FS Laboratory

FS Laboratory (FSL) is responsible for performing analysis on exhibits where the crime scene is a non-clan lab scene, but it does not attend the crime scene or police stations to collect samples, nor does it receive samples from DPCI or other investigating teams for analysis.

“FSL is responsible for performing analysis on the exhibits ... FS L does not attend the crime scene or the police station where the drugs are stored for safekeeping to collect samples, nor does FS L receive samples collected from DPCI or other investigating teams for analysis”

Referral to the FS Laboratory (FSL) should be immediate and within 7 days according to protocol, but in the case discussed, the referral was almost two months late, constituting non-compliance with the protocol.

“You are correct , Chairperson . According to the protocol , the exhibits must be submitted within 7 days .”

Longer delay before referral to the FS Laboratory increases the risk of tampering with exhibits such as loss, tampering or other issues.

“The risk obviously reminds that there might be tampering with the exhibits is indeed true .”

Suspected cocaine could not be submitted to FS Laboratory immediately due to insufficient space in their vaults; exhibits were eventually accepted by FSL in Pretoria on 12 November 2021 after a burglary and theft of 541 kilograms of cocaine at Port Shepstone.

“It is alleged that the suspected Cocaine could not be submitted to FSL as they did not have enough space in their vaults . The exhibits were accepted by FSL in Pretoria on 12 November 2021 , after the burglary and the theft of the 541 kilogramme of Cocaine at Port Shepstone .”

On 16 February 2022, members of DPCI Durban SOCI and Crime Intelligence seized 550 bricks (550 kilograms) of suspected cocaine at a container in Manucha Warehouse originating from Port of Santos in Brazil. The crime scene was properly managed and the exhibits were submitted to FS Laboratory in Silverton on 24 February 2022 and confirmed to be cocaine.

“On 16 February 2022 , members of the DPCI Durban SOCI , in conjunction with Crime Intelligence , followed up upon information in relation to a container that was at Manucha Warehouse , where 550 bricks , or 550 kilogrammes of suspected Cocaine , were seized from where they were hidden in the cargo in the container . The container originated from the Port of Santos in Brazil . The crime scene was properly dealt with in terms of crime scene management principles . The exhibits were photographed and sealed in forensic evidence bags . The exhibits were booked in at Umbilo on a reference number , and then the exhibits were submitted to FSL in Silverton on 24 February 2022 . FSL confirmed that the exhibits were Cocaine , and it was investigated under a Durban SOCI reference number .”