Forensic Science International 221 (2012) 113119

Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect

Forensic Science International

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/forsciint

Demystifying oxi cocaine: Chemical proling analysis of a new Brazilian drug

from Acre State
Ronaldo C. da Silva Junior a, Cezar S. Gomes a, Saulo S. Goulart Junior b, Fernanda V. Almeida b,
Tatiane S. Groberio b, Jez W.B. Braga b, Jorge J. Zacca c, Maurcio L. Vieira c, Elvio D. Botelho c,
Adriano O. Maldaner c,*
a

Forensics Department, Brazilian Federal Police Regional Superintendence in the State of Acre, Rua Floriano Peixoto, 874, 69908-030 Rio Branco, AC, Brazil
Institute of Chemistry, University of Braslia, PO Box 4478, 70904-970 Braslia, DF, Brazil
c
National Institute of Criminalistcs, Brazilian Federal Police, SAIS Quadra 07 Lote 23, 70610-200 Braslia, DF, Brazil
b

A R T I C L E I N F O

A B S T R A C T

Article history:
Received 11 November 2011
Received in revised form 12 April 2012
Accepted 16 April 2012
Available online 7 May 2012

Recent information from various sources suggests that a new illicit drug, called oxi, is being spread
across Brazil. It would be used in the smoked form and it would look like to crack cocaine: usually small
yellowish or light brown stones. As fully released in the media, oxi would differ from crack cocaine in
the sense that crack would contain carbonate or bicarbonate salts whereas oxi would include the
addition of calcium oxide and kerosene (or gasoline).
In this context, this work presents a chemical proling comparative study between oxi
street samples seized by the Civil Police of the State of Acre (CP/AC) and samples associated with
both international and interstate drug trafcking seized by the Brazilian Federal Police in Acre (FP/
AC).
The outcome of this work assisted Brazilian authorities to stop inaccurate and alarmist releases on
this issue. It may be of good use by the forensic community in order to better understand matters in
their efforts to guide local law enforcement agencies in case such claims reach the international illicit
market.
2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords:
Cocaine
Oxi
Oxidado
Acre
PeQui

1. Introduction
Between late 2010 and early 2011 it was widely reported by
various media sources that a new illicit drug, more devastating
than crack cocaine, called oxi or oxidado (oxidized), was
being spread across Brazil [15]. Also according to those reports,
oxi cocaine was rst detected in Acre, a state in northwestern
Brazil which borders with Bolivia and Peru. It would be used in the
smoked form and it would look like to crack cocaine: usually small
yellowish or light brown stones. As released by the media, oxi
cocaine would differ from crack cocaine in the sense that crack
would contain carbonate or bicarbonate salts whereas oxi would
include the addition of calcium oxide and kerosene (or gasoline).
Furthermore, the so-called oxi would allegedly be less pure and

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +55 61 20249369; fax: +55 61 20249370.

E-mail address: adriano.aom@dpf.gov.br (A.O. Maldaner).
0379-0738/$ see front matter 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.04.015

cheaper than crack cocaine, since it would be made up of wastes

and byproducts from crack cocaine production.
In fact, the existence of a drug called oxi was rst reported in
2005 [68] when a work done by Reard, a non-governmental
organization (Acres Harm Reduction Network) nanced by the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was released. Reard
was created to prevent STD/AIDS, but gained notoriety by
announcing the presence of oxi cocaine in Acre state and by
revealing its alleged composition. At that time Reards work had a
great impact in the media but, probably because it was considered
to be just a regional issue, it has not been further discussed in
subsequent years until 2011.
With regard to the origin of the denomination oxi or oxidado
(term in Spanish and Portuguese, meaning oxidized), some
evidences indicate that it comes from the process of preparing
cocaine, which usually involves cocaine oxidation steps.
Cocaine extraction from Coca leaves (mainly Erythroxylum spp.)
usually employs available organic solvents such as fuels (e.g.
kerosene or gasoline), inorganic bases [e.g. calcium oxide

114

R.C. da Silva Junior et al. / Forensic Science International 221 (2012) 113119

Fig. 1. Acre state and its municipalities.

