PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILING OF ILLICIT DRUGS IN THE WEST BANK (2020–2024): CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, DEMOGRAPHIC CORRELATIONS, AND SOCIETAL TRENDS (2020-2024)

Abstract

Background: The increased consumption of drugs in the West Bank is a major health risk to the community, especially with raise reports of drugs made locally that may contain some unknown components. Very little knowledge about the drug composition and additives makes it almost impossible to calculate their health risks. Identification and categorization of these substances are the first steps toward understanding their adverse health effects. In addition, the study of changes over time and the patterns of co-occurrence is important to be able to identify new drugs and changes in drug use habits. Objectives: The aim is to identify and classify the illegal drugs, adulterants, and cutting agents using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis conducted in the Forensic Laboratory Department (FLD) in the West Bank during 2020-2024. Besides that, it looks at changes over time, new substances, and combinations of substances. Methodology: The data is based on GC-MS analyses of narcotic samples that were done in the FLD. All illegal drugs, adulterants, and cutting agents were identified and classified according to international standards, and patterns of their co-occurrence were also analyzed. Results: After the examination of 3,340 drug samples seized, a total of 68 illicit substances were found and divided into four categories. The largest group was cannabinoids with 2,185 samples (65.42%); nevertheless, their dominance has slowly reduced. The phenethylamine derivatives and miscellaneous central nervous system (CNS) active substances came next, both showing significant increases. Even though opioids were found at relatively low frequencies, their presence was doubled. Furthermore, 82 adulterants and cutting agents were found, with caffeine, diphenhydramine, and paracetamol being the most frequent. The existence of combinations involving two, three, and four substances was also recorded. Conclusions: The substances were classified into four main groups, with cannabis being the most prevalent, with an increase in phenethylamine derivatives and miscellaneous CNS active substances. Individual substances constituted a large proportion, along with the presence of combination patterns and adulterants substance, indicating the evolving complexity of the market and the presence of local manufacturing. These findings paint a clear picture of the drug market in the West Bank and underscore the need for continued development of the health and security systems.