Chemical Analysis

The analysis of materials thought to contravene the Misuse of Drugs Acts constitute the highest number of submissions to FSI and are supported by the Chemical Analysis department. Case submissions vary widely in size, drug  mix and complexity.

These cases can  involve new psychoactive substances as well as new presentations (such as jellies) that pose particular analytical challenges. The drugs team have  influenced legislation through the identification and characterisation of drugs in the market place. This team also provides intelligence led data and market trend information to stakeholders in An Garda Síochána as well as the Department of Health. In addition to drugs submissions toxicology samples associated with sexual assault cases are analysed and evaluated.