A new field-test for cocaine as an alternative to the Scott-test for use in criminal investigation fields

Abstract

 The field test is a powerful tool for prompt identification of drug possession. The Scott test, which is widely known as the field test for cocaine, has a serious problem with specificity. The test results in false-positive for some drugs, and these false-positives may lead to erroneous arrests. In order to solve this problem, the authors developed a new field test for cocaine that is applicable for the criminal investigations of drugs. In the first step, blue precipitates appear in a cobalt thiocyanate solution in a known reaction. Then, in the second step, the blue coloration is faded by an additive and resulting in a colorless solution. For this, 2-Iodosobenzoic acid was the most effective additive. This new procedure combined with the Liebermann reagent or Mandelin reagent makes it possible to clearly discriminate between cocaine and other drugs that have previously resulted in false positives with the Scott test. Even a police officer without drug expertise can use this new test, which only requires adding reagents and stirring.