This current review focuses on contributions to amphetamine-type substances (ATS) analysis. This type of synthetic illicit drugs has been increasingly present worldwide reaching 5% of the market on illicit drugs in 2019. The increment of their production in many clandestine laboratories and easy distribution among society are two of the main concerns towards the battle against synthetic drugs. Therefore, the first part of this review details the classification and mechanism of action of ATS in the human body. Second, the pharmacological and toxicological effects of ATS on human health are described to motivate the need of early detection of ATS. Subsequently, the most used laboratory-based and portable methods are presented and critically discussed along the review. Finally, a careful discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of portable techniques employed on the field are addressed as potential tools for on-site ATS detection by law enforcement officers. Display omitted •The analytical techniques for the detection of amphetamine-type substances (ATS) are detailed.•The physiological effects of ATS in the human body are introduced.•The most used bench-top analytical techniques including sample preparation are described.•Portable methods for the detection of ATS in the field were compared.•Key challenges and prospects for a proper identification of ATS are discussed.