Riscos invisíveis: desvendando a química molecular por trás das drogas inalantes em apreensões no estado do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The use of illicit drugs of abuse, such as solvent-based inhalants, can cause severe acute and chronic complications to users, affecting the Central Nervous System. This study aims to evaluate the molecular profile of inhalant drugs known as "loló" and "lança-perfume" to establish an analytical procedure for the analysis and differentiation of these drugs. For this purpose, sixteen samples of inhalant drugs were seized and provided by the Civil Police of the state of Rio de Janeiro (PCERJ) through a technical collaboration agreement. The analyses were conducted without sample preparation using gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS). Each sample underwent two split-mode analyses, with and without solvent delay. This research also included a statistical assessment of the temporal trends and geographical distribution of seizures of inhalant drugs ("loló" and "lança-perfume") from 2014 to 2024. Qualitative analysis by GC-QqQ-MS identified 166 substances. Among these, 18 compounds were exclusively detected in "loló" samples, 108 solely in "lançaperfume" and 48 in both types. The primary distinction between these categories lies in the presence of flavoring agents, such as monoterpenes (limonene, pinene, and carene) and fruit essences (banana, grape, and orange). Additionally, toxic and carcinogenic substances were identified, including dichloromethane, trichloroethylene, toluene, and petroleum derivatives such as n-alkanes and aromatic compounds. The temporal trend assessment revealed an increase in drug seizures starting in 2020, peaking in 2022, possibly related to the growth in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic. Geographical analysis indicated a higher number of seizures occurring in the capital, Rio de Janeiro. Thus, the findings highlight the chemical complexity of these drugs, and the effectiveness of the GC-QqQ-MS analytical procedure developed, proving to be a valuable forensic tool for molecular elucidation and differentiation of these inhalants in seizures, and contributing to future forensic investigations as well as monitoring drug use and distribution.