Forensic

Chemistry
Examinations

PCINSP YELAH M APOSTOL

Forensic Chemist
Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory, Camp Crame, Quezon City,
Philippines
• Latest trend in Forensic chemistry
1.5
• Relevance of Forensic Chemistry in
Criminal Investigation
1.4
• Forensic Chemistry in Criminal
Investigation
1.3
• Forensic Chemistry
1.2
• PNP Crime Laboratory
1.1
Module Outline
 The PNP Crime Laboratory
ISO 9001-2008 (Quality Management)

“The fight against crimes cannot be won by

arms alone, but by scientific techniques.”
Practice of Forensics in the
Philippines
By virtue of Royal decree 188 by King Philip of Spain.
The creation of “Medicos Titulares”, a title given to Forensic
Physicians to be assigned in Philippine provinces to perform public
sanitary duties and Medico-Legal aids.

Image: Photo of  Sebastian Sanchez Palomares (wearing a hat), Medico 

Titulares of Pampanga – 1897 Source: Todocoleccion.net
939: PC Chemical Laboratory, Medico Legal Div, PC
1945: Fingerprint record Section, G2 div, Military Police
Command
1946: Crime Lab Branch, G2 div, Military Police
Command
1948: Technical Lab Branch, Crim Invest Service, PC
1955: PC Forensic Laboratory
1960: PC Central Crime Lab
1985: PC/INP Crime Lab service
1991: PNP Crime Lab Service
1996: PNP Crime Laboratory
2000: Physical science Div, PNPCL separated to Chemistry Div and Physical Identification div

2012: Proposed new name: “Forensic Science

Center”, PNP
Disposition of personnel in NHQ
and NCR
 NHQ Chemistry Div (8 chemist, 2 chem
eng, 1 rmt)
 NHQ DNA (3 chemist, 2 biochemist)
 NHQ Physical Ident Div (9 chem eng)
 NCR QCPD (2 chemist)
 NCR NPD (1 chemist, 2 chem eng, 1 rmt)
 NCR SPD (2 chemist, 1 chem eng)
 NCR MPD (2 chemist, 1 rmt)
 NCR EPD (1 chemist, 1 chem eng, 1 rmt)
Forensic Laboratories in the
Philippines

 Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory

 NBI Crime Laboratory

 UP PGH, Manila
 PDEA Laboratory Service
 Marine Environmental Protection Command, Philippine Coast Guard
 Forensic Chemistry/ Physical 
Identification Examinations
Types of Evidence Nature of Case

Forensic Chemistry
Seized drugs Alleged violation of RA 9165
Explosives and ingredients Alleged Explosives
Firearm, suspects hands Alleged Shooting Incident
Body fluids, food sample Alleged Poisoning
Fake Products Unfair Trade Competition
Urine and body fluids Drug Test
Hair, fibers, paints Hair, fiber, paint Analysis
Marked money, suspects Alleged Entrapment/ buy-bust
hands operation
Serial number restoration Macro etching
Glass and gunshot residues Bullet Trajectory
impressions Casting and moulding, tool mark
analysis
Metal, paper, ink, woods etc Trace and Chemical Analysis
 What is

Forensic Chemistry?
Is a branch of chemistry that deals with the 
application of chemical knowledge and 
principles in the solution of legal problems in 
connection with the administration of justice.
Founding Father
of Forensic Chemistry and Forensic toxicology

Prof Matheiu Orfila, chemist, is the father of

modern forensic Toxicology after testifying in court
as expert witness against Madam Marie Lafarge,
after poisoning her husband, Charles Lafarge with
Arsenic.
He used the technique “Marsch test” to identify
arsenic from the body of Charles LaFarge.
 FORENSI
C
1. Conduct qualitative and
CHEMIST quantitative examination/
RY EXAM determination of dangerous drugs,
1. Drugs volatile substance and drug
2. Explosives
3. Gunshot residue paraphernalia.
4. Distance
determination
5. Toxicology
6. Fake Products
7. Blood Alcohol
8. Drug Test
9. Clandestine
Lab Invest
10. Trace Evidence
11. Lecture
12. Research
13. Testify
14. Advice &
Consultancy
15. Other function
 Drug Control Agencies
Dangerous 
Dangerous 
Drugs Board
Drugs Board

Philippine Drug 
Philippine Drug 
Enforcement Agency
Enforcement Agency

Bureau of Customs
Bureau of Customs

Police
Police Philippine Coast Guard
Philippine Coast Guard

National Bureau of 
National Bureau of 
Investigation
Investigation Other investigative 
Other investigative 
agency
agency
III. Penalties ON dRUGS

I. Sec 15 of RA 9165: Use of Dangerous Drugs

A person apprehended or arrested  Penalty
who is found to be POSITIVE for  1. First offense: Min of 6 months 
dangerous drug after confirmatory  rehabilitation 
exam 2. Second offense: imprisonment 
from 6 years and 1 day to 12 years 
and fine of P50T to P200T.

