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"He raised his eyes languidly from the old black-letter volume which he had opened.  'It is cocaine,' he said, - 'a seven-percent solution.  Would you care to try it?"

Sherlock Holmes - "The Sign of the Four"

Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs

These investigations are often complex in nature and involve such concepts as:

Understanding these types of cases requires a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry, chemical processes, the various methods used obtained through the experience of more than 400 cases.  Not all clandestine labs are alike.

Forensic Consulting has testified to the results of these reviews in Federal and State Courts.

Drug Analysis

The examination for controlled substances remains the greatest number of submissions to most forensic laboratories.  The identification of these substances often provides the basis for the charge.

We do not have the laboratory capability of conducting re-examination of these substances.  We recommend the attorney obtain the "bench notes," the handwritten/computer generated analyst notes pertaining to the tests conducted, the analytical charts/data and any and all documents referred to or generated as part of the examination process. 

From these documents, Forensic Consulting can provide additional help and support on these cases.

Case Examples

A western Kansas clandestine lab case involved the two trained investigators video taping the removal of the purported anhydrous ammonia from the propane cylinder.  Anhydrous ammonia is a liquid at minus 28 degrees F.  It was in the mid 90's the day of the investigation, creating a significant temperature gradient.  As the liquid was placed in the clear glass jar there was no frosting, fuming or other evidence of a liquid almost 30 degrees below zero.  While the investigators opined the liquid was anhydrous, the video clearly showed it was not, it was probably ammonia hydroxide which is of no use in the manufacturing process.

Drug cases, specifically clandestine Meth lab investigations, bear the greatest potential for opinions based upon assumptions and speculation.  While many reports sound logical or reasonable, the opinions rendered may not be based upon evidence.  It is these cases that have stretched "reasonable inference" to its breaking point.