(quicklime) and sodium carbonate] or acids (e.g. sulfuric or

hydrochloric acids) [9]. Depending upon the availability of these
ordinary substances, they may be replaced with chemical analogs.
The product of this rst extraction step is internationally known as
coca paste. In Brazil it is named pasta base de cocana and in Peru
and Bolivia it is known as pasta basica de cocana, PBC, PBC
bruta or simply pasta de coca.
In a second step, which may happen immediately after the
rst one, coca paste is dissolved in dilute sulfuric acid and
treated with an oxidizing solution usually containing potassium
permanganate. This is done in order to oxidize undesirable
alkaloids or impurities like cinnamoylcocaine [9] and the
product of this step is named coke base [10], a rened and
light colored solid substance, more valuable than coca paste in
the illicit market. In Brazil it is called cocana base and in Peru
and Bolivia it is known as base de coca, PBC lavada, pasta
lavada or pasta oxidada.
As Acre state is located in the border region among Brazil
(Portuguese speaking), Peru and Bolivia (both Spanish speaking),
there is a great exchange of terms in any communication and/or
negotiation process, a fact that is intensied in the illicit market,
where, as expected, there is not terminology standardization. So,
the term oxidado could be considered as a regional denomination
that refers to cocaine which has undergone oxidation yielding coke
base. An abbreviation created by drug dealers and users in Acre
state could possibly have led to the term oxi, which has grown in
popularity in Brazil.
Despite all the controversy surrounding this issue, recent
studies conducted by experts from the Brazilian Federal Police [11]
revealed that the oxi consumed in Brazil is not a new drug, as has
been reported by media sources.
In this context, this work presents a chemical proling
comparative study between oxi street samples seized by the
Civil Police of the State of Acre (CP/AC) and samples associated
with both international and interstate drug trafcking seized by
the Brazilian Federal Police in Acre (FP/AC), whose results assisted
the Brazilian authorities to stop inaccurate and alarmist releases
on this issue and might be used by the forensic community to
orientate the local law enforcement forces that there is not a new
drug called oxi in the international illicit market.

2. Materials and methods

2.1. Sampling
Acre is a northwestern Brazilian state located in the Amazon
region that occupies an area of 164,122.280 km2 and has a population
of 733.559 inhabitants [12]. In Brazil, the state is part of the
North Region, bordering with two other Brazilian states Amazonas
(to the north) and Rondonia (to the east) and two countries Bolivia
(to the southeast) and Peru (to the south and west).
Acre is divided into twenty-two municipalities, and its capital is
the city of Rio Branco. Its economy is based on the service sector,
agriculture and extractive activity. The industrial sector is still
under development [12]. Fig. 1 shows Acre state in the Brazilian
territory as well as the localization of each municipality. Due to its
proximity to cocaine-producing countries, Acre is known as a part
of an important route for drug trafcking in Brazil.
In this study a total of 20 cocaine street samples ofcially
classied1 as oxi cocaine samples by the CP/AC and 23 samples of
cocaine from FP/AC were analyzed. CP/AC samples were seized on
the streets between January 2011 and May 2011 at the cities of Rio
Branco (15 samples), Epitaciolandia (2 samples), Brasileia (1
sample), Xapuri (1 sample) and Rodrigues Alves (1 sample). FP/AC
samples were seized in interstate or international trafcking
conditions between December 2009 and May 2011 at the cities of
Rio Branco (12 samples), Acrelandia (3 samples), Cruzeiro do Sul (3
samples), Epitaciolandia (2 samples), Xapuri (2 samples) and Assis
Brasil (1 sample).
All samples were presented as stones, with colors ranging from
white, pale yellow to light brown.
2.2. Sample preparation
All the samples were prepared following the methods developed by the Brazilian Federal Police Chemical Proling Program
PeQui Project [13,14], as follows.
1
Based upon investigative information and ofcial documentation all cocaine
samples seized by CP/AC were formally pre-classied as oxi or oxidado before
being sent to the forensic chemistry laboratories.