II. Sec 11 of RA 9165: Possession of Dangerous Drugs

A penalty of life imprisonment to death and fine ranging from P500T to P10M shall be 
imposed to any person, unless authorized by law, who posses any dangerous drug in 
the following quantity:

50 grams or more of shabu
500 grams or more of MJ
10 grams or more of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine and salt, Marijuana resin 
and oil, ecstacy.
III. Sec 8 of RA 9165: Manufacture
of Dangerous Drugs
A penalty of life imprisonment to death and fine ranging 
from P500T to P10M shall be imposed to any person, 
unless authorized by law, shall engage in manufacture 
of dangerous drugs.

A penalty of imprisonment from 12 yrs and 1 day to 20 
yrs and fine ranging from P100T to P500T shall be 
imposed to any person, unless authorized by law, shall 
engage in manufacture of controlled precursor and 
essential chemicals.
Upon Seizure of drugs, controlled
substance and paraphernalia

 Inventory and photograph the item

(suspect, media, DOJ, elected public
official).
 Properly marked, sealed or packed.
 Estimate the weight
Bringing drug evidence to crime
lab
– Within 24 hrs upon seizure,
drugs must be submitted to a
Forensic Laboratory for
examination
Chemistry Division SOP, PNP Crime Lab
– If six hours have lapsed from time of apprehension, the examiner shall
refuse to accept the request unless accompanied by explanation from
DD of DAIDSOTG justifying the delay of submission.

– Actual weighing of bulk evidence must

be witness by requesting party.

– Initial laboratory report is available after

2 hrs of receipt of request.
Manner of Packaging before submission
of evidence to the laboratory
Tape-sealed carton box Heat-sealed transparent plastic bag

Self-sealing transparent plastic knot-tied

bag
 A. Druggist Fold 4. Place evidence
inside opening
1. Using clean paper,
2. Fold into thirds
crease four times
5. Fold top down
& insert into
bottom opening

6. Seal end
3. Fold bottom up
with tape

B. Folded paper packet Place evidence

inside opening

Fold into halves

Fold top down &

Fold bottom up insert into bottom
Crease again and opening
fold
Using square paper,
crease two times

Seal end
with tape
 Drug Describing Physical
Evidence
Specimen No of articles Manner of container Markings contents
no packaging
1 One (1) Heat- -Transparent With Containing White
sealed plastic sachet markings crystalline substance
Tape- -Transparent “A”
sealed plastic bag
Knot-tied -White plastic bag
Unsealed
Staple-
sealed
Self-
sealing
2 One (1) White Disposable With
plastic lighter markings
“B”
3 Three (3) Blister Labeled “medicol” With Containing three (3) red
packed/ markings tablets/
Foil (C1,C2, and Containing three (3) blue
packed C3) and white colored
respectively capsules.
4 One (1) Improvised plastic With Containing Traces of white
tooter markings crystalline substance
“C”
5 Two (2) folded Strips of aluminum With Containing Traces of white
foil markings crystalline substance
(D1 and D2)
1. One (1) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet with respectively
markings “A” containing white crystalline substance.
21
Consideration in the reception
of specimen
1. Sufficiency of samples
2. Chemical standard for comparison
3. Maintenance of Individuality (to prevent
contamination)
4. Proper labelling and sealing.
SOP in Seized Drug Exam
Receiving of request for lab exam by duty chemist

Examination using qualitative and/or quantitative method.

Report writing of the result of examination

Evidence storage via chain of custody forms

Receipt of Lab result by the requesting party for inquest

purposes

Retrieval of report and evidence for court presentation.

