Koczera Questions DPH Oversight In Crime Lab Scandal

State Rep. Robert Koczera (D-New Bedford says most of the blame for the state drug lab scandal falls squarely on former state chemist Annie Dookhan whose accused of mishandling evidence in 34,000 drug cases.  But Koczera also wonders why the Dept. of Public Health wasn't being more attentive to the goings on in that lab.

Gov. Patrick has asked lawmakers to approve $30-million for prosecutors around the state, to respond to appeals and requests for new trials.  State lawmakers will also hold hearings this month on the Dept. of Public Health's handling of the drug lab scandal and the fungal meningitis outbreak linked to a compounding pharmacy in Framingham that has sickened 377 nationwide, and killed 28 people.