The DEA Special Testing and Research Laboratory (Dulles, Virginia) recently received an exhibit of a blue-green, rubber-like material (total net mass 42 grams) that was alleged to contain cocaine (see Photo 5). The exhibit was acquired by a Colombian Anti-Kidnapping Unit in or nearby Villavicencio, Colombia, South America (circumstances of seizure not reported). The sample was coated with a white powdery residue, measured approximately 100 x 65 millimeters, and ranged in thickness from 1 to 3 millimeters. Field-testing of the material and the powdery residue did not indicate the presence of cocaine. Experimentation determined that the material would dissolve in water with vigorous vortexing, suggesting it was gelatin (not rubber or plastic) based. Analysis of a chloroform extract of the basified liquid by GC and GC/MS confirmed 13.6 percent cocaine (calculated as the hydrochloride) and aminopyrine (not quantitated). Further analysis of the white powdery residue by GC, FTIR-ATR, and microscopy confirmed that it did not contain cocaine or aminopyrine. While samples composed of various plastic matrices containing cocaine have been previously submitted to the Special Testing and Research Laboratory, this is the first submission of a water-soluble matrix containing cocaine. It is unclear how this material would be used as a smuggling aid; however, past reports have indicated use of similar materials in a wide variety of consumer products (suitcase linings, hat brims, clothing, etc.).
