts of violence. The most common types of date rape drugs include Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine. These drugs can cause dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and memory loss, making it easier for perpetrators to commit a sexual assault without the victim's knowledge or consent. Before committing the crime, the offender gives the booze or mixes the narcotics with meals or other beverages. DFSA (Drug-facilitated Sexual Assault) cases in India pose several challenges, including the lack of awareness and understanding of the issue, the difficulty in detecting and proving the presence of date rape drugs, and the inadequate support and resources available to victims. However, several solutions can be implemented, such as increasing public awareness through education and campaigns, strengthening laws to address the issue of date rape drugs specifically, providing better training to law enforcement agencies, improving access to medical care for victims, and increasing support and resources for survivors of sexual assault. These measures can help address the challenges and provide justice to the victims of DFSA cases in India. Therefore, I will be reviewing and explaining the various date rape drug types that are widely used in India, their mode of action on the human body, resulting effects, and the increasing number of challenges faced by our Indian society due to the emerging number of DFSA cases.

Minors and drug-facilitated sexual assaults: Between submission and chemical vulnerability.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a topic of growing social concern in recent years. Despite this, few empirical studies carried out in Spain have analysed the phenomenon from a preventive approach. The aim of this study, in addition to providing new evidence on DFSA, specifically in minors, was to identify possible associated variables, thus contributing to a better understanding of the problem and to the design of more effective prevention policies. To this end, a survey was carried out among minors in the autonomous community of Galicia. A total of 7,181 students aged 12 to 17 (M = 14.79; SD = 1.57) participated. Data collection was carried out by means of a self-administered questionnaire on paper. Data concerning DFSA were collected by means of specific items, piloted beforehand. Screening instruments for problem drug use (AUDIT, CAST, CRAFFT and EUPI-a) were also used. The results allow us to estimate the rate of victimisation by DFSA in Galician minors at 1.7%, of which only 11.4% would have reported it. Beyond the socio-demographic profile of the victims (females in 2 out of 3 cases), they present different patterns with regard to the pattern of problematic consumption of alcohol and other substances and the pattern of problematic use of the Internet and social networks, with a significantly higher prevalence of online risk behaviours. This suggests that this phenomenon goes far beyond sexual violence, so it is necessary to address it at a preventive level from a comprehensive perspective, including educational and public health perspectives.

Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault With Tetrahydrozoline (Visine): A Case Report.

This is a case presentation of an 18-year-old male victim who experienced a drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). The drug used to incapacitate him was tetrahydrozoline (Visine) given rectally. Tetrahydrozoline, intended for ophthalmic administration, is in the class of drugs known as imidazoline receptor agonists and has been used as an agent for DFSA since the 1940s. DFSA is increasing, particularly among young men. Care of victims of DFSA is discussed with particular attention to mental health sequelae in this patient population.

Urinary concentrations of GHB and its novel amino acid and carnitine conjugates following controlled GHB administration to humans

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) remains a challenging clinical/forensic toxicology drug. Its rapid elimination to endogenous levels mainly causes this. Especially in drug-facilitated sexual assaults, sample collection often occurs later than the detection window for GHB. We aimed to investigate new GHB conjugates with amino acids (AA), fatty acids, and its organic acid metabolites for their suitability as ingestion/application markers in urine following controlled GHB administration to humans. We used LC–MS/MS for validated quantification of human urine samples collected within two randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover studies (GHB 50 mg/kg, 79 participants) at approximately 4.5, 8, 11, and 28 h after intake. We found significant differences (placebo vs. GHB) for all but two analytes at 4.5 h. Eleven hours post GHB administration, GHB, GHB-AAs, 3,4-dihydroxybutyric acid, and glycolic acid still showed significantly higher concentrations; at 28 h only GHB-glycine. Three different discrimination strategies were evaluated: (a) GHB-glycine cut-off concentration (1 µg/mL), (b) metabolite ratios of GHB-glycine/GHB (2.5), and (c) elevation threshold between two urine samples (> 5). Sensitivities were 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5, respectively. Only GHB-glycine showed prolonged detection over GHB, mainly when compared to a second time- and subject-matched urine sample (strategy c).

Analysis of Forty-Two Psychoactive Substances in a Single Hair by Micro-Segmental Technique.

To establish an LC-MS/MS method based on single hair micro-segmental technique, and verify the detection of 42 psychoactive substances in 0.4 mm hair segments. Each piece of single hair was cut into 0.4 mm segments and extracted by sonication and the segments were immersed in dithiothreitol-containing extraction medium. Mobile phase A was the aqueous solution containing 20 mmol/L ammonium acetate, 0.1% formic acid, and 5% acetonitrile. Mobile phase B was acetonitrile. An electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode was used for data acquisition in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The 42 psychoactive substances in hair had a good linear relationship within their respective linear ranges (r>0.99), the limits of detection were 0.2-10 pg/mm, the limits of quantification were 0.5-20 pg/mm, the intra-day and inter-day precisions were 1.5%-12.7%, the intra-day and inter-day accuracies were 86.5%-109.2%, the recovery rates were 68.1%-98.2%, and the matrix effects were 71.3%-111.7%. The method was applied to hair samples collected from one volunteer at 28 d after a single dose of zolpidem, with zolpidem detected in 5 hairs was 1.08-1.60 cm near the root tip, and the concentration range was 0.62-20.5 pg/mm. The micro-segmental technique of single hair analysis can be applied to the investigation of drug-facilitated sexual assault cases.

