The authors of the new work found that the DNA of criminals can be extracted from capsules and other prohibited substances,
Ph.D. Amy Griffin of the CollegeScience and Technology said the DNA profiles could also be compared to those found in other capsules to potentially uncover drug cartels that distribute illegal substances around the world.
This pilot study, the authors note, confirms that laboratory testing, such as pill packaging, can help investigate large shipments of drugs such as MDMA.
The researchers were able to extract DNA from 82% of the capsules. The amount of gene material extracted from the capsules ranged from 0.006 to 3,700 ng, with an average of 0.267 ng.
The authors also note the potential usefulness of a database with DNA profiles, which will help identify other members of crime syndicates.
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