Integrating DNA and Chemical Profiling to Trace Illicit Drug Manufacture and Distribution

Abstract

Illicit drug materials represent a valuable but underutilized source of forensic intelligence. While chemical profiling is routinely used to trace drug composition and origin, the recovery of trace DNA offers the potential to link these substances directly to individuals involved in their manufacture and distribution. This study evaluates the forensic utility of integrating DNA profiling with chemical analysis to improve source attribution across different drug formulations. Pharmaceutical-grade simulants in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders were handled by volunteers under controlled deposition scenarios. DNA was recovered using moistened cotton swabs, extracted via automated silica-based workflows, and analyzed using STR profiling. In parallel, chemical fingerprints were generated through GC-MS and LC-MS, with sample classification based on retention time and mass spectral data. Capsules yielded the highest DNA recovery (median: 310 pg), followed by tablets (230 pg) and powders (18 pg), with single-source STR profiles obtained in over 85% of capsule and tablet cases. Chemical profiling achieved 85% accuracy for capsules, 78% for tablets, and 65% for powders. When integrated, the combined approach significantly outperformed individual methods, achieving classification accuracies of 97% for capsules, 85% for tablets, and 72% for powders (p < 0.01). These findings demonstrate the enhanced evidentiary value of dual profiling, particularly in cases involving degraded or limited DNA. The proposed framework supports a more comprehensive forensic strategy, enabling biological and chemical linkage of drug materials to persons of interest and manufacturing sources. This integrative approach offers critical advantages for law enforcement and prosecution in disrupting drug trafficking networks.

Keywords

Forensic genetics / Forensic science / DNA profiling / STR profiling / Trace DNA / Touch DNA / DNA recovery / Chemical profiling / Illicit drugs / Chemical fingerprinting / GC-MS / LC-MS / Forensic attribution / Trace evidence / Integrated forensics

Supplementary Materials

To support practical application, a comprehensive visual guide is provided as a supplementary file. It can be found at: https://www.sciepublish.com/article/pii/639. Supplementary Methodology: Integrated DNA and Chemical Profiling Workflow for Drug Evidence, presenting the step-by-step procedures used in this study.

Acknowledgments

The authors extend sincere gratitude to the colleagues and technical experts at the Biology and DNA Section, General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology, Dubai Police, whose expertise, collaboration, and unwavering support were instrumental throughout the execution of this research. Their contributions to laboratory access, sample processing, and analytical discussions greatly enriched the scientific outcomes of this study. Special thanks are also due to academic collaborators and faculty members at the School of Law and Policing, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) for their insightful guidance and continued encouragement. Their academic input and critical feedback were invaluable in shaping the interdisciplinary approach taken in this work. This study would not have been possible without the commitment of all participating volunteers and the institutional support provided by both organizations, whose joint efforts exemplify the power of collaboration in advancing forensic science research.

Author Contributions

S.K.A. was responsible for study design, coordination, forensic DNA analysis, data analysis, statistical interpretation, and drafting and finalizing the manuscript. A.A.K. contributed to sample collection, conducted forensic chemical profiling, and provided critical revisions and scientific input during manuscript development. Both authors reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Ethics Statement

This study was conducted in full accordance with the ethical standards and research governance protocols of the General Department of Forensic Science and Criminology, Dubai Police General Headquarters, Dubai, UAE. The research methodology—including participant involvement, DNA collection, handling of biological materials, and analytical procedures—was reviewed and approved by the relevant departmental oversight committee to ensure compliance with both institutional and internationally recognized ethical guidelines (Ref. No. STEMH 930, December 2024).

Informed Consent Statement

All volunteer participants provided informed consent prior to sample collection, and all experimental activities were carried out with strict adherence to protocols designed to protect participant anonymity, data integrity, and scientific transparency. The study upholds a strong commitment to ethical responsibility and scientific rigor, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of forensic science practice in both operational and research contexts.

Data Availability Statements

Not applicable.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to the conduct, analysis, or reporting of this research. There are no known financial, professional, or personal affiliations that could have influenced the study design, data interpretation, or conclusions drawn. All experimental procedures and analytical approaches were conducted independently and without external influence to ensure the objectivity and integrity of the findings presented.

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