In accordance with Texas state statutes, the Drug Chemistry Laboratory (DCL) identifies illegal drugs that are seized by law enforcement agencies in Harris County and surrounding areas. Examples include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, opiates (including heroin and opium), LSD, PCP, and psilocybin mushrooms. The DCL also analyzes pharmaceutical drugs such as Valium, Xanax, Soma and designer drugs associated with rave parties such as 3,4-MDMA (ecstasy), 3,4-MDA, and 3,4-MDEA. Quantitation of codeine samples is performed as well.
The Drug Chemistry Laboratory received over 8,000 cases in 2009. Notably, they were able to complete over 11,000 cases during the year, thus reducing the backlog to less than 100 cases.
The section implemented a paperless system in August of 2010 and regularly meets the following goals:
1) 90% case completion within ten calendar days
2) 70% case completion within five calendar days
3) Average turnaround time of less than five calendar days
4) Maintain a backlog of less than 200 cases
The DCL consists of an international staff of twelve forensic chemists. One chemist has earned a Ph.D.; three have Master’s Degrees; and eight have Bachelor’s Degrees from around the country.
· Sam Houston State University
- University of Texas at Austin
- Texas Lutheran University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Oklahoma
- Xavier University, Louisiana
- Southern University, Louisiana
- West Virginia Wesleyan College
- Hampton University, Virginia
- Iowa State University
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- National University in San Diego, California
- University of Florida
- Wichita State University, Kansas
Instrumentation used in the laboratory includes:
- Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
- GC with Flame Ionization Detector
- Direct Analysis in Real Time – Time of Flight (DART-TOF)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer
- Ultraviolet/Visible Spectrometer
- Stereoscope with a 12.5-megapixel digital camera attachment
DART-TOF was added to the DCL in May of 2007. This instrument has an open-air interface which allows for rapid analysis of substances with little-to-no sample preparation. Data can be viewed in real time, giving a relatively quick indication of the sample’s composition when compared to other methods. Solids, liquids, gases, powders, and tablets can all be analyzed using the DART-TOF. The instrument is relatively new to the scientific field (patented in 2004), placing the DCL on the cutting edge of technology. The instrument has been helpful in the determination of new drugs of abuse not previously seen in the laboratory. The DCL is the first lab in the country to use DART-TOF as a confirmation instrument (cocaine and alprazolam) and as a result has an article on this subject that has been accepted for publication in the September 2011 edition of the Journal of Forensic Sciences.