Chemical security and terrorism: case of the identification of chemical substances involved in the design of improvised explosive devices in Burkina Faso
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64707/revstsna.v44i2.2129Keywords:
forensics, chemical identification, explosive substances, Burkina FasoAbstract
The chemical substances identification, particularly those involved in acts of terrorism, is an important step for effective control of the use of these products on the territory. Based on the analysis of samples collected from crime scenes and seizures during investigations, this study aimed to identify substances with explosive properties in each samples. Explosive charge residues were collected and subjected to two evaluation methods: a preliminary analysis by colorimetric detection and an identification analysis by Raman spectrometry.
The results of the analyzes carried out show several explosive substances, including ammonium nitrate identified as the majority component in most of the samples. Thus, out of 43 samples evaluated, 48.83% contain ammonium nitrate and 09.30% contain pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Other components such as lead azide, 3- nitrophenylhydrazine, sodium nitrite, silver nitrate, sodium (par)periodate have also been identified. These chemical compounds are known and can be obtained from products available on the local market, hence the need for effective control of these products use, in the current security context. This study shows the forensic research importance in the identification, control and traceability of chemical substances involved in the design of improvised explosive devices in Burkina Faso.
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