Which of the following is a common method of evidence analysis used in drug identification?

Gas chromatography is a common method of evidence analysis used in drug identification due to its ability to separate and analyze compounds in a sample based on their volatility and the interaction with a stationary phase. In the context of drug identification, gas chromatography can effectively separate various substances present in a mixture, allowing forensic analysts to identify unknown drugs by comparing their retention times and mass spectra with known standards.

Gas chromatography is particularly useful for analyzing volatile compounds and has applications in forensic toxicology for identifying and quantifying drugs in biological fluids, such as blood or urine. The technique is often coupled with mass spectrometry to provide even greater sensitivity and specificity in identifying drug substances, thereby playing a crucial role in drug-related investigations.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned, while valuable in forensic analysis, are not primarily focused on drug identification. Mass spectrometry is instrumental when paired with chromatography but serves more as an identification method that complements techniques like gas chromatography. DNA profiling is used for identifying individuals based on genetic material and is not related to substance identification. Latent fingerprint analysis focuses on identifying individuals through their unique fingerprint patterns and does not apply to drug testing or identification.