PFSA launches first-ever drug profiling in province

LAHORE: On the directions of Punjab Home Department, the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) has launched its first-ever drug profiling initiative, marking a significant advancement in the province’s fight against narcotics.

The Narcotics Unit of PFSA has analyzed cases across Punjab, identifying the types of drugs seized and their adulterants, providing a clearer picture of the drug trade in the region.

The drug profiling system offers an in-depth look at various narcotics, including Charas, Bhang, Cocaine, Ketamine, and Ecstasy, alongside identifying potential harmful additives that may be mixed with these substances. The analysis revealed that Charas, commonly known as hashish, is largely unadulterated, though there were some instances where it was mixed with substances like Lidocaine, an anesthetic, and Diazepam, a sedative. Bhang, a traditional cannabis derivative, was predominantly free of adulterants, but in some cases, it was found mixed with substances like Metronidazole, a common antibiotic. Profiling of cocaine seizures revealed various additives, including Lidocaine, Caffeine, and Dextromethorphan—ingredients that could pose additional health risks to users. The analysis also found that Ecstasy (MDMA) samples were frequently mixed with a variety of adulterants, including caffeine and other stimulants like Ephedrine. Ketamine, commonly used as both a medical anesthetic and recreational drug, was found in both powder and liquid forms, with a variety of additives ranging from Chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine) to Diazepam.