Application of Raman spectroscopy for non-destructive detection of drugs

The escalating global challenge of illicit substance abuse involving marijuana, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy severely compromises individual well-being, societal stability and public health infrastructure. This exigency demands advanced detection methodologies featuring rapid analysis, non-destructive sampling and field adaptability. The study evaluates contemporary applications of Raman spectroscopy for multi-compound narcotics identification and proposes future methodological trajectories. Spectral fingerprint analysis of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (MA), ketamine and third-generation novel psychoactive substances (NPS) demonstrates the technique's inherent capacity for high-sensitivity detection with microliter-scale samples. Key technical advancements across Raman modalities include: Near-infrared Raman spectroscopy demonstrates reliable identification of MA in aqueous matrices; confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy demonstrates quantitative characterization of NPS; surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) demonstrates clinically relevant 500 ppb MA detection limits in urine; SERS applications: Hydrochloride MA identification in latent fingerprints and trace cocaine detection on currency substrates; spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) demonstrates non-invasive contraband identification through multilayered packaging and quantification of drug mixtures in opaque containers. Field validation trials corroborated the environmental robustness of portable Raman systems in simulated forensic scenarios. Consequently, despite persistent challenges including humidity-induced signal artifacts and incomplete spectral libraries for emerging synthetic compounds, these methodologies deliver operationally viable solutions—characterized by costefficiency, rapid analysis (