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 (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.
The third day of the Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis for South Asia training program resumed with further sessions on Mass Spectrometry led by Mr. Francis Diamond. The content from Modules 03 and 04 continued with a deeper dive into LC/MS and Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. The session also included the example of the identification of fentanyl analogs.
Later in the day, Dr. Barry Logan presented an insightful session on Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Trends and Challenges, addressing the growing concerns surrounding NPS in the South Asia region. He discussed Public Health Alerts released in collaboration with the Colombo Plan and CFSRE, emphasizing the prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids (CB1 agonists), in South Asia. These substances are often found in herbal products (“Kush”, “Spice”, “K2”), vape liquids, and adulterated hashish. Examples of commonly detected NPS included AB-FUBINACA, 5F-ADB, MDMB-CHMICA, and JWH-018 (earlier generations). Dr. Logan also highlighted the growing issue of adulterated drugs, noting that many new drugs are being mixed with veterinary drugs and industrial chemicals to extend their effects or increase volume. This trend poses significant public health risks due to the toxicological complications of such adulterants.
Fentanyl analogs, and novel synthetic opioids (e.g. nitazenes, and benzimidazoles) were noted as particularly concerning adulterants appearing in drugs worldwide. A significant seizure of fentanyl itself has been seized in Bangladesh, although currently there are no reports of nitazenes in South Asia, however, that may be a function of testing capability. Dr. Logan also discussed the prevalence of methamphetamine and ketamine in counterfeit MDMA or Ecstasy pills. Finally, he discussed the emerging issue of Xylazine (a veterinary sedative), Medetomidine/Dexmedetomidine, and BTMPS, Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) a chemical light stabilizer being detected as adulterants.
Dr. Logan concluded the day with a presentation on the NPS Discovery Program and its Open Access Drug Early Warning System, showcasing several reports on newly emergent drugs. One notable public alert released in May 2025 concerned the discovery of tetramethylfentanyl-related substances and BTMPS in the drug supply.
To wrap up the day’s sessions, Dr. Logan introduced the International Toxic Adulterants Database (ITAD), highlighting the latest version—ITAD 4.0. This database, with data contributed by 42 laboratories across 30 countries, provides valuable information on emerging toxic adulterants. Dr. Logan explained how laboratories could gain access to ITAD and contribute their findings to enhance global awareness and research on toxic adulterants.
The fourth day of the training program, Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis for South Asia continued with Module 7: Sample Preparation presented by Mr. Francis Diamond from the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE). Mr. Diamond highlighted the significance of sample preparation in forensic analysis, emphasizing the need to free analytes in biological samples for accurate analysis. Techniques covered ranged from simple methods, such as Dilute and Shoot and Filtration, to more complex approaches like Monolithic Chromatography and Immunoaffinity. These techniques are essential for optimizing sample cleanup and concentration.
Mr. Diamond also presented on Module 6: Mass Spectrometry Interpretation Procedures, focusing on the importance of target values, isotope measurements, relative abundances of fragments, peak width measurements, and multiplier voltage. He also demonstrated the critical process of checking for air leaks during analysis.
In addition, participants had the opportunity to view instructional videos on Radian ASAP, covering aspects such as setup, sample preparations, and results interpretation.
To close the day’s sessions, Dr. Barry K. Logan from CFSRE introduced the LiveID software, guiding participants on how to create new projects, analyze data, and match results using libraries. This session was a valuable lead-up to the upcoming Week 02 Lab Practical Sessions (14–18 July 2025) at the National Narcotics Lab (NNL), under the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
The discussions also continued on the International Toxic Adulterants Database (ITAD) with the participants and database’s potential to assist in the successful development of national public health alerts.
The second week of the Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis for South Asia training program commenced today, 14 July 2025 at the National Narcotics Lab (NNL) of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB) in Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. This week is dedicated to practical sessions focused on the use of RADIAN equipment. Participants from Bangladesh, Maldives, and Nepal attended the morning session, while those from the NDDCB and the Government Analyst Department (GAD) of Sri Lanka participated in the afternoon session.