Disposal
Items suspected of containing drugs
occur in four principal forms:

1. Powders/ crystals
2. Tablets and Capsules
3. Living Plants or dried vegetable matter.
4. Liquids
Classification by Origin

NATURAL PRODUCT – extracted from

plants or animals.
Example is opium, cocaine, THC, Ephedrine,
Mescaline, LSD

Opuim Poppy Coca leaf Cannabis Ephedra Peyote Ergot

sativa
Morphine, Mescaline
Codeine,
Heroine
Classification by Origin

SEMI-SYNTHETIC – made from natural

source but undergone chemical process.
Example: Heroin, Hormones and
Steroids

Extraction Acetylation

Solvent Acetic acid

Opium
Morphine Heroin
Classification by Origin

SYNTHETIC – produced in the laboratory

through chemical process.
Example: Diazepam, Barbiturates,
Methamphetamine
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Meth Meth Meth Meth Meth Met Meth Meth Meth Meth Meth
Chloro- dimeth Dimeth dimeth dimethh Chloro- Ethylam- dimeth
meth Chloro Chloro Chloro meth phetami
-meth -meth -meth ne
MJ/hash MJ/hash MJ/hash MJ MJ MJ MJ MJ MJ MJ MJ/hash
Cocaine Cocaine Cocaine Cocaine Cocaine Cocaine Cocaine Cocaine Cocaine Cocaine

MDMA MDMA MDMA/ MDMA MDMA MDMA MDMA MDMA MDMA/

DMA MDA
phenter phenter phenter phenter phenter phenter
mine mine mine mine mine mine
Ephedrin Ephedrin Ephedrin Ephedrin Ephedrin ephedrin Ephedrin ephedrin Ephedrin
e e/methe e.methe e e/ e e/pseudo e e/norpse
ph ph metheph eph udoeph
pseudoe pseudoe pseudoe
ph ph ph
Diazepa Diazepa Diazepa diazepa Diazepa Diazepa Diazepa Diazepa Diazepa Diazepa
m m m m.nitraz m m m m m m
nitrazep nitrazep nitrazep epam Estazola nitrazep nitrazep
am am am midazola m am am
midazola m midazola midazola
m Chlona- m m
zepam Alprazol
am
Chlona-
zepam
bromaze
pam
Ketamin ketamin Ketamin Ketamin ketamin Bensphe Bensphe
e e e e e tamine tamine
zolpidem zolpidem zolpidem
toluene CPECs Toluene/ CPECs toluene CPECs Toluene/ Toluene/ Toluene/ Toluene/ toluene
Cpecs chorphe acetone CPECs CPECs CPECs
chlorphe namine Dicholor
namine obutane
 Arbitrary Drug sampling
Sampling
1. All (n = N)
2. Percent, n = 0.05N, 0.10N etc.
3. Widely used, n = √N, n = 0.5
√N, n = √N/2
4. n=20+10%(N −20) (where N
>20 )
5. For N < x, used n = N.
For x ≤ N ≤ y, (11 to 99) used n
= z (10).
For N > y, used n = √n
Advantages
Disadvantage
A: 100% certainty of composition of population.
D. Excessive sample size
A: simple method.
D. Excessive sample size
A: widely accepted approach.
D. Number of sample is too small from small
population. Excessive sample size for larger
population.
A: Heterogeneous populations likely to be
discovered
before analysis is complete.
D. Excessive sample sizes for larger populations.
A: United Nations Drug Control Programme
(UNDCP) recommended method ( x =10, y =100, z
=10).
D: Excessive sample sizes for larger populations.

6. N = 1 A: Minimum amount of work.

D. Least amount of information on the
characteristics
A representative sampling procedure of
canthebe performed on a population
seizure. of units with
sufficient similar external characteristics. Where n = total population while N = number of
sample to be collected.
Coning and quartering
method
 Stimulants(ATS)

AMPHETAMINE TYPE
And newly emerging drugs

ri m ary
os e p
s w h
tiv e
c h oa c
i ne or
of psy he tam
s p
- clas one is am
b e
back thylamin
e
Phen
What is Amphetamine Type
Stimulants (ATS)?

