Drug Chemistry & Toxicology

The Drug Chemistry Section is under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Deena Koontz.

This section's primary responsibility is the chemical analysis of evidence, such as drugs, poisons, blood alcohols and blood drugs that are obtained during criminal investigations.

Section chemists are also involved in the investigations of clandestine laboratories (illegal drug labs) and assist in all phases of a clandestine laboratory investigation, including the crime scene search of the laboratory. Section chemists utilize state of the art instrumentation systems in their analysis of evidence. These chemists also testify in state and federal courts as expert witnesses defending their analysis of evidence that is subsequently presented in court in a criminal prosecution.

Cocaine accounts for the majority of the drug cases analyzed, followed by marijuana, heroin, and LSD. The Drug Section is constantly encountering new and unusual drugs.