The training was supported by leading experts, including Dr. Barry K. Logan and Mr. Francis Diamond from the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), USA, and Dr. Ciara Pitman (Clinical and Forensics Sales Account Manager/Mid-Atlantic Region), Dr. Gorrela Taposh Kumar (Principal Application Specialist), and Mr. Mark Ritchie (APAC Customer Success Manager) from Waters Corporation. They focused on the technical aspects of the equipment and associated software.
Mr. Mark Ritchie commenced each session by providing a detailed overview of the LiveID software. He explained how to initiate a project, load and modify libraries, perform new library matching sessions, and interpret the results. The LiveID software could perform real-time library matching and facilitate direct analysis of MS (Mass Spectrometry) data. Following the introduction, Dr. Barry, Dr. Pitman, and Mr. Ritchie assisted participants in installing the LiveID software onto their computer devices.
The practical session then proceeded with Dr. Taposh and Mr. Francis, who led live demonstrations using the RADIAN equipment. They provided a step-by-step guide, starting with machine initialization, including MassLynx setup, checking nitrogen generators, ensuring no error indicators, and confirming gas readiness. They also demonstrated how to create the Master Project Folder, load samples, and acquire sample data, ensuring that all participants gained hands-on experience with the equipment.
On 15 July 2025, the 6th day of the Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis, the official handover of the RADIAN ASAP equipment from the U.S. Government to the National Narcotics Lab (NNL) of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB) in Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka, was held marking a pivotal step in enhancing Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat synthetic drug trafficking in the region.
The handover ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Hon. Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs – Sri Lanka, Sunil Watagala, Ms. Jayne Howell, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, H.E. Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes, Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan, Dr. Indika Wanninayake, Chairman of the NDDCB, Ms. Marcy Brown, South Asia Regional Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Ms. Sandya Rajapakse, Government Analyst of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Oranooch Sungkhawanna, Director of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program. Representatives from the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), USA, and Waters Corporation, along with participants of the ongoing regional training, also attended the ceremony.
Dr. Indika Wanninayake, Chairman of the NDDCB, opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to the INL, the Colombo Plan, CFSRE, and all partners. He highlighted the importance of this initiative in fostering regional partnerships and strengthening networks to address the growing challenge of synthetic drugs in Sri Lanka and in the region.
H.E. Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes emphasized the significance of the RADIAN ASAP equipment and the ongoing training, noting the United States’ role as the current council president of the Colombo Plan.
Ms. Jayne Howell, who assumed her role three weeks prior, described the RADIAN ASAP equipment as a cutting-edge, life-saving tool for Sri Lanka and expressed her anticipation for success stories from its use.
Hon. Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala underscored the critical need for advanced drug detection tools to tackle Sri Lanka’s challenges. On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, he extended heartfelt thanks to the U.S. government and the Colombo Plan for their generous donation of equipment valued at LKR 40 million.
The ceremony culminated in a ribbon-cutting performed by Hon. Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, Ms. Jayne Howell, and H.E. Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes.
Following the event, the participants resumed their lab sessions, engaging in hands-on training with the LiveID software and conducting practical exercises with the RADIAN ASAP equipment.
On July 16, 2025, the participants of the Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis training program continued their hands-on training with the RADIAN ASAP equipment. Expert guidance was provided by distinguished resource personnel, including Dr. Barry K. Logan and Mr. Francis Diamond from the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) in the USA, along with Dr. Ciara Pitman, Dr. Taposh Kumar, and Mr. Mark Ritchie from Waters Corporation.
The day’s sessions focused on essential aspects of forensic analysis, such as sample preparation and extraction techniques, data acquisition, including how to handle issues such as missing masses and overloads etc. Emphasis was also placed on practical skills such as understanding data transmissions, downloading data, data analysis and report generation with the LiveID software. They also delved into the complexities of fragment ions in mass spectrometry data.
On July 17, 2025, during Day 08 of the Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis training program, Dr. Barry K. Logan from the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), USA, provided a comprehensive recap of the training progress over the past two weeks. He highlighted the valuable practical sessions that had been conducted and offered specific guidance for the upcoming stages of the program.
