Forensic toxicology is one of the fields in forensic science that involve detection and interpretation of the level of drugs and poisons for medico-legal cases. The usage of this discipline has been expanding recently and has develop into a mainstream forensic discipline. It requires highly intellectual personnel with sophisticated skills together with the usage of modern instrumental and isolation techniques to perform analysis. Besides, forensic toxicologist also needs to publish excellent judgement on the investigation and report the level of drugs & poison in the body of the individuals.
There are few cases where forensic toxicologist may be needed to perform their roles. Firstly, in road safety case. Drink and drive are a very bad habit that still being practiced nowadays. The offender did not realise their behaviour may give great impact to others people life. For example, in an actual case that happen 4 years ago, where a man, N. Mohan Rao, 48 man gets four years’ jail, RM15,000 fine for drunk-driving. He has been charged after finding him guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in the death of a policeman, and injuries to another. In these cases, forensic toxicologist plays an important role in determining the level of alcohol in the body of the offender. This is highly significant as the toxicologist findings will aid in the sentences given to the offender.
Next, for criminal matters and death investigations. Drugs and poisons may be used to commit suicidal activity and some may use for homicide. For example, in the most famous case that occur in Malaysia on 2017, Kim Jong Nam the eldest son of Kim Jong-il and half-brother of Kim Jong-un (Supreme leader of the North Korea), was attacked with the nerve agent VX at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia. This incident causes chaotic situation in the country as it involves relationship of the two country, Malaysia and North Korea at that time. Hence, forensic toxicologist and few others forensic expert were called to conduct the post-mortem on the victim’s body despite North Korean diplomats objecting to any such procedure. The autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death which is still under investigation at that time.
The post-mortem on Kim was conducted on 15 February at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital mortuary in the presence of several North Korean officials and concluded the following day with formally confirming the identity of Kim’s body. The autopsy was conducted by pathologist Mohamad Shah Mahmood of Kuala Lumpur Hospital, who testified that Kim’s lungs, brain, liver and spleen were affected by the poison. Chemical pathologist Nur Ashikin Othman testified that Kim’s urine showed the effects of being exposed to the poison. Low levels of cholinesterase indicated that Jong-nam had been exposed to an insecticide or nerve agent. Forensic consultant Dr. Nurliza bte Abdullah testified that Jong-nam’s pupil constriction, and the feces in his underwear, suggested he had been poisoned. The findings from toxicologist suggested that he died from exposure to poisonous gas. Their findings help investigators to resolve the case.
Forensic toxicology has becoming one of the important fields that require attention from all parties. This is because their usage and significance in forensic science are beyond doubt.
Written by: Ms Ilya Zulaikha