Z-Drugs and their use in Drug-Facilitated Crimes: a review of the literature.

Z-Drugs are a category of non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drugs that include Zolpidem, Zopiclone and Zaleplon. They are all rapidly adsorbed and have a very short half- life, features that make them first-line treatment of insomnia and, in the meantime, first-choice drugs in cases of poisoning for criminal purposes. Z-drugs are frequently use in Drug Facilitated Crime cases (DFC) and Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA), namely crimes, robberies, extortion and sexual violence committed after administration of incapacitating substances able to induce sedative-hypnotic effects. In these circumstances, the psychoactive substance is considered as a weapon and constitutes an aggravating circumstance in the criminal act: accordingly, judicial authority legitimates the analytical determination of these substances. Currently, few tests able to detect such drugs are available in daily clinical practice. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effective utilization of Z-Drugs. We have analyzed the literature, focusing on cases in which the criminal use of such incapacitating substances has been demonstrated. Relevant scientific articles were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, EMBASE up to December 2022 using the following keywords: "z-drugs", "drug facilitated crime", "forensic toxicology". The resulting references were screened to exclude duplicates. In addition, non-English papers were excluded. This evaluation left 10 articles (8 case reports and 2 original studies) divided as follows: 1 case report of a DFC (robbery), 6 cases of confirmed DFSA, 3 cases of suspected DFSA, 2 original studies about DFC. The totality of the selected cases showed positive toxicological tests for a single intake of z-drugs. This work has shown the limitations of screening tests currently in use in the emergency rooms. Forensic toxicology tests should be introduced in daily clinical practice.

The Use of Volatile Substances in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: A Systematic Review.

Drug-facilitated sexual assault(DFSA) is a significant crime that is increasing in incidence. The employment of volatile substances such as chloroform and aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons in DFSAs is quite an unusual choice. The objective of this review is to explore the use of volatile substances in DFSAs. Using the PubMed database, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. Thereafter, citation searching was carried out within the included studies from the primary search. A total of five studies were eligible for inclusion. Chloroform was the drug used in the DFSA in three of the included studies, and aromatic hydrocarbons in the remaining two. Two of the offenders who employed chloroform possessed a unique way to access the drug: their degrees. The evidence found in the DFSA cases included a chloroform-scented scarf and a solvent-immersed cloth. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-electrospray coupled tandem mass spectrometry, toxicology assays of blood and urine, and solvent or hydrocarbon gas chromatography flame-ionization detection followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were among the investigations performed to detect the volatile substances. The implementation of stricter regulations on chloroform for employees in chemical industries and laboratories is recommended. In cases where the autopsy is unclear and there are conspicuous facial and airway injuries, it is prudent to collect an early sample for volatile substance analysis.

A highly efficient and portable laser-scribed graphene-based electrochemical system for forensic-oriented determination of acepromazine.

Acepromazine (ACP) is a phenothiazine derivative drug commonly used as a tranquilizer veterinary medication due to its sedative properties. Benefiting from sedative properties, ACP has emerged as a drug of abuse and has been associated with drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Herein, we report, for the first time, the electrochemical behavior of ACP using a miniaturized and environmentally friendly laser-scribed graphene-based (LSG) sensor fabricated on a polyetherimide (PEI) substrate. The LSG device presented high porosity, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of the PEI-LSG electrode confirmed the enhanced electroactive area (3.1-fold increase) caused by the rough surface and revealed a low charge transfer resistance of the electrode material, with a heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k0) of 8.66 × 10-3 cm s-1 for potassium ferricyanide redox probe. A simple and accurate method was applied to quantify ACP by using square wave voltammetry (SWV) under optimized experimental conditions, which exhibited high sensitivity (0.686 ± 0.008 A L mol-1 cm-2) and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 7.43 × 10-8 mol L-1, with a linear concentration ranging from 0.5 to 100 μmol L-1 ACP. Aiming for on-site analysis, the PEI-LSG sensor was integrated with a miniaturized potentiostat controlled by using a smartphone and applied as proof of applicability to ACP detection in commercial beverage and synthetic urine samples. These studies demonstrated adequate recoveries, ranging from 95.1% to 115.8%. The analytical parameters highlight the robustness and reliability of the proposed method for analyses of ACP directly at a potential crime scene.