STATISTICS OF DATA RELATED TO AMAZING SUBSTANCES ANALYZED AT THE “LABORATORY OF CHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS” OF THE PALERMO SCIENTIFIC POLICE

The substances analyzed mainly at the “Chemical Investigation Laboratory” of the Regional Cabinet of Palermo, in the period from 2013 to 2018, are heroin and cocaine. For analytical techniques, mass spectrometry techniques associated with gas chromatography were used. Statistical analysis revealed a general increase in both the distribution and the average percentage of active ingredient in heroin, a substance currently available on the illicit market at a lower price than in the past, often cut with substances of synthetic derivation.Comparison of heroin seizure data in western Sicily and throughout the national territory shows a growth trend; in particular, in 2017 there is an average percentage of active ingredient of 17.0% in the national territory and 25.7% in western Sicily. About the spread of cocaine, an increase in the average percentage of active principle (in 2017, 68.0% in the national territory and 75.6% in western Sicily) is observed in the data relating to the analyzes performed and in the use of cutting substances, with a maximum increase between 2017 and 2018, especially due to the presence of adulterants used in order to enhance the desired effect. The current panorama leads to the conclusion that “prevention”, implemented through a suitable information campaign, is the instrument of choice for containing and controlling the spread of these substances with an amazing action, especially among adolescents. In this context, professional figures such as those of the pharmacist can play a fundamental role.