Journal of Forensic Research

Qualitative Analysis of Illicit Heroin via Visual Examination for Forensic Intelligence

Abstract

Kar-Weng Chan, Guan-Huat Tan and Richard CS Wong

The qualitative information derived from the physical characteristics associated with heroin seizures has never been given emphasis. This study seeks to make use of the qualitative data for forensic intelligence purposes. A photographic setup is introduced for preserving the original conditions of the samples. The technique was found to be simple and inexpensive; it is also useful for general heroin profiling. The textures of the heroin substances, wrapping styles observed from the drug packages and the sealing on the package were documented. Upon analyzing 311 heroin cases, it was found that most cases contained coarse structures of heroin which were packed in packages bearing one packer’s seal with rectangular seal-marks. Possible interpretations for the observed variables are also given in this paper.