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Training on Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis for South Asia training program commenced today (07 July 2025) at the ITC Rathnadipa Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The training will be held until 18 July 2025. The first week focuses on classroom-style learning and second week is dedicated to hands-on practice with the equipment at the National Narcotics Laboratory (NNL) of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB). This training is part of the Colombo Plan’s Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) project, “Upgrading Forensic Labs Capabilities in South Asia,” which is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). In partnership with the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), USA, this project will strengthen forensic capabilities across South Asia.
Participants in the training include representatives from Nepal’s Central Police Forensic Science Lab, the Maldives Police Drug Lab, and Bangladesh’s Department of Narcotics Control, with three participants from each of these countries. Additionally, there are eight local participants from Sri Lanka, i.e.four from the National Narcotics Lab (NNL) of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB) and four from the Government Analyst Department. The training is being facilitated by Dr. Barry Logan, Chief Scientist at CFSRE, and Mr. Fran X. Diamond, Senior Instructor at CFSRE.
The opening ceremony was graced by H.E. Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes, the Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan, who delivered a keynote address underscoring the importance of this training in addressing the growing threat of novel psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs. These substances, often found in complex mixtures or adulterated with traditional drugs, present unprecedented challenges for forensic laboratories, law enforcement, and public health systems. Dr. Reyes emphasized that the training represents a key milestone in collective efforts to address one of the most pressing public health and security issues of our time.
Ms. Marcy Brown, the South Asia Regional Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics at the U.S. Department of State (INL), also spoke at the opening ceremony, stressing the importance of regional cooperation. She thanked all those who have contributed to organizing the training.
Ms. Oranooch Sungkhawanna, Director of the Colombo Plan’s Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), provided an overview of the Colombo Plan and DAP, and also outlined logistical arrangements and future phases of the project, which is scheduled to conclude in August 2025. She highlighted the Colombo Plan’s evolution and its key initiatives, including Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) and Drug Supply Reduction (DSR) programs. INL Program Specialist Mr. Sanat Thapa is also part of the U.S. delegation attending the training.
Following the opening ceremony, each participating lab gave a presentation on their operations, providing details on laboratory staff, scope of services, types of drug chemistry casework handled, annual case numbers, most frequently detected drugs, backlogs, and challenges faced. The presentations also highlighted resource gaps and training needs specific to each laboratory.
The training program officially commenced with the First Module on Functional Group Chemistry, delivered by Mr. Fran X. Diamond. This session marked the beginning of what promises to be an intensive and valuable training program for all involved.
The Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis for South Asia training program continued on Day 02
The Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis for South Asia training program continued on Day 02 (08 July 2025) with resource personnel from the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), USA. Dr. Barry K. Logan and Mr. Francis Diamond leading the sessions, diving into the topic of Module 02: General Chromatography Overview. This module covered a broad range of topics, including the history and evolution of chromatography, various types of chromatography, chromatographic theory, and Gas Chromatography (GC). Additionally, the session touched on the factors affecting retention times and the importance of internal standards in chromatographic techniques.
Following that, Modules 3 and 4 were delivered on General and Applied Mass Spectrometry. The content covered included the history and purpose of mass spectrometry, its theoretical foundations, ionization modes, and fragmentation patterns. Participants also explored different types of mass spectrometers, the key components involved, and the use of hyphenated techniques such as LC/MS. Atmospheric Pressure Ionization (API) was also discussed in detail. The session featured interactive discussions, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage deeply with the resource personnel.
In the afternoon, the CFSRE experts, along with the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) Director, Ms. Oranooch Sungkhawanna, Ms. Marcy Brown (the South Asia Regional Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics at the U.S. Department of State), and a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, made a courtesy visit to the National Narcotics Lab (NNL) of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB). The group toured the lab facilities and viewed the newly donated RADIAN ASAP equipment. The delegation also discussed key details regarding the readiness for Week 02 practical sessions, which will commence on 14th July 2025 at the NDDCB lab. They also discussed important details and the preparedness for the handover ceremony scheduled for 15th July 2025, which will formally symbolize the donation of the RADIAN ASAP equipment from the U.S. Government to the Sri Lankan Government.
