Detection of Etomidate-Class Psychoactive in a Seized Powder: Forensic Confirmation of an Anaesthetic-Derived Substance

Abstract

Illicit drug markets are shifting toward novel sedatives and anaesthetic-derived compounds outside conventional drug classes. Recent reports of etomidate-class substances in seized materials indicate changing patterns of misuse. In this study, a seized powder sample was examined using an orthogonal analytical workflow incorporating chromatographic, mass spectrometric, and spectroscopic techniques. The sample was identified based on retention behaviour, fragmentation patterns, mass accuracy, and complementary structural confirmation from FTIR and ¹H NMR data. Etomidate was identified as the major component, with metomidate detected at trace levels. The combined analytical evidence provided strong structural confirmation. These findings highlight the value of orthogonal analytical strategies for the reliable identification of emerging anaesthetic-derived substances in forensic casework.