Fingerprint Drug Testing

Technology and the law are becoming increasingly more entwined.

Since the first drug testing measures were adopted in the United States in the 1960s, scientists have sought to develop quicker and more reliable means of identifying drug use.

And now scientists have revealed what they say is a revolutionary new method of testing for cocaine use simply using a person’s fingerprint. The new test is said to be ‘less invasive, more accurate and more hygienic’ than existing tests.

Meanwhile, NSW Police have indicated that they are training sniffer dogs to become more accurate when detecting concealed cocaine.

The ‘Line Detector’ Test

Scientists from the University of Surrey say that the new test is based on chemical indicators which are present in fingerprint residue.

What’s more, they say that the test can differentiate between users who have simply touched the drug and those who have actually consumed it. This is because a person who uses cocaine will ‘excrete traces of benzoylecgonine and methylecgonine as they metabolise the drug’ which will be present in fingerprint samples.

The fingerprint sample is then treated with a mix of methanol and water, before an instrument called a mass spectrometer is used to detect traces of the chemicals in the sample.

Scientists have lauded the benefits of the new test saying that it ‘can’t be faked’ and can be undertaken in mere seconds.

Better than Urine and Blood Testing

There have been many stories over the years about people who have switched urine samples in a bid to escape detection. Blood samples also have downsides at present; as it takes several minutes to take a sample, which can only be drawn by skilled staff – not roadside police officers.

Scientists have also flagged the biological hazards posed by blood, saliva and urine tests are another reason for reform. These tests also require specific storage and disposal methods.

US law enforcement agencies have already signalled that they may begin using the test within the next decade.

Issues With the Test

But despite the supposed benefits of the fingerprint test, there are a number of obvious concerns.

In the wake of the controversial metadata retention bill, it seems that the government and law enforcement agencies are being granted greater powers upon powers to incur keep a watch on our every move and obtain our personal information.

Fingerprint testing offers yet another convenient way for law enforcement agencies to obtain a person’s personal details before they have been charged with a crime, let alone convicted.

What’s more, a person’s fingerprint records can in certain circumstances remain on file – even if they are found not guilty of any offence.

In NSW, a person can apply for their fingerprint records to be destroyed, but this certainly does not always occur – and is ultimately a decision that is made by the Criminal Records Unit.

There are also reliability issues with fingerprints – with new technology making it possible for them to be altered or even cloned.

Drug Dogs Trained to Sniff Out Black Cocaine

In yet another development in the crackdown on cocaine, NSW Police have indicated that they are training sniffer dogs to detect ‘black cocaine.’

Police say that ‘black cocaine’ is a new method being used by drug traffickers to conceal the drug. It involves pure cocaine being mixed with substances such as charcoal, asphalt, ink toner and fingerprint powder in order to mask the scent and the appearance of the drug.

Following importation, drug traffickers are able to separate the pure cocaine from the charcoal before distributing it.

NSW Police are insisting that dogs are able to detect drugs regardless of the method of concealment; although there are reports that dogs have been receiving additional training to better detect black cocaine.

Only time will tell if the fingerprint technology and drug detection methods will have any impact on curbing cocaine use and distribution.