R.C. da Silva Junior et al. / Forensic Science International 221 (2012) 113119

2.2.1. Sample homogenization

Samples were manually crushed and homogenized in the
presence of liquid nitrogen. The cryogenic procedure is adequate to
treat sticky cocaine base samples. In all cases the nal product
was a homogeneous and nely divided powder, which was used in
the following steps.
2.2.2. Sample preparation for quantication analysis
Amounts of 8.0 mg  0.5 mg of each previously crushed sample
were mixed with 10.0 mL of Internal Standards solution (2,2,2triphenylacetophenone 0.051 mg mL 1 and dipentyl phthalate
0.490 mg.mL 1 in chloroform) and carefully stirred until homogenization. Around 2 mL of those freshly prepared solutions were
transferred to glass vials, sealed and submitted to chromatographic
analysis.
2.2.3. Sample preparation for headspace analysis
Amounts of 100.00 mg  0.05 mg of each previously crushed
sample were transferred to 20 mL headspace glass vials and mixed
with 10 mL of Internal Standard solution (bromobenzene in DMSO
2.5 mL/mL) and 10 mL of aqueous Na2SO4 saturated solution. Those
vials were crimped and immediately analyzed by static headspaceGC/MS.
2.3. Infrared spectroscopy
Infrared spectra of solid homogenized samples were collected
in the 4000600 cm 1 wavelength region using a Thermo Scientic
Spectrometer, model Nicolet iS10, equipped with a SMART iTR
accessory.
2.4. Gas chromatography coupled to ame ionization detector (GC/
FID)
Quantication analysis was carried out in an Agilent Technologies 6890N gas chromatograph with a ame ionization detector,
using an Agilent Technologies 7683B Series autosampler, according to the following conditions. Injection volume: 0.2 mL; split
ratio = 50:1; chromatographic column: DB1-MS Methyl Siloxane,
25 m  200 mm (i. D.)  0.33 mm lm thickness; oven temperature program: 150 8C for 2 min, 40 8C min 1 to 350 8C for 4 min;
injection port temperature: 280 8C; FID temperature: 320 8C; and
carrier gas ow rate: 1.0 mL/min (helium).
2.5. Headspace coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
(HS-GC/MS)
Headspace analysis was performed with an Agilent Technologies G1888 Network Headspace Sampler coupled with an Agilent
Technologies 6890N gas chromatograph and an Agilent Technologies 5973 Inert mass spectrometer according to the following
conditions:
Headspace: 3 mL sample loop; autosampler oven temperature at
85 8C; transfer line temperature at 175 8C; loop temperature at
175 8C; vial equilibration time of 14 min; high shaking (mixing)
speed; loop ll time at 0.10 min; inject time at 1.00 min; vial
pressure at 14 psig; and pressurization time at 0.2 min.
GC: front inlet temperature at 180 8C; split ratio at 20:1;
chromatographic column, HP-PONA Methyl Siloxane,
50 m  200 mm (i.d.)  0.5 mm lm thickness; oven temperature program: 30 8C for 10 min, 20 8C min 1 to 150 8C for 0 min,
60 8C min 1 to 200 8C for 5.17 min; and carrier gas ow rate of
1.0 mL/min (helium).
MS: solvent delay of 3.0 min; mass range of 29200 m/z with a
scan time of 0.50 s per scan. EI at 70 eV; lament emission at

115

200 mA; ion source temperature at 230 8C; mass lter (quad)
temperature at 200 8C; and transfer line temperature at 280 8C.

