Controlled Substances Sub-Unit
The Controlled Substances Sub-Unit identifies drugs. It focuses on substances regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. This unit analyzes bulk drugs, drug residue, and drug paraphernalia submitted as evidence.
Commonly tested substances include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- MDMA
- Heroin
- Synthetic cannabinoids
- Bath salts
- Fentanyl
- Pills and tablets, both real and counterfeit
Analysts use tools like Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). These tools are used to analyze evidence.
Breath-Alcohol Sub-Unit
The Breath-Alcohol sub-unit trains and certifies people to become instructors and operators of breath-alcohol testing devices. They ensure statewide quality and operational standards for law enforcement agencies conducting breath-alcohol tests.
This sub-unit also evaluates and certifies the breath-alcohol testing instruments used across the state. They keep records of these certifications. Examiners may need to provide instructor certificates or maintenance records during legal processes. These legal processes include discovery or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
The analysts sometimes assist the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at illegal drug labs. Analysts provide technical and safety support during these field responses. They also help investigators with evidence collection and packaging.