Evidence Collection Handbook - DRUG IDENTIFICATION

Drug evidence includes powders, liquids, tablets, capsules, or plan samples suspected of being or containing legally controlled substances. It includes marijuana, peyote, opium, LSD, heroin, and cocaine. This evidence does not include the identification of drugs in blood, urine, or pathological specimens; these samples are categorized under Toxicology (see the Toxicology Section). Many kinds of suspected poisons and, of course, non-controlled drugs are also examined by the drug chemists. All of the forensic laboratories in this state provide this service.

Value.

Identification of a controlled substance is necessary to prove many violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Drugs have been used in a number of poisoning cases.

Information Determined.

1. The major question to be answered by drug chemists is what is the major active ingredient or ingredients present in a sample.
2. The cutting agents, or other powders added to dilute the active ingredient, can also be determined upon request as can the quantity of the active ingredient present. Quantitations, due to the fact that they are very time consuming, are only done in select cases.

Collection of Sample

Tablets and Capsules.

1. Tablets and capsules should be counted and each type separately packaged. This prevents cross contamination in handling. If the same type of capsule or tablet is found in more than one location, separate packaging is necessary.
2. Submit an adequate sample size. Generally speaking, it is best to submit all of the sample up to one-quarter (1/4) pound. Frequently more than one tablet or capsule is needed for the extraction and identification of the active ingredient. While the chemist may be able to do this with one, it is more time-consuming.
3. Tablets and capsules are frequently broken in handling; therefore, the container should be able to prevent the powder from leaking out. For this reason, it is best to enclose the sample in a plastic bag or, if it is a small quantity, a folded paper packet (see Appendix B) before placing it in an envelope.
4. Each container should be initialed and dated.

Powders.

1. In small quantities, powders are best collected in vials, plastic bags (without holes!), or a folded paper packet. (See Appendix B).
2. Each package should be initialed and dated.
3. Unless otherwise advised by the laboratory, submit all the powder up to a quarter pound in weight. If quantitation is desired, however, it is necessary to have all the powder for proper mixing.
4. In the event that submission consists of valuable material such as pounds of cocaine or a large amount of currency which is to be checked for traces of cocaine, call the laboratory for an appointment and be prepared to wait several hours for the proper sampling procedures and extraction procedures to be carried out in your presence.

Liquids.

Liquid samples are to be collected in capped vials to prevent spillage. Again, the vials are to be initialed. Sample size should be up to one pint.

Plant Material.

Plant material that is controlled includes marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.). the peyote cactus, the opium poppy, and various species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

1. Submit all of the plant material up to ten pounds.
2. Samples from separate locations should be individually packaged.
3. For bales of marijuana, call first for advice. Obtain a gross weight, and take samples from various areas of each bale if the lab advises it cannot sample it while the investigator waits at the lab. Package each sample separately and label as to which bale it came from.
4. Do not submit potted or large, whole marijuana plants to the laboratory. Take a sample as described in paragraph 5 and place it in a envelope. The plants must have at least the second set of leaves, not counting the seed leaves, before they are submitted to the lab. If the plants are small enough to submit the whole plant (without the soil), package each separately; otherwise, the plants will stick together and be difficult to separate for counting and analysis.
5. In those cases involving the cultivation of marijuana in which the quantity of five (5) or more plants is significant, it is recommended that a sample from each of five (5) to ten (10) plants be removed and placed in individual envelopes. A good sample would consist of a handful of leaves. If plants are flowering, some of the flowering tops should also be included in the sample. For your own notes, a total count of plants and a measurement of the area of cultivation should also be made and recorded. It should be noted that the precise amount to be submitted to each lab varies somewhat and that it would be a good idea to check with the lab which covers the area involved.
6. Do not put fresh samples in plastic. Use paper bags or envelopes. With fresh samples, there is a large quantity of moisture present in the leaves; therefore, it is best to package such plant samples in paper. Plastic-enclosed, wet plant material will cause condensation of moisture and fungal growth. A common fungus in such samples can cause serious respiratory diseases. Fungal and bacterial degradation can turn a leaf sample into unidentifiable mush.

Clandestine Laboratories.

Probably no other area of law enforcement requires as much chemical knowledge as does the investigation of clandestine drug laboratories- laboratories illegally making controlled substances or their analogs (similar compound that may or may not be controlled). Clandestine laboratories contain flammable, explosive, toxic, and carcinogenic chemicals, and these chemicals are most often used by inadequately trained personnel with inadequate equipment and facilities. This situation poses serious hazards. To make matters worse, some of these labs have been booby-trapped.

It is essential that the lab be notified as early as possible if it is to be of assistance in shutting down one of these labs. Inform the chemist of the types and quantities of chemicals known or suspected to be in the laboratory or ordered by it so that it can be determined what is being made. This will allow planning for the safe dismantling of the operation and for the proper sampling and disposal of the chemicals. Court orders should be obtained authorizing the disposal of the chemicals found at the site after sampling. Notification of the fire department is also recommended.

Body Cavity Searches.

Periodically drugs are hidden by suspects in body cavities. For the safety of the investigator, laboratory personnel, and court personnel, air dry the evidence. Then place it in a manila envelope. The evidence package must be labeled as evidence resulting from a body cavity search. A BIOHAZARD label must be on the outer wrapper identifying the material as a hazard. The Laboratory Request Form accompanying the evidence must advise the lab from which cavity the evidence was removed.

Syringes and Other Paraphernalia.

1. Syringes are a serious hazard due to the possibility of transmission of diseases such as hepatitis-B and AIDS. At the time of printing, syringes are not accepted for analysis without a letter from the prosecuting attorney indicating the intent to prosecute if controlled substances are found. This is to insure that the analysis is really needed and to promote the safety of the chemist, investigator, and any who handle or transport the evidence. Syringes must be packaged in puncture-resistant containers, preferably with its own needle cover in place. ALWAYS mark the packaging in bold lettering, "CONTAINS SYRINGES". A BIOHAZARD label should also be on the package.
2. Puncture-resistant containers must also be used for any item that is considered a "sharp"; i.e., razor blades, broken glass, or anything that can puncture the skin. These containers must also be marked as containing sharps.
3. Generally speaking, if you cannot see a residue in a syringe or on a piece of paraphernalia, there is not enough present to identify a controlled substance.

Shipment.

Determine which laboratory covers the county in which the alleged incident occurred and either hand carry it to that lab or mail it. Please mark the package "Attention: CS" (for controlled substance) so that the contents would not be so obviously marked for others but still adequate for the laboratory to give the package directly to the analyst who will perform the examinations. Postal regulations require that controlled substances be sent by registered mail.

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