2.6. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

Since 1989 it is described in the literature the behavior of
cocaine samples subjected to thermal analysis. Zamponi et al. [15]
developed a fast methodology using TGA and DSC for direct
analysis of mixtures containing cocaine. More recently Medeiros
et al. [16] developed a new method for examination of Merla by
thermal analysis, using Brazilian samples. As the oxi composition, would include the addition of calcium oxide and kerosene (or
gasoline), thermogravimetric analysis of selected samples can be
considered an adequate and powerful technique to complement
the results obtained by other analytical techniques.
Thermogravimetric curves were obtained using a Mettler Toledo
TGA/SDTA 851; Purge gas ow rate of 50 mL/min (nitrogen); heating
rate at 50 8C min 1, in the range of 251100 8C; initial sample mass
aprox. 7 mg; and alumina crucibles were used for the experiments.
2.7. Elementary qualitative analysis
Some elementary qualitative analysis (Ca2+, HCO3 , CO32 ,
starch and sugars) were performed by classical methods described
in the literature [17], as follows.
2.7.1. Removal of organic compounds
An amount of 150250 mg of the sample is placed in a test tube,
washed twice with 1 mL of ethyl ether and once with 1 mL of
methanol. To the remaining inorganic residues it is added 4 mL of
distilled water. This solution was divided into aliquot parts for the
following tests.
2.7.2. Ca2+ identication
On a 0.5 mL aliquot part from method Section 2.7.1 it is added
1.0 mL of 0.2 mol/L aqueous ammonium oxalate solution. The
presence of calcium ions is indicated by the formation of a white
precipitate.
2.7.3. HCO3 /CO32 identication
An amount of 150250 mg of nely pulverized sample is placed
in a test tube, added 1 mL of distilled water, stirred, and the
solubility noted. Then it is added ve drops of 5 mol/L aqueous
HNO3 solution. The presence of carbonate or bicarbonate ions is
indicated by the evolution of effervescence.
2.7.4. HCO3 /CO32 differentiation
On a 0.5 mL aliquot part from method Section 2.7.1 it is added
3 mL of 0.5 mol/L aqueous magnesium sulfate solution, stirred, and
the solubility noted. The presence of carbonate ions is indicated by
the formation of a white precipitate.
Next, the sample is ltered and the ltrate heated to the boil.
The formation of a white precipitate indicates the presence of
bicarbonate ions.
2.7.5. Starch identication
An amount of 2050 mg of nely pulverized sample is placed in
a test tube, added 0.5 mL of distilled water and heated to boiling.
Then it is added 12 drops of aqueous iodine solution (0.05 mol/L
I2/0.15 mol/L KI). The presence of starch is indicated by the
appearance of an intense blue color.
2.7.6. Sugars identication
On a 0.5 mL aliquot part from method Section 2.7.1 it is added
two drops of Molisch reagent (10% a-naphtol solution in ethanol).

R.C. da Silva Junior et al. / Forensic Science International 221 (2012) 113119

116

Table 1
FP/AC cocaine, phenacetin and cinnamoylcocaine levels and sample classications based on oxidation degree.
Sample

Cocaine (%)

Phenacetin (%)

Cinnamoylcocaine (%)

Cinnamoylcocaine/cocaine (%)

Classication

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W

50.1
56.8
57.2
60.9
65.6
69.7
71.8
71.9
73.2
75.5
76.0
76.3
76.3
76.8
77.5
77.7
78.0
78.4
78.4
80.0
80.9
82.6
85.1

10.2

0.4

3.9

0.7
3.8

0.6
10.1
0.4
0.5
2.1
1.8
4.9
5.2
1.3
10.9
8.7
6.1
1.3
2.6
5.8
5.7
9.9
6.5
3.8
0.7
9.9
10.9
9.3

1.1
17.7
0.7
0.9
3.2
2.6
6.8
7.2
1.8
14.5
11.5
8.0
1.6
3.4
7.5
7.3
12.7
8.2
4.9
0.8
12.3
13.2
10.9

Highly oxidized
Not oxidized
Highly oxidized
Highly oxidized
Moderately oxidized
Moderately oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Highly oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Highly oxidized
Moderately oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Moderately oxidized
Highly oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized

() not detected

Then, it is slowly and carefully added 1 mL of concentrated sulfuric

acid. The presence of sugars is indicated by the appearance of a
purple ring at the liquid/liquid interface.
2.8. Chemical analysis processing
Cocaine, cis- and trans-cinnamoylcocaine and some typical
cocaine adulterants (benzocaine, phenacetin, caffeine, lidocaine,
procaine, levamisole, hydroxyzine and diltiazem), all expressed as
bases, were quantied using methods validated in the scope of
Brazilian Federal Police Chemical Proling program (PeQui Project).
Classication of oxidation levels was performed applying DEA/
USA criteria: samples containing less than 2% of total cinnamoylcocaines with respect to cocaine are classied as highly oxidized;
between 2% and 6% are classied as moderately oxidized; more
than 6% are classied as not oxidized [18].
Not oxidized cocaine base was classied as coca paste, whereas
highly and moderately oxidized cocaine base was classied as coke
base. Not friable rock cocaine base samples that contain
signicant amounts of carbonates were classied as crack cocaine.
Total hydrocarbon level for each sample was semi-quantitative
estimated through headspace analysis by comparing the total
hydrocarbon area with the internal standard (bromobenzene) area,
whose concentration is known. Standard addition experiments
using gasoline and thermogravimetric analysis were conducted to
enhance the condence of the estimation ranges.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Brazilian Federal Police in State of Acre (FP/AC) samples
Infrared and elementary qualitative analysis performed on FP/
AC samples showed that all of them are composed of cocaine in the
base form, which may be consumed in smoked form.
The GC-FID analysis on FP/AC samples demonstrated a cocaine
purity ranging from 50% to 85% (mean 73%), mostly (57%)
composed of not oxidized cocaine (coca paste). The remaining
43% FP/AC samples were oxidized, and thus classied as coke base.
Table 1 summarizes the FP/AC results.
The only organic adulterant quantied in FP/AC samples was
the analgesic and antipyretic phenacetin, a typical adulterant

