Policy Text
Revisions or additions are highlighted 1 (12/07 /2020) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
INSTRUCTIONAL ORDER
Subject: HANDLING AND PACKAGING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Index as: Clandestine Laboratories Paraphernalia
Controlled Substances Presumptive Testing
Handling Controlled Substances Testing Controlled Substances
Packaging Controlled Substances Weighing Controlled Substances
Accreditation Standards: 83.2.1, 83.3.1, and 84.1.1
Cross Reference : G.O.III -14, Property and Evidence
I.O. V.5:22, Infectious Diseases
§893.02, §893.03, and §893.145
Replaces : I.O. V.2: 01 Handling and Packaging Controlled Substances ( June 7, 2019)
This Order consists of the following sections:
I. Purpose
II. Definitions
III. Clandestine Laboratories
IV. Collecting and Securing the Evidence
I. PURPOSE
A. This Order establishes guidelines for the proper handling and packaging, as evidence, items believed to be a
controlled substance.
B. The admissibility of controlled substances in court often provides the necessary link leading to the conviction of an
offender. It can be expected that every effort will be made by a defense attorney to challenge the introduction of controlled
substances into evidence because of the damaging effects it can have on a case.
C. To safeguard the value of controlled substances seized as evidence, the items must be carefully collected,
preserved, secured and reta ined. Whether or not it will be admissible as evidence by the court may depend largely on the
ability of the police to show that it was not changed or altered in any way, that it can be positively identified, and that i ts
integrity cannot be questioned.
II. DEFINITIONS
A. Cannabis – All parts of any plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin
extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant
or its seeds or resin (§893. 02, F.S.S.).
B. Clandestine Laboratory – A chemical laboratory designed for the purpose of making illegal drugs, also known as a
“clan lab.” Common drugs manufactured in a clan lab are methamphetamine and GHB.
C. Controlled Substance – Any substance named or d escribed in Schedules I through V of §893.03, F.S.S. DATE OF
ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER
April 2016 Immediately V.2:01
Distribution: All Employees
Instructional Order V.2: 01
Revisions or additions are highlighted 2 (12/07 /2020) D. Paraphernalia – All equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use, or designed
for use to introduce a controlled substance into the human body (§893.145, F.S.S.).
III. CLANDESTINE LABORATORIES
A. A clandestine laboratory presents a distinct threat to the health and well -being of persons in or near it, and to the
neighborhood environment where such a lab may be situated. Dangers associated with a clan lab include:
1. Injuries or death from inhalation of gases.
2. Injuries or death resulting from burns or explosions.
3. Environmental degradation from chemical spills or gas clouds.
B. Chemicals commonly used/found in clandestine laboratories include, but are not limited to:
1. Ephedrine, anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorous, lithium, acetone, red devil lye, toluene and ether.
2. Many of these chemicals can be readily obtained from discount or home improvement stores.
C. Location and equipment utilized in clandestine laboratories:
1. Clandestine labs may be found set up in areas as small as the trunk of a vehicle or in any larger area, including
rooms within a residence or a hotel.
2. Equipment commonly found includes: Coffee filters, Pyrex dishes, mason jars, propane cylinders, tubing,
heating mantles and cooking vessels.
D. Upon locating/identifying a suspected clandestine laboratory, Department personnel shall:
1. Secure the area.
a. Do not turn anything on or off; i.e. lights, heating sources.
b. Do not touch, move or smell anything.
2. Contact the Vice and Narcotics Division, who will respond to assess the scene and make necessary notifications
to the Drug Enforcement Agency.
3. Evacuate everyone within the immediate area of the site.
4. In case of injury:
a. Remove injured person(s) to a safe location away from the affected area.
b. Provide first aid until Fire Rescue responds.
c. Request decontamination from the Fire Department due to possible exposure to chemicals which may be
on your clothing and/or body.
IV. COLLECTING AND SECURING THE EVIDENCE
A. Officers must take universal precautions when seizing controlled substances regardless of the method of seizure.
Extreme caution should be used to prevent exposure to infectious diseases, as outlined in J:\Research \GeneralOrders \V
Instructional Orders \V5-22 Infectious Diseases.pdf .
B. There shall be two (2) Officers present when collecting, testing, and/or packaging controlled substances.
1. One Officer will collect, test and/or package the controlled substances.
2. The second Officer will stand by and not participate in the collecting, testing, and/or packaging of the controlled
substances.
Instructional Order V.