FSI is an associated office of the Department of Justice and Equality. The people working at FSI are scientists and analysts trained in forensic testing and reporting techniques supported by administration staff and number close to one hundred. We work together to deliver to best international standards, independent expert opinion, advice, training and research to support the Irish criminal justice system.

The analysis of materials thought to contravene the Misuse of Drugs Acts constitute the highest number of submissions to FSI. The increase in the abuse of New Psychoactive Substances puts additional pressure in this area where the analysis of new materials poses analytical challenges.
P.14: Figures 4 and 5 show the types of drug cases analysed by the drug section in 2016.

New drugs encountered in 2016 included:
• Benzodiazepine drugs: Phenazepam, Nitrazolam, Etizolam, Chlorodiazepam
• Cathinone (stimulant) drugs: Pentylone, Dipentylone, Dibutylone, Ethylhexedrone, N-ethylpentedrone, α-PVP, Clephedrone, MPHP, PV8 (α-PHP), PV9 (α-POP), Chloro-PVP, 4-chloro-α-PPP
• Synthetic Cannabinoids: 5F-MDMB-PINACA, 5F-AKB-48, 5F-PB-22
• Tryptamines (stimulant) drugs: Methyltryptamine, Dimethyltryptamine, 5-MEO MIPT
• NBOMe’s: 25I-NBOMe
• Fentanyl (Opiate-type) Drugs: Fentanyl, Pentanoyl fentanyl, 2-Flourofentanyl
• Other drugs: 3-Flourophenmetrazine (Stimulant-type drug)