found in cocaine seizures from north Brazil. Phenacetin content

was found to be in a range of 0.410% in ve samples (Table 1).
Headspace analysis showed that complex mixtures of hydrocarbons (particularly C9C14), were estimated to be in small
quantities (<1%) for most FP/AC samples. Samples E and I showed
no hydrocarbon content and a small amount of acetone (<0.05%).
Samples H and J exhibited <0.01% of chloroform. The mass loss
temperature ranges (Table 2) were interpreted according to what
was established in the work of Medeiros et al. [16].
No diluents (sugar, starch, carbonates and bicarbonates)
adulterants were found by elementary qualitative analysis.
Thermogravimetric analysis of FP/AC samples also demonstrated
that they are mostly composed of organic components and that a
volatile loss of 0.26.0% (between 80 and 120 8C) could be
considered typical to bulk trafc cocaine seizures. It should be
emphasized that samples which are seized closer to large cities will
be traditionally more cut therefore presenting a different
thermogravimetric prole. Only one FP/AC sample (sample B)
exhibited a mass loss (2.99%) coherent with some content of
inorganic carbonate/bicarbonate (neither cations nor anions
detected by qualitative analysis). These data corroborate the
organic components quantication results, previously showed and
Table 2 summarizes TGA results for FP/AC samples.

Table 2
Results of selected FP/AC samples thermogravimetric analysis.
Sample

Volatiles (%)a

Organics (%)b

Inorganics (%)c

Residue (%)d

A
B
C
E
F
J
T
U
V
W

3.13
6.04
3.39
2.46
3.24
0.21
2.42
1.21
0.27
3.24

84.32
86.38
92.71
94.37
94.43
97.65
95.04
96.20
97.34
91.05

0.00
2.99
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

12.55
4.59
3.90
3.17
2.32
2.14
2.54
2.59
2.39
5.72

Considering the mass loss between 80 and 120 8C.

Considering the mass loss between 150 and 550 8C.
c
Considering the mass loss between 600 and 1100 8C which indicates carbonate/
bicarbonate degradation.
d
Considering the residual mass.
b

R.C. da Silva Junior et al. / Forensic Science International 221 (2012) 113119

117

Table 3
CP/AC cocaine, phenacetin and cinnamoylcocaine levels and sample classications based on oxidation degree.
Sample

Cocaine (%)

Phenacetin (%)

Cinnamoylcocaine (%)

Cinnamoylcocaine/cocaine (%)

Classication

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

29.6
43.2
43.2
43.3
46.8
50.3
55.6
66.6
71.0
73.2
73.5
73.6
79.6
85.0

18.3
13.3
22.0
1.5

14.6
19.8

0.4

0.7
4.7
0.8
5.1
2.4
1.9
6.8
5.1
5.9
5.8
6.7
1.6
7.0
6.2

2.5
10.8
1.9
11.7
5.0
3.8
12.3
7.6
8.3
7.9
9.1
2.2
8.9
7.3

Moderately oxidized
Not oxidized
Highly oxidized
Not oxidized
Moderately oxidized
Moderately oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized
Moderately oxidized
Not oxidized
Not oxidized

() not detected.

Table 4
Results of selected CP/AC samples thermogravimetric analysis.
Sample

Volatiles (%)a

Organics (%)b

Inorganics (%)c

Residue (%)d

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
13
14

1.28
1.17
3.59
0.85
2.03
3.46
1.70
1.38
1.21
0.95

67.74
78.03
90.84
69.72
69.17
88.58
94.89
95.25
95.63
96.02

17.80
13.64
0.00
20.41
22.81
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

13.17
7.16
5.57
9.02
5.98
7.96
3.40
3.37
3.16
3.03

Results from CP/AC samples are summarized in Table 3.