 They contain a common backbone/ skeleton

Phenyl-ethyl-amine

Phenyl group
Ethyl group Amine group

ephedrine
methcathinone fenetylline MDMA
What is Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS)?
 ATS refer to a group of drugs whose
principal members include amphetamine
and methamphetamine. (WHO definition)

Also bitter
taste.
Meth
crystals are
brittle.
 What is Amphetamine Type
Stimulants (ATS)?
 Aside from Meth, a MDMA or
ecstacy
range of other
substances also fall
into this group, such
as:

methcathinone fenethylline ephedrine pseudoephedrine methylphenidate

captagon
History of Methylamphetamine
Hydrochloride (shabu) manufacture

 Methylamphetamine was
originally synthesized from
Ephedrine in Japan by Dr
Nagayoshi Nagai (1888).
 And was later synthesized in
crystalline form in 1919 by
Akira Ogata via Iodoephedrine Dr Nagayoshi Nagai (1844-1921) –
method. Japanese organic chemist and
pharmacologist
First doctor of Pharmacy in Japan
History of Methylamphetamine
Hydrochloride (shabu)
manufacture

It is since 1941 during the World

War 2 that Methamphetamine had
been manufactured and sold for
medical supplies in Japan.

Immediately following World

War II, Crystal Meth was
extensively used to reduce
fatigue and suppress appetite.

After the war era, Meth tablets, referred to as

"work pills" were widely used in Japan.
Early Methamphetamine; Philopon

Philopon, pronounced Hiropon, a trade name

Philippine Drug Trend
1984
◦ Marijuana (1386 cases)
◦ Cocaine (5 cases, 785g, 655g, 425g,
59g, 1.5g)
◦ Mandrax (3 cases,= 980 tab, 12 tab, 1 1985
tab) ◦ Marijuana
◦ Amphetamine (1 case)
◦ Cocaine
◦ LSD (8pcs)
◦ Rivotril
◦ Valium (4 cases)
◦ Heroin (6 cases) ◦ Clonazepam
◦ Clonazepam (1 case) ◦ Valium
◦ Rugby (12 cases) ◦ Pentazocine

 1987 2009
◦ Marijuana (1310 cases) ◦ Marijuana (1310 cases)
◦ Methamphetamine (50 cases)
◦ Methamphetamine (24,768.13 
◦ Cocaine (5 cases) grams)
◦ Codeine (1 case) ◦ Cocaine
◦ Valium (5 cases) ◦ Heroin
◦ Mandrax (3 cases, 980 tab, 12 tab, 1
◦ BZP
tab)
◦ ecstacy
◦ Heroin (3 cases)
◦ Rugby (6 cases)
 Trend of Methamphetamine Smuggling
Skillful concealment

Instant Noodle Capsule

Aluminum Tea Bag Condenser

 Trend of Methamphetamine Smuggling

Skillful concealment

100 kg of Methamphetamine was Human courier

concealed in 2 fire extinguishers
on a vessel
Trend of Methamphetamine Smuggling
Disguise and
Refinement

Mixed in a solution

Mixed with other substance

Field Test for shabu using
Simon’s test Reaction
Reagent:
5% Sodium carbonate,
5% acetaldehyde in
ethanol,
1% Sodium
nitroprusside

(1) Add sample in

Turn to blue color test tube
(2) Bend test
tube

9/22/16
Request for qualitative
analysis?

– Qualitative is the determination of

substance present in the sample.

– Quantitative is the determination of

substance purity in the sample.
 Request for
laboratory
examination/
qualitative
analysis: to
determine the
presence of
dangerous drugs
 Steps in qualitative
analysis
 Physical test

1. Describing the condition of specimen as received.

One (1) knot-tied white plastic bag labeled “Hi-Top” with markings “RAID-A” containing One (1)
self-sealing transparent plastic bag with markings “RAID BB” wrapped with newspaper marked
as “RAID-B” containing white crystalline substance.
Steps in qualitative
analysis
 Physical test
2. Measurement of Gross weight and net weight or
measuring the height of the plant.

