Controlled Substances

The Controlled Substances section tests a variety of evidentiary items for the presence of controlled substances and new designer drugs (which may or may not be controlled). Items tested include powders, liquids, plant material, pills, capsules, pipes, and various forms of paraphernalia.

Section examiners use state-of-the-art scientific methodology and instrumentation to positively confirm the presence of controlled substances. These techniques include presumptive color tests, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy. The section works closely with police investigative units and the District Attorney’s Office to provide research into new drugs of abuse for statute revisions and expedited testing for search warrants.

Examiners routinely confirm substances such as marijuana, THC, cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and synthetic cannabinoids, while also confirming lesser-known designer drugs, steroids and final product and precursor components from suspected clandestine laboratories. Kansas and Federal statutes are used to determine whether an encountered substance is controlled. While some substances found on the street may possess abuse potential, they may not be controlled and thus not subject to prosecution under the law.

Statistics from this casework are reported monthly to the DEA National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS). NFLIS systematically collects results from drug chemistry analyses conducted by state and local forensic laboratories across the country. It is a unique source of information for monitoring and understanding drug abuse and trafficking in the United States, including the diversion of legally manufactured drugs into illegal markets.