Massachusetts Drug Lab Shut Down

A state drug lab in Boston has been shut down after state police discovered a chemist failed to follow protocols in drug testing, potentially exposing thousands of drug convictions to legal challenges.

The lab was involved in certifying drug evidence in cases submitted by local police in dozens of communities around the state, including Boston. State police began an investigation in June, just before they took over operation of the lab from the state Department of Public Health.

They discovered that a female chemist who had worked at the lab since 2003 had not followed proper procedures. It is not clear how many cases she mishandled, but she was involved in several thousand cases. A state police spokesman said the investigation showed the chemist did more than cut corners. He said police believe she deliberately mishandled drug testing.

[Via AP]