Phenacetin was also the only organic adulterant identied in
CP/AC samples, quantied in seven samples ranging from 0.4% to
22% (Table 3).
Total hydrocarbon content was estimated to be <1% for all CP/
AC samples. Chloroform was found in small quantities (<0.01%) for
samples 2, 8, 13 and 14.
Thermogravimetric and elementary qualitative analysis of CP/AC
samples demonstrated that four of them (samples 1, 2, 4 and 5) have
high amounts of inorganic components (sodium carbonates). This
formulation is quite typical of the crack cocaine illegally consumed
in Brazil. Table 4 summarizes TGA results for CP/AC samples.

Considering the mass loss between 80 and 120 8C.

Considering the mass loss between 150 and 550 8C.
c
Considering the mass loss between 600 and 1100 8C which indicates carbonate/
bicarbonate degradation.
d
Considering the residual mass.
b

3.2. Civil Police of the State of Acre (CP/AC) samples

Infrared and elementary qualitative analysis performed on 20
CP/AC samples showed that six of them are mainly composed of
cocaine in salt form (hydrochloride).
The presence of cocaine salt among CP/AC samples already
reveals a clear misconception about the classication of such drugs
as oxi, since cocaine in salt form is not normally suitable for
consumption in the smoked form (an alleged characteristic of oxi
cocaine). This demonstrates how the classication of cocaine forms
may be misleading if not based on sound scientic parameters.
Consequently, cocaine samples in the salt form were not further
used to perform comparisons in this work, since they cannot be
considered to be part of the supposed new drug called oxi.2
Infrared and elementary qualitative analysis has also conrmed
that the other fourteen CP/AC samples are composed of cocaine in
the base form, which may be consumed through smoking.
Therefore, these 14 samples were, at that time, still kept in the
study as potentially candidates to represent the so-called oxi
cocaine.
CP/AC samples exhibited cocaine contents in the range 2985%
(mean 60%). However, some of CP/AC samples presented lower
cocaine levels (2947%), which is consistent with more cut street
samples. Regarding the oxidation degree, CP/AC samples showed
similar results to the ones observed with FP/AC samples: most of
them (35%) were classied as not oxidized cocaine (coca paste).
2
The six CP/AC cocaine hydrochloride samples exhibited cocaine purities in the
range 5786% (mean 79%) and comprehended moderately (83%) to highly (17%)
oxidized cocaine samples.

Fig. 2. Comparison between CP/AC and FP/AC sample oxidation degree.

Fig. 3. Comparison between CP/AC and FP/AC cocaine levels.

118

R.C. da Silva Junior et al. / Forensic Science International 221 (2012) 113119

Fig. 4. Overlay of typical chromatograms obtained in the headspace-GC/MS analysis of CP/AC samples (above) and FP/AC samples (below).

3.3. Comparison between FP/AC and CP/AC samples

4. Conclusion

Fig. 2 shows a comparison between the CP/AC and FP/AC sample

oxidation degrees. It can be observed that the oxidation proles are
relatively similar. Approximately 60% of both FP/AC and CP/AC
samples are not oxidized cocaine derivatives, while the
remainder contains cocaine that has gone through some process
of oxidation (moderated to highly oxidized).
Fig. 3, in turn, presents a histogram of cocaine percentage
content for both CP/AC and FP/AC samples. It can be observed that,
in general, FP/AC samples exhibited higher cocaine purity levels
(mostly in the 6080% interval), as compared to CP/AC samples
(mostly in the 4060% and 6080% intervals).
It is also important to report that there is great similarity
between the proles observed in the CP/AC and FP/AC samples. In
all HS-GC/MS analysis, most of the signs refer to a complex mixture
of aliphatic hydrocarbons, mainly C9C14 (15.521.7 min), and
aromatics, especially benzene (11.52 min) and toluene
(14.65 min), which is consistent with the use of fossil fuels during
the extraction steps typical to produce base cocaine forms. It is
possible to observe signals of acetone and its condensation
products, like the relative high intensity signal for the 1,3,5trimethyl-benzene (17.80 min), indicating the use of this solvent in
some stage of the production of cocaine analyzed in this study.
Other signals of relative high intensity are generally observed in
8.85 min (chloroform), 18.59 min (methyl benzoate a cocaine
degradation product) and 17.14 min (bromobenzene internal
standard).
As an example, Fig. 4 shows an overlay of typical
chromatograms obtained in the headspace-GC/MS analysis of
CP/AC samples (above) and FP/AC samples (below), demonstrating qualitative and quantitative similarity of volatile components. Other studies are being carried out in our laboratory
concerning HS-GC/MS of volatile compounds in cocaine base.
Preliminary results indicate relevant statistical differences
between samples coming from seizures around the country,
indicating that links and correlations with a chemical proling
database might be possible. This study will be the subject of a
future publication.

