The Gold Standard: The MSHP Crime Lab’s Drug Chemistry Section

While field tests provide a preliminary “presumptive” indication, the final word in any Missouri drug case belongs to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Crime Laboratory Division. Established in 1936, the MSHP laboratory system has evolved into an internationally accredited institution that provides high-tech forensic services to law enforcement agencies across the state at no charge.

A Full-Service Forensic Powerhouse

Although this series focuses on narcotics, it is important to note that the MSHP Crime Lab is a multi-disciplinary facility. Their experts provide essential services in several forensic fields, including:

• Toxicology: Analyzing blood and urine for alcohol and drugs.
• DNA Casework: Identifying biological fluids and “touch DNA”.
• Firearms & Toolmarks: Performing ballistics comparisons and serial number restorations.
• Latent Prints: Developing and searching fingerprint databases.
• Trace Evidence: Examining materials like glass, soil, and gunshot residue.

The Drug Chemistry Experts

The Drug Chemistry Section specifically handles the analysis of confiscated controlled substances, ranging from street drugs and pharmaceuticals to complex designer compounds. These specialists analyze powders, liquids, residues, and plant materials to provide conclusive identification for criminal prosecutions.

While the MSHP operates seven laboratory locations throughout Missouri—including the General Headquarters in Jefferson City and regional labs in Springfield, Cape Girardeau, and Carthage—most drug evidence in our immediate region is processed at the Park Hills Laboratory (Troop C).

Conclusive Identification vs. Screening

Unlike the “color tests” and even Trunarc which are used in the field, the MSHP laboratory utilizes a sophisticated testing battery to ensure accuracy:

• Instrumental Analysis: To reach a “conclusive” identification, the lab utilizes Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). This technique separates a mixture into its components and breaks molecules into ions to create a unique chemical “spectrum” that acts as a definitive fingerprint for the compound.

I have been given a tour of the Park Hills lab and believe the work they do there is top-notch. The Lab’s work is transparent, the equipment is state of the art, and the procedures are in compliance with the best labs (click here for pdf of the lab’s handbook). Most importantly, they do not work for the prosecutors and defense attorneys have equal access to data and those that work there.

By moving from presumptive field scans to instrumental lab analysis, the MSHP ensures that State’s legal charges are supported by the highest level of scientific certainty. And if they are not supported, it can provide evidence to support dismissal of the charges.