ABSTRACT
The analysis of samples from clandestine labs involves the use of a variety of scientific techniques to chemically identify substances. These techniques range from simple chemical color tests to the use of X-ray and infrared energy to elicit the compound's chemical fingerprint. The type of test used depends upon the information desired from the sample and the burden of proof required to establish its identity. The origin of the samples, be it from a crime scene or a site exploitation, is irrelevant.
This chapter specifically addresses the techniques used to analyze evidentiary samples from clandestine labs. A number of technical issues will be presented in a basic format to provide an understanding of the analytical process to a broad range of readers. This chapter's purpose is not to provide a detailed discussion concerning the theory of a particular examination technique. It is simply to present the options available to the analytical chemist. This chapter will provide the investigator with an understanding of what examinations to request when submitting his evidence for examination. It will also assist the attorneys involved in the case by providing them with information concerning why certain tests were used as opposed to others.
This chapter addresses the role of the chemist performing the laboratory examinations and how they should specialize in clandestine lab analysis. The clandestine lab chemist has training focused on clandestine manufacturing techniques as well as in inorganic analysis, expanding their analytical scheme to identify the manufacturing process, not just the drugs or explosives involved.
Additionally, there are two schools of thought concerning the role of the clandestine lab chemist in analyzing the samples that enter the laboratory. One school has the chemist who processes the crime scene analyzing the samples, essentially a cradle-to-grave approach. The other school has an independent chemist analyze the samples once they reach the laboratory. Each philosophy has its advantages and disadvantages. The introduction of bias into the analytical process is also discussed.
The analytical process will be discussed in a sequential manner, starting with nonspecific tests and gradually increasing their specificity. Each technique's applicability to the realm of drug and explosive analysis will be 140presented. The chapter will conclude with a series of practical examples of the analysis of clandestine lab samples, based upon the analysis of actual samples submitted to a forensic laboratory for analysis.