Brazilian Federal Police in State of Acre (FP/AC) samples

exhibited cocaine in base form with purities in the range 50
85% (mean 73%) and are mostly (57%) composed of not oxidized
cocaine, in the form of coca paste. The remaining FP/AC samples
were oxidized, and were classied as coke base.
Civil Police of the State of Acre (CP/AC) samples, ofcially
classied as oxi, exhibited cocaine contents in the range 2985%
(mean 60%). Among these, 04 rock samples presented lower
levels of cocaine (2947%) and signicant amounts of carbonates,
which is typical of crack cocaine. Six additional samples are in the
form of cocaine salt (hydrochloride), which is not normally
consumed in smoked form (5785% of cocaine). Concerning the 10
remaining samples, 07 were composed of not oxidized cocaine
classied as coca paste (5585% of cocaine) and the last 03 samples
were classied as coke base, since they have being subject to an
oxidation process (4373% of cocaine). Fig. 5 summarizes the
cocaine forms identied in this work.
The only organic adulterant identied in this study was the
analgesic and antipyretic phenacetin, which was found in 05 FP/AC
samples (content range 0.410%) and in 07 CP/AC samples (content
range 0.410%).
Results obtained from TGA, HS-GC/MS and qualitative analysis
revealed that there are neither signicant amounts of calcium

Fig. 5. Cocaine forms identied in CP/AC and FP/AC samples.

R.C. da Silva Junior et al. / Forensic Science International 221 (2012) 113119

oxide (quicklime), nor hydrocarbon fuels (such as kerosene and

gasoline) in samples seized by the CP/AC ofcially classied oxi
cocaine. Thus, this work has not conrmed the information widely
spread in the media concerning the relevant addition of such
substances in the formulation of so-called oxi. In conclusion,
chemical proling analysis of samples seized in the State of Acre
indicates that there is not a new drug in the illicit market.
It was observed that different forms of cocaine have been
arbitrarily classied as oxi cocaine, without any objective or
technical criteria. The alleged oxi samples analyzed in this study
cannot be even classied as a new form of cocaine since their
major/minor components and even their possible adulterants are
the same as those found in ordinary forms of cocaine usually
seized. This study has also showed that, besides the use of
traditional street forms (crack or hydrochloride salt cocaine),
drug addicts are consuming both coca paste and coke base with
high purity levels (>60%), which are prone to generate pronounced
stimulant and psychotropic effects and to increase the possibility
of overdose.
5. Perspectives
The PeQui Project, although in early stages, is already answering
questions regarding drug issues, such as the existence (or not) of
new drugs in Brazilian market. It sheds light on an unexplored
sample universe, opening opportunity for understanding the ways
of production and processing of cocaine in the traditional
producing countries and in Brazil itself.
Acknowledgements
We thank Civil Police of the State of Acre for providing us the
cocaine street samples. PeQui Project is supported by FINEP/MCT
(01.09.0275-00), CNPq, BRA I90/UNODC/FP and INCTAA/CNPq.
References
[1] F.I. Bastos, A. Mendes, P.C.A.V. Duarte, N. Bertoni, Smoked crack cocaine in
contemporary Brazil: the emergence and spread of oxi, Addiction 106 (2011)
11901193.
[2] R. Cabrini, Oxi A Nova Droga, SBT, Brazil, November 2010 Available at: http://
www.sbt.com.br/conexaoreporter/reportagens/reportagem.asp?id=41 (accessed
25.08.11).

