Introduction

Logo Index for Methaqualone, Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), and LSD - 2003

The 2003 LOGO INDEX is an updated image collection of methaqualone, ATS, and LSD dosage units submitted to the South African Police Service National Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The collection include all entries from the 2002 LOGO INDEX as well as more than 220 new images. The LOGO INDEX forms an integral part of the National Forensic Drug Intelligence Database (NFDID), which has as its aim the differentiation of drug seizures through physical and chemical "fingerprinting". Drug differentiation allows for the generation of strategic intelligence through the establishment of distribution profiles and common origin groups, as well as operational intelligence through the linking of cases based on sample-to-sample comparison.

Using the Index

Tablets are classified (coded/named) according to their imprint. Sub-classification is done based on diameter and colour. The image in the index shows the imprint found on each side of the tablet. Although every effort has been made to reproduce colours as true to the original as possible, slight variations may occur.

At the Forensic Science Laboratory the Logo Index is used to classify all relevant incoming dosage units against the standardized codes/names reflected in the index. This information, together with the analysis results(s), quantities received, and other relevant case information, is captured on the NFDID. This enables the laboratory to have instant access to detailed information e.g. how many times have Methaqualone Code 1.11 been submitted by investigating officer Sergeant Shole, under a Hillbrow reference during the period January to August of 2002. By referring to the LOGO INDEX and contacting the FSL, the investigating officer can gain access to this Information for strategic and operational intelligence purposes.

Contact Information

Acknowledgements

• The printed version of this project was funded by the local United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention - a special word of thanks to Gary Lewis for his support right from the inception of this project.

• Over the tangible project history of four years Elmarie du Buisson has been the glue that kept it together.

• The determination that André Koch showed in getting the first LOGO INDEX published in 2001 - against the odds - paved the way for the rest to follow.

• Forensic analysts are special people - they classified the dosage units relating to more than 10 000 cases to date - thank you!

Etienne F van Zyl
Commander: Drug Section, FSL

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