Counterfeit Adderall Pills Identification with TacticID Mobile

Significance of the Topic

Counterfeit pharmaceutical products, particularly Adderall tablets adulterated with methamphetamine, present a critical public health concern. Rapid, accurate field screening methods are essential for law enforcement and first responders to detect and mitigate the distribution of dangerous illicit drugs.

Study Objectives and Overview

This case study evaluates the capability of a conventional 785 nm handheld Raman spectrometer versus the TacticID Mobile® 1064 nm handheld Raman system for identifying suspect counterfeit Adderall pills directly in the field. The goal is to demonstrate improved performance in overcoming fluorescence and detecting non-authentic pill components.

Methodology

Suspected counterfeit Adderall tablets were analyzed non-destructively through a point-and-shoot adapter without any sample preparation. Each device scanned the pill surface under ambient light, and spectra were matched against proprietary spectral libraries to determine the composition.

Used Instrumentation

• TacticID Mobile® handheld Raman spectrometer (1064 nm laser, fluorescence suppression, embedded library of over 1,200 narcotics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, IP68 rugged design, touchscreen and physical buttons).
• Conventional handheld Raman spectrometer (785 nm excitation, standard point-and-shoot adapter, limited fluorescence suppression).

Key Results and Discussion

The 785 nm system produced spectra dominated by fluorescence, yielding no library matches for the counterfeit pill. In contrast, the TacticID Mobile® system successfully identified the sample as a mixture of cellulose and caffeine, ingredients inconsistent with genuine Adderall formulation. A spectral comparison with an authentic Adderall tablet confirmed the absence of characteristic lactose and active amphetamine peaks in the counterfeit sample.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Non-destructive, on-site analysis accelerates decision-making for law enforcement and first responders.
• Fluorescence suppression at 1064 nm enables detection of colored or impure samples that challenge 785 nm systems.
• Embedded safety data (GHS, NFPA 704) and customizable reporting enhance operational efficiency.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in portable Raman technology may include expanded and user-curated spectral libraries, integration with mobile data networks for real-time intelligence sharing, and improved laser diodes for further fluorescence reduction. These developments will extend applications in pharmaceutical quality control, customs screening, and forensic drug analysis.

Conclusion

The TacticID Mobile® handheld Raman spectrometer, with its 1064 nm excitation and robust fluorescence suppression, demonstrates superior performance in identifying counterfeit Adderall tablets compared to conventional 785 nm devices. This capability provides a reliable tool for rapid, field-based narcotics screening and public safety protection.

References

1. U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division. Controlled Substance Schedules. Accessed April 2021.
2. WMUR. Methamphetamine pills designed to look like Adderall found across New Hampshire. Accessed April 2021.