EWJ 60 April 2025 web - Journal - Page 87
cannabinoids. These substances often fall outside the
definitions of the Misuse of Drugs Act due to their
novel chemical structures. In a case, two out of four
compounds in a seized synthetic cannabinoid sample
were found not to meet the Act’s criteria but were covered under the Psychoactive Substances Act. Accurate
classification was pivotal in ensuring appropriate legal
proceedings.
• Seeking expert interpretation of covert language
and emerging substances to avoid misclassification or
misrepresentation.
Conclusion: Supporting Justice with Forensic
Expertise
Forensic drug analysis is a dynamic and challenging
field, requiring precision, objectivity, and an in-depth
understanding of both scientific techniques and legal
frameworks. This expertise provides courts with the
evidence-based insights needed to navigate the
complexities of drug-related cases.
Algorithms in Drug Supply Cases
Increasingly, algorithms are used in cases involving
large-scale drug supply, such as “county lines” operations. These algorithms estimate the total quantity of
drugs supplied based on phone data, such as calls and
messages. However, limitations of these tools have been
identified, including reliance on outdated consumption
data and assumptions about exclusive purchasing from
a single dealer. By scrutinising these algorithms,
forensic experts provide courts with a balanced
understanding of their reliability and limitations.
As drug markets evolve and legal classifications adapt,
the role of Forensic Drug Consultants will only grow
in importance. By applying specialised knowledge, the
criminal justice system can ensure that investigations,
prosecutions, and sentencing decisions are both fair
and firmly grounded in evidence.
Contact Forensic Access
At Forensic Access, we are dedicated to delivering
expert support in forensic drug cases. Whether you
need assistance in reassessing evidence or have concerns about the accuracy of a case, our experienced
team is ready to help.
The Importance of Accurate Expert Assessments
The webinar underscored the critical role of Forensic
Drug Consultants in reassessing evidence and
ensuring accuracy in drug-related cases.
Key considerations for legal professionals include:
• Ensuring calculations, such as cannabis yields or
drug supply estimates, account for all relevant factors.
Contact our Casework Management Team via email at
science@forensic-access.co.uk or by phone on 01235
774870.
• Reviewing valuation statements to confirm they
reflect market realities and packaging evidence.
Connecting you with the right Expert Witness
For over 36 years, Forensic Access has connected defence solicitors with the same
high-quality forensic services as their prosecution counterparts.
Today, Forensic Access has a vast network of experts, enabling us to provide defence teams with
every type of forensic science support available, including:
Blood Pattern and Body Fluid Analysis
Classifications of Weapons and Ammunition
Digital Forensics
DNA Analysis and Interpretation
Drugs and Toxicology
Mobile Phones, Devices and Cell Site Analysis
Pathology and Injury Causation
Psychiatry and Psychology
Work with Forensic Access to find your next Expert Witness:Dedicated Casework Managers - providing end-to-end support
Direct access to a vast network of vetted and experienced forensic and medical experts
We offer CPD webinars to Barristers & Solicitors; and Court & Report Writing training to Experts
Contact our Casework Team
to connect you with the right
forensic experts
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
Telephone: 01235 774870
@forensic-access-limited
@ForensicAccess
85
Email: science@forensic-access.co.uk
Website: www.forensic-access.co.uk
APRIL 2025
