Over the years, officers have used both the #7604 Cobalt Thiocyanate test as well as the #7613 Cocaine Reagent for testing Cocaine HCl. With the introduction of Crack a number of years ago, it was discovered that the standard Cobalt Thiocyanate test would not easily identify Crack. Therefore, ODV made the recommendation that all testing for both Cocaine HCl and Crack should be conducted using the #7613 Cocaine Reagent.
This test utilizes a two ampoule system requiring a bright blue color reaction for both ampoules. The unique property of Cocaine HCl and Crack, when each of these substances are tested in the #7613 after breakage of the ampoule and agitation, causes a sticky residue (particles) to form on the inside of the tube itself. This residue will only appear when you have either Cocaine HCl or Crack.
In some instances, Base Caines like Procaine may, in fact, turn Blue/Blue in this two ampoule test. However, none of the Base Caines will ever present this same residue on the inside of the tube. From now on, be looking for this residue as part of your confirming process that the substance being tested is truly Cocaine HCl or Crack.
|
