Suspected Impaired Driving Case Involving α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, Methylone and Ethylone

This is the first reported case of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), methylone and ethylone in a suspected impaired driving case in the state of Washington. An initial traffic stop by law enforcement was made of a driver due to poor navigation of the roadway. The drug recognition expert (DRE) officer observed slurred speech, bloodshot watery eyes, dilated pupils, involuntary muscle movements and an elevated pulse and blood pressure. The DRE deduced that the driver was likely under the influence of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, specifically 'bath salts'. Routine testing of the blood did not reveal the presence of alcohol or common drugs of abuse. Upon further review of the officer's report and the unconfirmed identification of α-PVP, blood was sent to NMS Labs in Willow Grove, PA, USA for bath salts and stimulant designer drugs testing. Analysis was conducted by liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry with the following results: 63 ng/mL α-PVP, 6.1 ng/mL methylone and positive for ethylone. These results are consistent with the DRE opinion of driving performance being impaired by a CNS stimulant.