One of the key points Dr. Logan addressed was the proper handling and reuse of capillaries, emphasizing the importance of not overloading the capillary when setting the RADIAN system. The CFSRE and Waters teams also reassured participants by responding to several concerns raised regarding the capillaries and their usage.
In support of the labs, the CFSRE provided each participating country lab with a package containing approximately 200 capillaries to aid in the continuation of practical experiments.
Dr. Logan also provided important updates on the ongoing improvements to the database, encouraging participants to share their LiveID files with the CFSRE team. This would allow the team to review their data and, where necessary, add certified reference materials (CRM) to the system. The discussion then shifted to critical aspects of data management, including the processes of data transmission, downloading, and analysis within LiveID, the functionality for running reports to facilitate comprehensive data review.
Following the informative discussions, the participants proceeded with hands-on practical sessions, further familiarizing themselves with the RADIAN equipment and refining their technical skills.
On 18 July 2025, the final day of the Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis training program, all participants gathered for a concluding session led by Dr. Barry K. Logan from the Centre for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), USA. The morning began with a comprehensive recap. Dr. Logan also addressed some of the remaining questions, discussed the latest database updates, and provided an update on the status of the instrument installations in other countries (Bangladesh, Maldives, and Nepal). He also outlined the next steps for the project.
One of the important reminders Dr. Logan gave was for each lab to test 100 authentic samples from casework and submit their data in the provided format to CFSRE by 20 August 2025. He also emphasized the need for each participant to produce a draft of the Public Health Alert format by the end of August 2025.
Later that day, the official closing ceremony was held, marking the successful conclusion of the two-week program. The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Commander (Retired) K.K.S. Kothalawala, the Director General (DG) of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB) – Sri Lanka, Ms. Marcy Brown, the South Asia Regional Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics at the U.S. Department of State (INL), Ms. Oranooch Sungkhawanna, the Director of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), as well as representatives from CFSRE, Waters Corporation, and all the participants.
In her address, Ms. Sungkhawanna expressed her gratitude to the NDDCB, the participants, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the training a success. She acknowledged the initial challenges faced with equipment shipment during the first phase, and praised the collaboration that led to overcoming those obstacles. She was pleased to see the active participation and interaction throughout the course and reiterated Ms. Marcy Brown’s earlier advice for participants to continue using the equipment, and share updates. Ms. Sungkhawanna emphasized the Colombo Plan’s commitment to supporting the participants and looked forward to hearing about their future successes. She also highlighted the importance of forensic training, thanked the INL for its funding support, and expressed appreciation for CFSRE and Waters for leading the training. Ms. Sungkhawanna concluded by congratulating everyone for completing the training, noting that it marked a significant step towards strengthening cooperation in South Asia—underscoring that this was the first training of its kind for forensic scientists in the region.
Ms. Marcy Brown from INL also expressed her gratitude to the Colombo Plan, NDDCB, CFSRE, Waters corporation and all participants, praising their hard work and dedication throughout the training. She reminded the group of three key points she had shared on the first day:
Dr. Barry K. Logan from CFSRE also shared his thoughts, acknowledging the diverse experiences and challenges the participants faced in their respective countries. He expressed his admiration for the capable and dedicated scientists who participated in the program and emphasized that the CFSRE team recognized all participants as peers. Dr. Logan also thanked the INL, and the Colombo Plan for their continued partnership and Waters Corporation for their valuable support. He concluded by expressing optimism about the future impact of the training and the collaborative efforts that would follow.
Finally, Commander (Retired) K.K.S. Kothalawala, the Director General (DG) of the NDDCB, delivered the closing remarks on behalf of Dr. Indika Wanninayake, the Chairman of the NDDCB. He extended his gratitude to INL, the Colombo Plan, CFSRE, and Waters Corporation for their generous support and unwavering commitment to the project. Commander Kothalawala wished all participants the very best in their ongoing efforts to combat drug-related challenges and improve public health in their communities.
As the ceremony concluded, all participants were presented with Certificates of Completion, marking the official end of the Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis training program.
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