Laboratories

Scientific support to DEA Special Agents and other law enforcement personnel is one of the critical functions provided by DEA forensic chemists. This encompasses a wide variety of duties and forensic disciplines, including: Analyses of controlled substances and related substances and processing chemicals; crime scene investigation; latent fingerprint identification and photographic development; analysis and evaluation of digital (computer) evidence; development, monitoring, and processing of hazardous waste cleanups and disposals; and expert witness testimony.

In addition, DEA laboratories derive strategic intelligence through in-depth analysis of seized drugs. This includes: The identification of occluded (trapped) solvents in cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy); the examination of logos and tablet characteristics of Ecstasy and related "Club Drug" tablets; and the determination of the geographical and/or synthetic origins of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These "Signature Programs" help DEA monitor the trafficking patterns of drugs entering the United States. The analysis of Domestic Monitor Program samples provides price/purity information for heroin sold at the retail level.

Since their inception, DEA laboratories have applied the latest technologies to support criminal investigations. Beginning in the 1970's, DEA laboratories were at the forefront of forensic science by applying gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to forensic drug analysis. The novel use of state-of-the-art instruments continued into the twenty first century as DEA's laboratories kept pace with developments in scientific instrumentation and computer technologies. Today, DEA laboratories are working with innovative technologies that will enable the laboratory system to remain at the forefront of forensic drug science. Some of these include: Capillary Electrophoresis (CE); Isotopic Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS); Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS); and Raman Spectrometry.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, the DEA laboratory system analyzed 52,948 suspected controlled substance exhibits.