Drug Analysis Service Training Manual
Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping the people of Canada maintain and improve their health. We assess the safety of drugs and many consumer products, help improve the safety of food, and provide information to Canadians to help them make healthy decisions. We provide health services to First Nations people and to Inuit communities. We work with the provinces to ensure our health care system serves the needs of Canadians. Également disponible en français sous le titre : Service d analyse des drogues Manuel des formations This publication can be made available in alternative formats upon request. Health Canada, 2013 Publication date: September 2013 This publication may be reproduced for personal or internal use only without permission provided the source is fully acknowledged. However, multiple copy reproduction of this publication in whole or in part for purposes of resale or redistribution requires the prior written permission from the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0S5 or copyright.droitdauteur@pwgsc.gc.ca. Cat. H129-2/1-2013E-PDF ISBN 978-1-100-22640-8 Pub. 130334
1. Objective To describe the training the Drug Analysis Service (DAS) provides to law enforcement personnel and how to organize a course including practical exercises with chemical reactions. 2. Background DAS has extensive experience handling drugs and dismantling clandestine laboratories as well as knowledge of risks and dangers associated with unknown chemical substances, such as the reactive or explosive properties of chemicals found in clandestine laboratories. DAS is committed to sharing the knowledge - it has acquired over time, and which is constantly being updated - with police officers investigating drugs and illegal laboratories to help them identify illegal substances, take samples appropriately, handle drugs and chemicals safely, and work safely when dismantling clandestine laboratories. 3. Responsibilities 3.1 DAS responsibilities To provide training in both official languages To negotiate with the client to develop a training curriculum To pay the travel and salary costs of DAS staff 3.2 Client responsibilities To use the form in Appendix A to request a training session To provide appropriate training facilities To provide a safe environment for practical exercises with chemical reactions To provide laboratory equipment and chemicals as negotiated with DAS To obtain permits required to handle controlled substances and precursors and to conduct practical exercises with chemical reactions To safely dispose of chemicals in accordance with all laws and regulations 3
4. Training Offered - Courses descriptions 4.1 Dismantling a clandestine laboratory We explain the role of a Health Canada chemist during clandestine laboratory investigations, describe dangers related to handling chemicals and discuss how to sample exhibits (a sampling exercise can be included in this training). Topics Role of DAS including the role of Health Canada chemists in a clandestine laboratory investigation When to call a chemist? Dismantling procedures steps in the process and participants roles Clandestine laboratory trends- drugs and the synthesis routes being used Safety measures Sampling practices Safe disposal of waste and chemical Chemical and physical hazards Examples of laboratories in Canada and around the world Clandestine lab statistics in Canada Teaching Material Slide presentation Handouts Drug synthesis video (if available) Other videos (if available) Information to distribute List of references used in the presentation Health Canada s publications (e.g. DAS Customer Manual) Relevant scientific articles, if they exist Practical Demonstrations (OPTIONAL SEE SECTION 4.4 FOR DETAILS) ** Drug synthesis demonstration 4
4.2 Drug analysis and identification This training is an introduction to drug identification for new investigators, describing DAS role in helping them to conduct a successful investigation. Topics Role of DAS (mandate and services provided) Identification and properties of drugs and other substances How to handle, prepare and submit exhibits to the laboratory Role of Health Canada chemists in clandestine laboratory investigations Statistics and trends Summary of clandestine lab activity in Canada Description of drug synthesis Teaching Material Slide presentation Exhibit sampling materials Health Canada exhibit labels Information to distribute List of references used in the presentation DAS Client Manual Relevant scientific articles if they exist Practical Demonstrations (OPTIONAL SEE SECTION 4.4 FOR DETAILS)** Cocaine base (crack) conversion GHB synthesis 5
4.3 Evidence and exhibit sampling An introduction to preparing and submitting exhibits to DAS. Topics Role of DAS (mandate and services provided) Identifying drugs and describing their properties How to handle, prepare and submit exhibits to the laboratory Completing the exhibit labels Teaching Material Slide presentation Exhibit sampling materials Health Canada s exhibit labels Information to distribute List of references used in the presentation DAS Client Manual 4.4 Practical Demonstrations** A demonstration of basic reactions can be done in DAS regional laboratories or in an appropriate facility provided by the client while a demonstration of advanced reactions will only be conducted in Health Canada facilities (or equivalent see 4.4.2). Important considerations These demonstrations need to be done in a safe environment. There are several safety and regulatory requirements. Handling chemicals requires appropriate safety equipment. When the exercise is done outside Health Canada laboratories, shipping of chemicals must be arranged according to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. After a demonstration, appropriate disposal methods for waste and chemicals must be followed. Basic Reactions: Cocaine base (Crack) conversion GHB synthesis Advanced Reactions: Methamphetamine synthesis MDMA synthesis PCP synthesis Others as negotiated with DAS 6
4.4.1 Synthesis demonstration done in Health Canada laboratories Location, safety equipment and materials provided by DAS DAS disposes of waste 4.4.2 Advanced Synthesis demonstration done outside of a Health Canada laboratory Safety measures to meet: The facility must be equivalent to a chemical laboratory, including: A well-ventilated area / fume hoods Spill kits appropriate for the chemicals used Emergency shower for decontamination Eye-wash equipment Fire extinguisher Personnel safety equipment - Each participant must wear: Safety glasses Laboratory gloves Lab coat or apron Closed toe shoes Accessories to keep long hair pulled back Terms to be negotiated between the client and DAS: Who will supply chemicals and laboratory equipment? Who will arrange chemical waste disposal including drugs? Who will supply safety equipment? Who will ship and/or transport material and chemicals to the demo site? DAS Responsibilities Provide information to the client on how to order chemicals needed for the exercise Supply laboratory equipment that has been agreed upon Other tasks as negotiated Client Responsibilities Provide a facility that meets safety and security requirements Order chemicals needed for the demonstration - as negotiated with DAS 7
Annex A Request for training Please return completed form by email or fax to: Montreal DAS laboratory: 450-928-4144; sad.longueuil@hc-sc.gc.ca Toronto DAS laboratory: 416-954-5923; das.manager.toronto@hc-sc.gc.ca Vancouver DAS laboratory: 604-666-0957; das.manager.burnaby@hc-sc.gc.ca 1. Organization / contact person asking for the training (name; organization; coordinates): 2. What type of training is requested: Dismantling a clandestine laboratory Drug analysis and identification Evidence and exhibit sampling 3. Is a practical demonstration requested: No Yes If yes, which one: Basic reactions Cocaine base (Crack) conversion GHB synthesis Advanced reactions Methamphetamine synthesis MDMA synthesis PCP synthesis Others as negotiated with DAS 4. Date or period when the training is requested: 5. Location where the training will take place: 6. Approximate number of participants: This section is for DAS use only This request for training is: Accepted Not accepted If not accepted, document why: If the training is accepted, specify the date and place where it occurred: