Griffin G510 App Note: Detection of BTMPS in Seized Powder on Griffin G510

Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS) is a UV stabilizer which was first detected in illicit fentanyl samples in the United States in late 2024. This chemical has not been studied
or approved for any medical use, is listed as a skin and eye irritant, and carries suspected reproductive toxicity. Authorities are unsure why BTMPS has been chosen as the latest fentanyl cutting agent, but it has now been reported in at least 29 states in the US.

Figure 1: Seized powder being collected for sample prep kit extraction

In response to an overdose incident in a Louisville, Kentucky parking lot, Anchorage-Middletown Fire & EMS Hazmat Team was called to analyze an off-white powder using their Griffin G510 (figure 1). Captain Chris Woodhouse and Sergeant Sam Kimbler extracted the sample using the Griffin Sample Prep Kit, injected the solution on the G510 (figure 2), and sent the results to Teledyne FLIR’s reachback team for additional analysis.

Figure 2: Result readout on simple user interface

Teledyne FLIR's examination of the data file revealed a large amount of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and relatively small amounts of 3’-methyl fentanyl, 4-ANPP (fentanyl precursor), and BTMPS
(figure 3). The relative concentrations of cutting agent and controlled substance are common in seized samples, and the Griffin G510 can generate positive identifications of all components in these complex mixtures in the field. This case proves the capability of the G510 in identifying novel substances in street samples and highlights the multi-agency efforts that bring this capability to communities.

Figure 3: Total ion chromatogram (TIC) for seized powder