Characterization of Ephedrine as Illegal Methamphetamine Precursors Based on δ15N, δ13C, and δ2H Isotopes: Their Application for Methamphetamine Profiling in Indonesia

Objectives: The δ15N, δ13C, and δ2H profile of the ephedrine as a methamphetamine precursor is fingerprint to describing its origin. origin one supporting data in profiling. In this research, isotope profiles natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic clusters were established. These applied predict from seized samples Indonesia. Methods: clustered two steps. Initially, pseudoephedrine various prepared, then methamphetamines synthesized 4 known using Emde Moscow routes. method mostly found Indonesia, also comparison. Elemental Analyzer-IRMS used analyze abundance ratio order establish clusters. This study was carried out total 20 identified precursors. Results: results showed that formed groups based on And similar those Conclusion: ephedrine/pseudoephedrine can be characterize precursor.