Forensic Drug Evidence

Forensic Drug Analysis

The number of drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act is increasing year-on-year, and in addition to high levels of Class A drugs, we are seeing many newer controlled substances being  added to the Act and available on the market.

Seizure of illegal drugs is also on the rise, and with the increase in types of substances available, testing is more important now than ever before. According to the UK government, Police and Border Force seizures of controlled substances increased by twenty per cent across England and Wales in 2020. Seizures of Class A substances in particular rose by thirteen per cent between March 2019 - March 2020, while seizures of Class B drugs increased by eleven per cent during the same period.

There has also been a sharp increase in volume of prohibited substances transported across County Lines. This form of drug trafficking, whereby illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, often exploits young children or vulnerable people who are then coerced into moving and storing drugs by gangs.

Class A drugs remain the most common of all prohibited substances supplied through County Lines, and while this form of drug dealing remains underreported, the scale is likely to increase.

Drug Forensics Services

Forensic Access provides a comprehensive service for drugs casework, including:

• Analysis and opinion on the nature and purity of the drug
• Comment on the difference between ‘possession’ and ‘possession with intent to supply’
• Establishing the possibility/ probability that different batches of drugs originated from the same clandestine laboratory
• Analysing whether or not the drugs present on banknotes (or other items) are indicative of the owner having been involved in the illicit drug trade
• Identifying new psychoactive substances
• Establishing the valuation of drugs seizures

Drug Testing & Analysis Expertise

Forensic Access boasts a world-class team of forensic scientists operating in state-of-the-art facilities. All forensic work is carried out to the highest Quality Standards which is especially important when undertaking drug testing.

Our forensic drug experts have worked across the world, reviewing the work and Quality Standards of foreign drug laboratories where the penalty for certain drug offences can include the death penalty.

All defence work is supported by dedicated Casework Managers who provide end-to-end assistance and coordination. Direct access to our team of scientists helps barristers and solicitors prepare a more effective defence strategy, and all expert witness reports are thoroughly documented and peer reviewed.

To find out more about our forensic science services Tel: 01235 774870 to speak with a member of our team or fill-in our online contact form.