Gross weight – total Net weight – total weight

weight with the container of the contents only.
Steps in qualitative
analysis
 Physical test
3. Conduct Microscopic examination

Cuticle of hair
Paint
layer

Marijuana
Cotton fiber cystolith
Steps in qualitative
analysis
 Chemical test

MJ, squash, cassava, papaya

Steps in qualitative
analysis
confirmatory
Solvent System A Solvent System B

RfAS1 = 4.5/8.5 = 0.53 RfBS3 = 3.5/8.5 = 0.41

RfAQ1 = 4.5/8.5 = 0.53 RfBQ3 = 4.4/8.5 = 0.52
RfAS2 = 4.4/8.5 = 0.52 RfBS4 = 4.4/8.5 = 0.52
RfAQ2 = 4.4/8.5 = 0.52 RfBQ4 = 4.4/8.5 = 0.52
 Steps in qualitative
analysis
 confirmatory
Marijua color Extract Rf Extract Rf
na using values using values
Compon methan Ethanol
ents ol
Trial 1

Cannabid orange 2.7 0.32 3 0.35

iol
Cannabin purple 2.2 0.26 2.5 0.29
ol
Delta-9- Red 1.9 0.22 2.1 0.25
THC
Trial 2

Cannabid orange 2.8 0.33 2.8 0.33

iol
Cannabin purple 2.4 0.28 2.4 0.28
ol
Delta-9- Red 2.0 0.24 2.0 0.24
THC
Infrared Analysis
Within 24 hrs
initial and final report shall be prepared by chemist

Take note the following:

 Time and date

received.
 Name of suspect
 Container and other

things accompanied it
 Description and its

weight.
 Name of analysis
 chain of custody form.
Quantitative analysis issue

– Quantitative analysis stated in RA

9165 is determination of weight of
the substance and not the purity.
– Percent purity (quantitative
examination) shall be conducted
only by virtue of court order.
Paraphernalia
(label sharp for sharp paraph)
2:30 PM Libertad st.. 24, s,
jobless
 FORENSI
C
CHEMIST
1. Drugs
2. Conduct examination of
2. Explosives
RY
3. Gunshot residue
4. Distance explosives and/or explosive
determination
5. Toxicology ingredients.
6. Fake Products
7. Blood Alcohol
8.

9.
Drug Test
Clandestine
Explosives under RA
Lab Invest 7183 and PD1866
10. Trace Evidence

11. Lecture
• PD 1866: regulating
12. Research firearms, ammunition
13. Testify
or explosives and its
14. Advice &

Consultancy manufacturing
15. Other function instruments.
• RA 7183: Firecracker
and pyrotechnic law.
Definitions
 Explosion – broadly defined as the sudden
rapid escape of gases from a confine space,
accompanied by high temp, violent shock
and loud noise.
 Explosive – a substance, chemical

compound of mixture that under the

influence of heat, pressure, friction or shock
undergoes a sudden chemical change or
decomposition.
Explosives
 High Explosives
◦ Primary
◦ secondary
 Low Explosives
◦ Primer
◦ Igniter
◦ propellant
Explosives RRDK
 FUNCTIONS and
CAPABILITIES
1. To conduct examination of explosives on pre 
blast condition and residue analysis on 
collected specimens from a bombing incident.

2. To identify what type of explosives and 
explosive ingredients used.
Screening test for
explosives
3 drops of DPA reagent in a
white tile.

 Test for TNT (Janowski

test)
 Test for RDX (thymol
test)
 Test for nitrates using
Diphenyl amine
reagent
Result: blue
Color test coloration
Screening test for
explosives

RF Values of common explosives

Thin Layer
Chromatography
 Rf  VALUES OF EXPLOSIVES IN VARIOUS SOLVENT SYSTEMS

RDX TETRYL PETN TNT NG

SOLVENT
CHOLOROFORM 0.14 0.75 0.46 0.69 0.70
BENZENE 0.12 0.69 0.43 0.64 0.61
XYLENE 0.53 0.75 0.40 0.59 0.52
HEXANE 0.35 0.54 0.37 0.47 0.44
CHCl3:ACETONE (1:1) 0.72 0.85 0.83 0.84 0.77
BENZENE:ACETONE  0.26 0.87 0.73 0.77 0.71
(28:2)
XYLENE:HEXANE (3:2) 0.43 0.11 0.24 0.32

XYLENE: CHCl3 (1:1) 0.75 0.65 0.34 0.51 0.48

XYLENE:CHCl3:ACETO 0.27 0.87 0.67 0.74 0.67
NE (15:12:3)
Test for Physical Properties of
Explosives
Stereo Microscope 
- Used for physical examination of explosives and explosive 
ingredients in a pre-blast and post-blast investigations.
- Equipped with digital camera and laptop for effective viewing.

Pyridine extract/ Toluene extract

 Ion Mobility Spectrometer
(Ionscan 500DT)

Capable of detecting 
and identifying very 
low concentrations of 
organic explosives.

