By Yun Suh-young
The prosecution has adopted a new and quicker method to detect the use of propofol as part of its efforts to crackdown on abusers of the psychotropic drug.
The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office said Sunday its laboratory in charge of narcotics detection under its Forensic Science Department has adopted the “propofol-glucuronide detection method” which enables investigators to quickly find out if someone has been injected with the substance.
The test allows investigators to detect propofol-glucuronide, a metabolite created inside the body after a person has injected propofol, which remains in the body for a longer period. It reduces the detection time to two hours from the current 48. The analyzing procedure is also simplified to two steps from the current eight.
The prosecution expects the test to be effective in cracking down on propofol users.
The new test is currently being used by detectives and prosecutors, and they have successfully detected propofol abuse by five doctors and nurses who were arrested Wednesday. Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic used by hospitals during operations or endoscopic procedures.
Also known as a “milk injection” due to its color, it was categorized as a psychotropic drug since February last year due to its seriously addictive and hallucinogenic properties. Celebrities have often misused the drug, Michael Jackson being a prime example. Jackson died from propofol abuse in 2009.
In April this year, Korean celebrity Amy, was arrested after fainting in a store due to the use of propofol. The prosecution requested a one-year prison sentence for her and she is awaiting a court verdict expected Thursday.