Drugs and crime are inevitably co-related as a global contributor to major social problems. Goldstein’s work on psycho-social opportunities for drug abusers to commit crime identified the involvement of major illegal drugs like cocaine, MA, and heroin in various criminal activities including theft, burglary, robbery, and rape and in many unpredictable crimes (Goldstein 1985). Thus, the distinct significance of detection and identification of drugs in any drug-related crime by forensic scientists exists. The mentioned case was received for identification of a sample suspected as MA; however, inorganic salt was detected after various physical and chemical examinations according to a laboratory protocol. The different wavenumbers in identified compounds signify the different compounds as shown in Fig. 2a, b. The MA-FTIR data goes in correlation with the findings of Riyato (Riyanto and Nas 2016). The manifestations associated with the alleged role of STS should be imperative in the minds of investigating authorities while seizure. Investigating agency in a large part of northeastern India was confounded after they received information regarding “black paper turning into cash magic” where individuals were inclined to become from “rags to riches” effortlessly duped of their currency involving simple chemistry with chemical STS and duplicate currency notes (Times of India 2022; Bussiness Standard 2016; Express news service 2009). Forensic scientists were intrigued to understand the different roles played by STS which was leading to its large share of illegal trading. An immense connection is observed between drugs and crime signaling a rise in demand and supply. According to Taylor, imported and clandestine drugs like MA cause high levels of criminal activity (Taylor et al. 2011). This study deals with an important problem of current forensic interest having a high impact on society. Since STS is not covered under the controlled substance act, the drug peddlers walk free even if investigating agencies suspect them of carrying a scheduled drug as its crystals are look-alike MA. Oftentimes, drug traffickers use adulterants, diluents, etc. to increase the bulk quantity of drugs in order to maximize profit (Jennifer et al). STS is easily mistaken for MA due to its similarity in physical appearance and can be effortlessly used as camouflage because of its colorless, odorless, and stable nature of crystals (Material Hazzard sheets 2007), for not compromising on profit and availability. As drug abusers are mostly addicts and have developed a tolerance capacity toward drugs, they fail to understand the trick behind and increase consumption to have enhanced effects which may lead toward intoxication not only by the drug but also by the other ingredients present in it. Symptoms including nausea, vomiting, decreased hemoglobin, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, pyrexia, stomatitis, stomach cramps, metabolic acidosis, and also gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in large doses of STS (drug and disease), although its legitimate use lies as an antidote medicine where calculated doses are given for treatment purposes (Meillier and Heller 2015). Also, as far as our knowledge goes, no case has been reported as suicidal or homicidal poisoning from sodium thiosulfate. The common mode of administration for abusive drugs is mainly through snorting, oral, and injections whereas when STS is mixed with MA, the effect from snorting and injections will be delayed and the abuser will move for ingestion for quick action. The biochemical effects on the body will come into play as soon as STS reacts with HCL found in the stomach causing additional acidity (Dinegar et al. 1951). Also, evidence suggests that thiosulfate inhibits cytochrome c oxidase of the electron transport chain in yeast mitochondria and eukaryotes (Chen et al. 2021). Enzyme cytochrome c oxidase is necessary for the respiratory process, and its inhibition causes breathing trouble or dyspnea mainly acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary edema worsened by anion gap (Corwin et al. 2020). Asymptomatic acidosis is expected during treatment, but when out of proportion, this can have life-threatening effects due to a large anion gap. Although the pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood, it appears to be related to a derangement in calcium-phosphate metabolism as STS is acidic in nature (Hunt and Ryder 2018; Selk and Rodby 2011). Keeping in view of this mechanism of action on body which will not be paid attention in case of drug abuse death as the forensic scientist will be busy trying to detect MA during forensic analysis which is available only in traces or metabolized whereas the primary action was due to STS added in trafficked drug and its overdose. The salt imitating methamphetamine has diverse uses as in adulteration, trafficking to camouflage narcotics drug, and involvement in numerous other illegal purposes which has a crucial impact on society and its well-being. Therefore, the identification of drug is of greatest concern for law enforcement agencies, scientists, citizens, policymakers, and physicians.