Main feature includes: 
portable and fast 
response and 
detection. 
 GC-MS Agilent 6890GC-
5975MS

A powerful tool for

identification of
organic explosives
and explosive
ingredients.

Useful in detecting
explosive mixtures
using a sensitive
separation
technique and a
detector.
Ion Chromatograph (Dionex ICS
2000)

Used in the 
determination of 
anions in explosive 
residues.
Ex. Nitrates, 
Chlorates, Sulfates, 
Phosphates 
Smiths Identify IR

IdentifyIR® is a rugged, 
miniaturized FT-IR (Fourier 
Transform Infrared) analysis 
system that is fast, easy-to-use, 
and accurate.  
- can handle powders, liquids, 
solids, gels & pastes in both 
organic & aqueous solvents. 
 FORENSI
C 3. Conduct examination of
CHEMIST
1. Drugs
2. Explosives
Firearms and paraffin casts for
RY
3. Gunshot
the presence of gunpowder
residue
4. Distance
determination
nitrates.
- casting shall be done within
Toxicology
5.
72 hrs from the time of
6. Fake Products
7. Blood Alcohol alleged firing, otherwise the
8. Drug Test request shall be denied.
9. Clandestine Lab
Invest
10. Trace Evidence

11. Lecture

12. Research

13. Testify

14. Advice &

Consultancy
15. Other function

- embalmed cadaver shall not be subjected to paraffin exam.

True Positive vs False
Positive
Substance giving false positive
result:
• fertilizers
• explosives
• tobacco
• urine
• certain cosmetics

Blue specks with • food samples

tailing (because • cigarette
the particles are
embedded into Smudges or conglomeration 
hands with force) of blue specks

75
Factors affecting the result of
paraffin exam
 Types of caliber
 Types of firearm and its mechanism
 Wind velocity and direction
 humidity
 Use of gloves
 72 hrs already lapsed
Bullet hole Examination: test for Lead and Copper
SEM-EDX
 Scanning Electron
Microscope with
Energy Dispersive
Xray Analysis
 FORENSI
C 4. Conduct gunpowder
CHEMIST
1. Drugs
2. Explosives examination of clothing for
RYresidue
possible gunshot range
3. Gunshot
4.Distance
determination
5. Toxicology determination.
6. Fake Products
7. Blood Alcohol
8. Drug Test
9. Clandestine
Lab Invest
10. Trace Evidence

11. Lecture

12. Research

13. Testify

14. Advice &

Consultancy
15. Other function
 Distance Determination
classification

Contact/ Singeing Powder

Smudging
burning - Slightly Tatooing
burning
Angular bullet hole
 FORENSI
C 5. Conduct chemico-toxicological examination of
CHEMIST
1. Drugs human internal organs, gastric contents, blood,
2. Explosives
RY
3. Gunshot
water and food samples for the presence of
residue chemical poisons.
4. Distance
determination - Require standards
5. Toxicology
6. Fake Products
7. Blood Alcohol
8. Drug Test
9. Clandestine
Lab Invest
10. Trace Evidence

11. Lecture

12. Research

13. Testify

14. Advice &

Consultancy
15. Other function
Poison Investigation
Most important is the sight and smell of
scene..
1. Is the position appears poisoned?

two papers suggests that drug absorption is lowest in patients lying on their left
side, so you might want to consider placing an unconscious overdose patient in
the left-sided recovery position prior to definitively managing them in hospital.
Poison Investigation
Most important is the sight and smell of
scene..
2. The skin and mouth, lips, rectum, vagina
and genitals?
Poison Investigation
Most important is the sight and smell of
scene..
3. The pupils of the eyes...
Poison Investigation
Most important is the sight and smell of
scene..
4. Odors present...
5. Possible skin marks via hypodermic needle
injections.
Poison Investigation
Most important is the sight and smell of
scene..
6. The hands for the presence of objects.
Food Poisoning
 Symptoms of poisoning appeared soon after
a drink or meal taken.
◦ the investigator should thoroughly see that all
liquids, foods, and medicines on the premises are
preserved.
◦ These can be found at the medicine cabinet,
pantry, refrigerator, and even the reuse container.
Food Poisoning
 If many hours have elapsed after the meal
was ingested, the possibility of food as the
source of poison may be eliminated.
◦ When symptoms of poisoning occur, the
investigator can reasonably assume that the victim
had taken the poison from on-half to one (1/2 to 1)
hour before the first symptoms appeared.
◦ In corrosive poisons, symptoms appeared
immediately.

