Identification and determination of norcocaine in illicit cocaine and coca leaves by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract

Routine gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric examination of illicit cocaine exhibits indicated the presence of norcocaine. Examination of coca leaves also demonstrated the presence of this alkaloid. Some illicit exhibits were also examined by high-performance liquid chromatography and were shown to contain more than 1% of norcocaine. No conclusions were possible regarding the source of this alkaloid.