Is it possible to diferentiate analytically a coca user from a coccaine user?

Abstract

The objective of the study was to ascertain if urine analysis could be used to determine whether substance users were taking coca or cocaine. The study was carried out in the city of La Paz in Bolivia. Volunteer users were recruited and divided into three groups: those who chewed coca leaves, cocaine users and coca tea drinkers. Urine samples were taken from all of them, with the objective of detecting the amount of benzoylecgonine, and ascertaining if differences could be established between individuals or groups. When benzoylecgonine concentrations in urine fluctuated between 220 and 450 ng/ml, they corresponded to users in any of the three groups, it being impossible to discard or differentiate any one of them. When benzoylecgonine concentrations in urine were higher, and fluctuated between 451 and 560 ng/ml, they corresponded to those who chewed coca leaves or to cocaine users, without it being possible to discard or differentiate either of these two groups. The elimination of benzoylecgonine in the urine depends on the quantity of coca/cocaine ingested, the cocaine consumption method, personal metabolism and the quantity of liquid ingested/ eliminated but, on the basis of this study, it was not possible to ascertain to which group an individual belonged, although it was possible to establish significant group differences in accordance with the specific methods of use.