 One way of proving poisoning is by chemical

analysis of stomach contents and body fluids.
Preservation of evidence
 The evidence (as biological in origin) can be
preserved in a plastic or glass container and
stored in freezer 100C or below. Sample can
be discarded according to the laboratory
policies and SOP’s.
 FORENSI
C 6. Perform laboratory examination of fake
CHEMIST
1. Drugs products in comparison with standard
2. Explosives
RY
3. Gunshot
specification for cases of unfair trade competition.
residue (ex Fake fundador, adulterated cement,
4. Distance
determination adulterated beer, fake chlorox, fake cigarette).
5. Toxicology
6. Fake Products
7. Blood Alcohol
8. Drug Test
9. Clandestine
Lab Invest
10. Trace Evidence

11. Lecture

12. Research

13. Testify

14. Advice &

Consultancy
15. Other function
Fake product request
– Letter request for examination.
– Investigator is required to coordinate with
the manufacturer regarding standard
sample, which will be used for
comparative analysis and possible used of
their facilities in the examination of
questioned samples.
– For media presentation, a letter request is
necessary addressed to the Dir, Crime
Lab.
 FORENSI
C 7. Conduct blood alcohol determination.
CHEMIST
1. Drugs
2. Explosives
RY
3. Gunshot Types of alcoholic beverages:
residue 1. Fermented – low alcoholic content, example beer =
4. Distance
determination
4-6% ethanol
5. Toxicology 2. Wine – 8-14%
6. Fake Products 3. Distilled Spirits – high alcoholic content
7. Blood Alcohol a. 100 proof = 50% ethanol
8. Drug Test b. 80 proof = 40% ethanol
Clandestine
9.
Lab Invest
4. Combination (fortified, port & sherry wines)
10. Trace Evidence

11. Lecture

12. Research
A person is said to suffer from alcohol intoxication when the quantity of
13. Testify
alcohol the person consumes exceeds the individual's tolerance for
14. Advice &
alcohol and produces behavioral or physical abnormalities.
Consultancy
15. Other function
In other words, the person's mental and physical abilities are impaired.
The person can't function and certainly should not be operating a motor
vehicle. It acts on the forebrain then to the central and rear portion are
affected.
Blood alcohol level
 The amount of alcohol in the blood stream
recorded in milligrams of alcohol per 100
milliliters of blood, or milligrams percent.

◦ BAL of .10 means that 1/10 of 1 percent (or

1/1000) of your total blood content is alcohol.
Blood alcohol level
BAL Effect
0.02 Mellow feeling, slight body warmth, less
inhibited
0.05 Noticeable relaxation, less alert, less self-
focused, coordination impairment begins.
0.08 Drunk driving limit, definite impairment in
coordination and judgement.
0.10 Noisy, possible embarrassing behaviour,
mood swings, reduction in reaction time.
0.15 Impaired balance and movement, clearly
drunk
0.20-0.25 Typically felt sleepy to sleep.
0.30 Many lose consciousness
0.40 Most lose consciousness and some die
0.50 Breathing stops, many die
Field Sobriety Test
1. Psycho-physical test
a. Horizontal gaze nystagmus – uncontrollable
jerking as the eyes moves toward the sides.
b. One leg stand and walk nine steps.

2. Breath analysis

3. Blood Alcohol Examination

Conway Method for Blood
Alcohol Level
 FORENSI
8. Examine urine and other body
C
•CHEMIST
1. Drugs fluids for drug metabolites.
• 2.
RY
Explosives
• 3. Gunshot • PNP Mass promotions
residue • PNP Recruitment
• 4. Distance
• PNP Re-enlisment
determinat
ion • Persons apprehended under RA 9165
5. Toxicology • PNP firearms License
6. Fake
• Other government employee under drug
Products
7. Blood investigation
Alcohol
8. Drug
Test
9. Clandestin
e Lab
Invest
10.Trace
Evidence
11.Lecture
12.Research
             Mandatory Drug Testing
• Drivers and firearms license, military
and law enforcers, persons
apprehended under RA 9165

