Infrared tech identifies ecstasy pill components.

Cutting-Edge Tech: Identifying Fake Ecstasy Pills with Lasers?

Beau Callahan in Tech & Innovation August 2025 • 3 min read.

"New infrared tech may be the key to harm reduction and help save lives."

Ecstasy, known for its mind-altering effects, is a popular recreational drug. But its unregulated nature means that what users think they're taking isn't always the reality. The pills can be cut with dangerous substances, leading to health risks and even fatalities. That's why scientists are constantly searching for ways to quickly and accurately identify ecstasy and determine its dosage.

In a new study, researchers are combining infrared spectroscopy with some high-powered data analysis to spot fake pills. The process could soon be used in harm reduction programs, music festivals, and even law enforcement to check ecstasy content on the spot.

The key is using infrared technology to “see” the ingredients, analyzing the light patterns to figure out if a pill is pure, cut with something dangerous, or just a complete fake.

The Science of Spotting Fakes

Infrared tech identifies ecstasy pill components.

The researchers used attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, a technique that bounces infrared light off a substance and analyzes the light that's reflected back. Different chemicals absorb and reflect light differently, creating a unique "fingerprint" for each substance.

To test this out, the team collected 267 ecstasy tablets during Belgian festivals in 2016 and 2017, and screened them using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and quantified the MDMA using UV-spectrophotometry. That gave them a baseline for what real ecstasy looks like. Then, they compared the infrared fingerprints of the tablets with the known profiles of MDMA and common adulterants.

Here's what the new tech offers:

Fast Identification: Infrared spectroscopy provides results quickly, which is crucial in real-world scenarios.
Accuracy: Combined with chemometrics, the method accurately identifies MDMA and estimates dosage.
Non-Destructive: The process doesn't destroy the sample, preserving it for further analysis if needed.
Mobile Detection: Allows for analysis on-site rather than relying on laboratory testing.

Data analysis is handled by chemometrics, which uses algorithms to find patterns in complex data sets. Researchers use chemometrics to identify MDMA and calculate its dosage, turning the infrared spectra into a clear understanding of what is in each tablet.

A Safer Future?

While the technology isn't perfect, it represents a significant step forward in drug safety. By providing rapid, on-site analysis of ecstasy tablets, it can help users make more informed decisions and reduce the risk of harm. This is especially crucial at music festivals and other events where ecstasy is commonly used.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.11.027, Alternate LINK

Title: Combining Attenuated Total Reflectance- Infrared Spectroscopy And Chemometrics For The Identification And The Dosage Estimation Of Mdma Tablets

Subject: Analytical Chemistry

Journal: Talanta

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: E. Deconinck, R. Van Campenhout, C. Aouadi, M. Canfyn, J.L. Bothy, L. Gremeaux, P. Blanckaert, P. Courselle

Published: 2019-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

How are researchers using infrared technology to identify fake ecstasy pills?

Researchers are using infrared spectroscopy, specifically attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, combined with chemometrics to analyze ecstasy tablets. This involves bouncing infrared light off a tablet and analyzing the reflected light. Different chemicals have unique infrared "fingerprints," allowing scientists to determine the presence of MDMA and any adulterants.

Can you explain how attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy works to detect fake ecstasy tablets?

Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy works by shining infrared light onto a sample and measuring the light that is reflected. Different substances absorb and reflect light in unique ways, creating a spectral "fingerprint." This fingerprint is then compared against known profiles of MDMA and common adulterants to identify the components of the ecstasy tablet. The spectral data, while complex, can reveal whether a pill is pure, cut with dangerous substances, or entirely fake.

What role does chemometrics play in analyzing ecstasy tablets with infrared spectroscopy?

Chemometrics is used to analyze the complex data obtained from infrared spectroscopy. It involves using algorithms to find patterns within the infrared spectra, allowing researchers to identify MDMA and estimate its dosage. By applying chemometric analysis, the infrared data is transformed into a clear understanding of the composition of each tablet. This analysis helps to overcome the limitations of interpreting raw spectral data.

What are the key advantages of using infrared spectroscopy for on-site analysis of ecstasy tablets?

This technology offers several advantages: it provides fast identification of substances, which is crucial for real-time harm reduction; it is accurate when combined with chemometrics; it is non-destructive, preserving the sample for further analysis if needed; and it allows for mobile detection, enabling on-site analysis. This means ecstasy tablets can be analyzed quickly at music festivals or other events, providing immediate information about their contents.

What are the limitations of using infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics for drug analysis?

While this technology represents a significant advancement, its effectiveness depends on the accuracy of the reference profiles used for comparison. The system's ability to identify novel adulterants or quantify substances present in very low concentrations could be limited. Furthermore, the successful implementation of this technology requires trained personnel to operate the equipment and interpret the results, and also the cost of the equipment. It does not replace comprehensive laboratory analysis, but provides a valuable screening tool.