Training:
The quality of analysis conducted in a laboratory depends on a robust training program. For the development of training programs:

• SWGDRUG endorses and recommends the use of the ENFSI Drug Working Group document “ Education and Training Outline for Forensic Drug Practitioners."
  
• SWGDRUG developed the following sets of questions as a resource and training tool. The subject categories and questions are based upon the ENFSI Education and Training Outline for Forensic Drug Practitioners. Trainers may select questions as part of a training program or assessment exercise. Trainees may use these questions for self learning and personal development. SWGDRUG does not consider this list of questions to be comprehensive or compulsory; they are simply a resource to support the development of a well-rounded training program. Since questions should be answered with respect to local drug markets, laboratory procedures and legislative environments, answers have not been provided. The list of questions is considered as ‘a living document’ SWGDRUG invites contributions. Suggestions can be sent to swgdrug@hotmail.com.

  I. FUNDAMENTAL DRUG CHEMISTRY OVERVIEW

  1 Introduction to Drug Chemistry – What is a Drug?

  II. DRUGS OF ABUSE

  1 Cannabis

  2 Opium Alkaloids and Opium Derivatives (Heroin)

  3 Cocaine

  4 Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS)

  5 LSD and Hallucinogens (Mescaline, Psilocybine-Psilocine)

  6 Other drugs and pharmaceuticals

  7 Prohibited substances in doping control

  III. PRODUCTION/MANUFACTURE OF DRUGS OF ABUSE

  1 Precursors (Substances Frequently Used in the Illicit Manufacture of Narcotic Drugs or Psychotropic Substances)

  2 Clandestine laboratories

  IV. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES

  1 Separations and Extractions

  2 Presumptive (Color/Crystal/Precipitation/Anion)Tests

  3 Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

  4 Gas Chromatography (GC) including Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)

  5 High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) including Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS)

  6 Infrared Spectroscopy (IR, including FTIR)

  7 Ultraviolet/Visible Spectroscopy (UV/VIS)

  8 Special Techniques (NMR, CE, SPME-GC, GC-FTIR)

  V. LEGISLATION (UN, EU, National)

  VI. PROCEDURES

  VII. SAFETY ISSUES

  VIII. QUALITY ISSUES

  IX. COURT TESTIMONY