Indexing

Abstract: The illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs, trafficking and non-medical use of these synthetic drugs are a global challenge. Development of pharmaceutical and chemical industries have contributed to the continued discovery and proliferation of synthetic drugs. However, only a few synthetic drugs mainly amphetamine type stimulant (ATS), in particularly methamphetamine and methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) have established robust global markets. Methamphetamine is probably the most widely used and supplied synthetic drug worldwide, and its manufacture and use continue to expand in South-East Asia, North America, South-West Asia, Africa and Europe. Methamphetamine continues to dominate the ATS market and trafficking is growing in non-traditional market.

Methamphetamine named as a synthetic stimulant drug and belongs to the amphetamine group (ATS). Methamphetamine come as a crystal, powder as well as tablet form.   Now in many countries, Methamphetamine manufactured in illegal illicit (clandestine) laboratories. The proliferation of clandestine laboratories manufacturing synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine, ketamine and etc., poses a significant threat to public health and law enforcement agencies in worldwide.

In May 2024, the Jaffna divisional crime investigation unit officers arrested a house in Jaffna, Sri Lanka suspecting it to be a clandestine laboratory for the production of illicit methamphetamine. As of the order of the Honorable Magistrate, the National Narcotics Laboratory (NNL) of National Dangerous Drugs Control Board was tasked to investigate the suspected clandestine laboratory. Accordingly, two official from the NNL visited and scrutinized the location. Further, equipment and chemicals were examined and samples were collected for further analysis. Presumptive colour tests were conducted at the scene. Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis was performed for the collected samples at the NNL. The analysis of the collected samples revealed the presence of methamphetamine which is a controlled substance in Sri Lanka.  

Keywords: Amphetamine Type Stimulant (ATS), Methamphetamine, Illicit Manufacture, Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS).

Title: Clandestine Methamphetamine Drug Manufacturing and Substance Use Disorders in Sri Lanka: A Case study on detection of Clandestine Methamphetamine Laboratory

Author: Mayoni Abeynayake, Indika Wanninayake, Maheshi Perera

International Journal of Recent Research in Physics and Chemical Sciences (IJRRPCS)

ISSN 2350-1030

Vol. 12, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 7-11

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published Date: 30-March-2026

Abstract: Background: Nicotine induces oxidative stress and alters brain functions, causing addiction and impeding brain development in children and young people. Psidium guajava (Guava) displays strong medicinal value and it is consumed for food and pharmacologic activities. Aim: This study aimed at investigating the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of Psidium guajava (Guava) aqueous leaf extract on the  nicotine-induced prefrontal cortex toxicity in adult male wistar rats. Methodology: Thirty (30) adult male wistar rats (150-200g) were divided into six (6) groups (n=5). Group A (control group) received only food and water ad libitum. Group B (Untreated) was injected subcutaneously with 0.1ml of 1% nicotine every 48 hours till the end of the experiment. Group C, D, E and F received same but were treated daily with 200, 400, 600mg/kg of PGALE and 100mg/kg of Vitamin E respectively. The experiment lasted 28 days. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after last treatment under ketamine (100mg/ml) as anesthesia. Neatly harvested brains were used for the biochemical estimation of tissue oxidative stress markers via homogenation and also for histological studies stained with H&E. Results: Nicotine treatment led to a significant decrease in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), an increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) and degenerative injuries in the microstructure of the prefrontal cortex evident by well-developed vacuolated cytoplasm and shrinkage of neurons. High doses of PGALE and Vitamin E led to a significant improvement in the antioxidant activity and preserved the normal histoarchitecture of the brain prefrontal cortex. Conclusion: Treatment with Psidium Guajava demonstrated strong dose-dependent antioxidant and neuroprotective potentials. This study justifies its use in traditional medicine.

Keywords: Psidium Guajava, Oxidative stress, Prefrontal cortex, Nicotine.

Title: ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES AND NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA (GUAVA) AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT ON THE NICOTINE-INDUCED PREFRONTAL CORTEX TOXICITY IN ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS

Author: Christian Chiemeka Ozor, Christian Chizuakupue, Anthony Ifeanyi Egwuatu

International Journal of Recent Research in Physics and Chemical Sciences (IJRRPCS)

ISSN 2350-1030

Vol. 12, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026

Page No: 1-6

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published Date: 31-December-2025