In recent years, the use of illegal substances has increased, particularly 'designer' drugs which have rapidly become part of youth culture. The need for all involved in drug control to have up to date information about the subject has never been greater. This book helps meet this need by providing a chemical background to the legal controls on drugs of abuse. Although focussed on the UK, some of the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act derive from international treaties; the discussion of technical aspects is therefore of wider relevance. Apart from the Act itself, the book also deals with certain aspects of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. There is detailed coverage of 'designer drugs' and the generic legislation that was introduced to tackle them. The more recent addition of 35 'Ecstasy'-like substances is covered in depth. The significance to the legislation of terms such as salt, base, stereoisomer, ester, ether, derivative, homologue and isotope are described, and the text is supplemented by 23 Tables and over 80 chemical structures. There are eleven Appendices covering topics such as precursor chemicals, related legislation, stated cases, sentencing guidelines and the chemical characteristics of commonly-abused drugs. Up-to-date lists of controlled drugs, with cross references to their status in UN treaties, are provided and a number of pending and other possible changes to the Act are included together with a guide to nomenclature and synonyms. Although primarily aimed at forensic scientists, this book will be of great benefit to all bodies concerned with drug control, including the police, customs officers, lawyers and government departments.

Reviews

"This volume is a must for all those, especially forensic scientists, in the UK whose role is to support the implementation of our drugs laws. It will also be a valuable volume for all those teaching this subject at University level. Those in other Countries responsible for formulating drug laws would do well to take on board the contents of this book. For a price of u25 it is difficult to think of a more informative volume and the author is to be congratulated."

* Science and Justice, Vol 43, No 2, 2003, p 119 *

"... a must for all those, especially forensic scientists, in the UK whose role is to support the implementation of our drug laws. It will also be a valuable volume for all those teaching this subject at University level. Those in other Countries responsible for formulating drug laws would do well to take on board the contents of the book."

* Science & Justice, Vol 43, No 2, 2003, p 119-120 *

"... although primarily aimed at forensic scientists, will be helpful to all chemists and legislators with an interest in illicit drugs law ... it may also be useful as course material for those studying for forensic science/forensic chemistry degrees.

* Bulletin of the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, Vol XXXIII, No 3, p 49-50 *



Book Information
ISBN 9780854046256
Author Leslie A King
Format Paperback
Page Count 124
Imprint Royal Society of Chemistry
Publisher Royal Society of Chemistry
Weight(grams) 380g