             Random Drug Testing
• Students, office personnel,
government employees etc.
Drug Test vs Drug Dependency
Test
 Drug test is the  Drug dependenct
determination of the test is the
presence of dangerous examination of
drugs in human body behavioral pattern,
fluids (urine, blood, attitude and
sweat, saliva) and hair
response.. It includes
several test including
 Conducted in a drug test.
Forensic Lab or private
drug testing
laboratory
 Conducted by
psychiatrist.
 Substance Approximate Detection Time
Amphetamines = 2-4 days Methadone = 3-5 days
Barbituates (Short-Acting) = 1 day Methaqualone = 14 days
Barbituates (Long-Acting) = 2-3 Nicotine ?
weeks
Benzodiazepines 3-7 days Opiates = 2-4 days
Cannabinoids 3-45 days Peptide hormones = undetectable
Clenbuterol = 2-4 days Phencyclidine (PCP) = 2-4 days
Cocaine = 2-4 days Phenobarbital = 10-20 days
Codeine = 2-5 days Propoxyphene = 6 hours to 2 days
Euphorics (MDMA, psilocybin) 1-3 Steroids (anabolic oral) = 14 days
days
LSD6 = 1-4 days Steroids (anabolic parenterally) 1
month
Table 2.1: EMIT Detection Times of Substances in Urine

The substance being tested, testing method, and levels tested for are major factors.
Drug Test
Two (2) stages of examination
1. Screening using test kits
detection limit: Meth = 1000 ng/ml
MJ = 50 ng/ml

C C C C C

M M M M M

T T T T T

Negative MET THC MET & THC Invalids

Positive Positive Positive
Drug Test
2. Confirmatory
a) Thin Layer Chromatography
b) Instrumentation-Gas Chromatography
Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS)

Meth and amp

Factor Affecting the Presence of Drugs in the Body:

1.Type of drugs & its clearance rate in urine
2. Frequency of Intake
3. Metabolic Rate
4. Route of Administration
Legal Aspect
 Comprehensive dangerous drug Act of 2002
◦ First offense: min of 6 months rehab
◦ Second offense: 6 to 12 years imprisonment and
fine of 100 to 500T.

 Validity of result: 1 year after issuance

 FORENSI 9. Conduct clandestine lab
C investigation
•CHEMIST
1. Drugs
• 2.
RY
Explosives
• 3. Gunshot
residue
• 4. Distance
determinat
ion
5. Toxicology
6. Fake
Products
7. Blood
Alcohol
8. Drug Test
9. Clandesti
ne Lab
Invest
10.Trace
Evidence
11.Lecture
12.Research
Clan Lab
 Small (1-10 kg)
 Medium (11-50kg)
 large scale (51kg above)
Ephedrine/ controlled precursor,
dangerous drugs in pier, Manila
Inventory and Field testing of
drugs by chemist in clan lab cases
Function of Chemistry
Division
10. Give lectures to police training center and
military investigative schools, universities
and colleges.
Function of Chemistry
Division
11. Conduct research
12. Testify as expert witness
13. Respond to investigators queries on
matters of assisting to develop investigative
leads.
14. Perform other police duties.
Physical Identification
 Ultraviolet exam

 Macro etching
 Hair fibers and Paint Analysis
Practice of Forensic
Chemistry
1. Collection at the site and Reception of
specimen to be examined
◦ the chemist should personally collect the
specimen or supervise collector for proper
evaluation.
Practice of Forensic
Chemistry
2. Conduct examination of the specimen
◦ Some specimen requires longer duration of
examination due to the availability of
instruments, standards and method.
Practice of Forensic
Chemistry
3. Report in writing the result of examination
we do not give the result loosely to everyone.
Practice of Forensic
Chemistry
4. Give advice or consultation with the requesting
parties.

5. Testify in Court as an expert witness.

Becoming Forensic
Professional
 Profession requires existence of associations
that have recognized and accepted
authority within the profession.
◦ NAPOLCOM RESOLUTION NO 99-115 dated August
26, 1999 subject “Professionalizing the Crime
Laboratory Services of the Philippine National
Police (PNP) Through the Implementation of a
Certification Program for Technical Personnel in
the Field of Forensic Science”.
Becoming Forensic
Professional
 Forensic Examiner
 Forensic Specialist
 Forensic Expert
 …

Communication and
Team work
still the hallmarks of good
forensic investigation
Thank you for your
attention

Any questions and comment please send it to:

pinspdeguzman@yahoo.com
7230401local 4226