119

[3] C. Benevides, Derivado de cocana e mais letal que o crack, oxi destroi jovens e
criancas no Acre, Jornal O Globo, Brazil, April 2011 Available at: http://oglobo.globo.com/pais/mat/2011/04/16/derivado-de-cocaina-mais-letal-que-crackoxi-destroi-jovens-criancas-no-acre-924261516.asp (accessed 25.08.11).
[4] G. Elizondo, Inside Brazils toxic drug culture, Al Jazeera, Qatar, 7 May 2011. Available:
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/05/201151795043176476.html
(accessed 25.08.11).
[5] T. Phillips, Oxi: twice as powerful as crack cocaine at just a fraction of the price, The
Guardian, United Kingdom, 31 May 2011. Available: http://www.guardian.co.uk/
society/2011/may/30/oxi-crack-cocaine-south-america (accessed 25.08.11).
[6] STD/AIDS National Program/Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, Final
Report: Using RARE Methodology with Vulnerable Populations, Brazil, 2005.
[7] N. Viana, Oxi: a new drug in the Amazon, The Narco News Bulletin, 13 May 2005.
Available: http://www.narconews.com/Issue37/article1288.html (accessed
25.08.11).
[8] M.V.O. Andrade, Oxi ou pasta base? Revista Percia Criminal 21 (2005) 1113,
Available at: http://apcf.org.br/LinkClick.aspx?leticket=WUiViGHT66M%3d&
tabid=81 (accessed 26.08.11).
[9] CICAD/OAS, Chemicals Used in Illicit Drug Production, Washington, DC. Available:
http://www.cicad.oas.org/reduccion_oferta/eng/Resources/Chems/Engchem%
20manual%20revFeb_04.doc (accessed 25.08.11).
[10] J.F. Casale, R.F.X. Klein, Illicit production of cocaine, Forensic Sci. Rev. 5 (95) (1993)
96107.
[11] A.O. Maldaner, J.J. Zacca, M.L. Vieira, E.D. Botelho, R.C. Silva Junior, C.S. Gomes, S.S.
Goulart Junior, F.V. Almeida, T.S. Groberio, J.W.B. Braga, Oxi cocaine in Brazil: a
new drug? in: Proceedings of the 19th International Association of Forensic
Sciences World Meeting, Funchal/Madeira/Portugal, September 1217, 2011,
Available at: http://www.iafs2011.mj.pt/ (accessed 23.01.12).
[12] IBGE Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, States Acre, Brazil.
Available: http://www.ibge.gov.br/estadosat/perl.php?sigla=ac, 2010 (accessed
25.08.11).
[13] S.S. Goulart Junior, F.V. Almeida, A.O. Maldaner, E.D. Botelho, Quanticacao de
cocana e principais adulterantes por GC-FID: desenvolvimento e validacao, in:
Proceedings of the 34th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Chemical Society, Santa
Catarina/Brazil, May 2326, 2011, Available at: http://www.sbq.org.br/34ra/
(accessed 08.10.11).
[14] T.S. Groberio, J.J. Zacca, J.W.B. Braga, Comparacao de amostras Ilcitas de cocana
atraves de analise de solventes residuais e metodos quimiometricos, in: Proceedings of the 34th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Chemical Society, Santa Catarina/
Brazil, May 2326, 2011, Available at: http://www.sbq.org.br/34ra/ (accessed
08.10.11).
[15] S. Zamponi, R. Curini, F. Dascenzo, S.D.A. Curtis, A. Marino, Thermal analytical
techniques applied to the narcotic eld: cocaine analysis, Thermochim. Acta 153
(1989) 1126.
[16] R.I. Medeiros, N.R. Antoniosi Filho, M.I.G. Leles, Development of forensic
analytical chemistry method for examination of Merla by thermal analysis
and high resolution gas chromatography, J. Therm. Anal. Calorim. 97 (2009)
337342.
[17] A.I. Vogel, Textbook of Macro and Semimicro Qualitative Inorganic Analysis, 5th
edition, Longman Group Ltd., London, UK, 1979.
[18] J.F. Casale, P.A. Hays, S.G. Toske, A.L. Berrier, Four new illicit cocaine impurities
from the oxidation of crude cocaine base: formation and characterization of the
diastereomeric 2,3-dihydroxy-3-phenylpropionylecgonine methyl esters from
cis- and trans-cinnamoylcocaine, J. Forensic Sci. 52 (4) (2007) 860866.