In order to successfully counter the ever-growing drug problem, there is an increasing need to identify
conspiracy links and
trafficking routes and to gather background intelligence concerning both the number of sources of drugs and whether those sources are within a country or are “internationally” based and also the points of distribution and distribution
networks. A scientific tool to complement routine law enforcement investigative work in this field is the characterization and impurity profiling of seized drugs. The present manual is aimed at providing practical guidance to national drug testing laboratories that want to embark on heroin and/or cocaine profiling activities.
