Drugs on Banknotes

The analysis of banknotes and other items for the presence of controlled drugs has been an available service to UK Police Forces for about 15 years and in some respects is still an emerging area of forensic science.

The provision of such services in the UK is also a little unusual in that there is only one recognised laboratory routinely undertaking this type of work and their work assesses the presence of drugs on personal possessions or banknotes. In many cases where quantities of notes have been seized it is usual for the investigating agency such as HM Revenue and Customs to submit them for analytical testing.

The outcome of such tests enables the reporting scientist to offer comment about the significance (or not) of a controlled drug on a banknote and with specific reference to the presence of the drug in banknotes taken at random from non-suspect locations.

However, like so many areas of forensic science it is not always the analysis of items which is the key to the forensic process, it is the interpretation of the acquired data.

Bericon has specialised in the review of these types of case for 5 years and now offers unparalleled assessments of all aspects of the investigation, focussing not only on what happens at the laboratory but also during the build-up to any analysis prior to the submission of exhibits to the laboratory.

As always, it is the presentation and perception of forensic evidence that is the key and this aspect is a common feature in all of our forensic investigations, large or small.