Drug investigations dated as far as 2006 will be reviewed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. A laboratory chemist is suspected of tampering with evidence from investigations by taking pills and replacing them with over the counter medications, according to Reuters reporter Bill Cotterell.
The investigation has yet to determine if the stolen drugs were used for trafficking or personal use. Authorities in the article stated that up to 2,600 cases in 35 counties were under the care of the chemist, which could impact dozens of drug cases. The chemist, who has not been named, has resigned from his position.
Drug crimes in Florida are subject to scrutiny, heavier in most states due to an influx in prescription drug trade. Common drugs in the market include Morphine, opium, oxycodone, and more. For the delivery, manufacture, possession, or sale of drugs, persons convicted may face a minimum of three years in prison and a $50,000 fine, in accordance to the amount of grams in possession.
If you’re concerned about your case or suspect tampering, contact your nearby attorney familiar with Florida drug crime defense. If a laboratory fails to maintain or properly process a case, the case against a suspect or convicted individual may weaken, in some cases, lead to a release.
Source: FAMM Select Mandatory Minimum Florida Laws
Source: Florida reviews thousands of drug cases for possible evidence tampering