Comprehensive Profiling of Illicit Amphetamines Seized in Poland: Insights from Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Chemometric Analysis

The illicit production and distribution of amphetamines present significant challenges to public health and law enforcement, particularly in Europe, where these substances dominate the stimulant market. This study aimed to profile amphetamines consumed within a Polish community by employing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chemometric techniques to analyze their chemical composition and associated impurities. The optimized GC-MS methodology facilitated the identification of synthesis markers, precursor origins, and distribution patterns. Impurity profiling provided critical insights into regional production trends, including the use of specific precursors and adulterants. Chemometric analysis further enabled the classification of samples into distinct groups, shedding light on their origins and distribution chains. These findings underscore the potential of extending amphetamine profiling to include distribution-related compounds, offering a powerful tool for tracking production trends and enhancing forensic investigations in the fight against drug trafficking.