The Drug Laboratory analyzes items of evidence to determine presence and identity of controlled substances. The penalties possession, distribution, and manufacturing of controlled substances in South Carolina are tiered based on substance type and quantity. The reported conclusions play a critical role in supporting the correct charge. For that reason, the Laboratory works closely with members of the Solicitor’s Office and United States Attorney’s Office in preparation for judicial proceedings. The employees of the Drug Laboratory are required to testify in local, State, and Federal Court as an expert witness.

The Drug Lab utilizes a variety of techniques to determine the presence of controlled substances. Initially, substances will be screened with various preliminary tests, but all substances will undergo confirmatory testing through Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) before a conclusion is rendered.

These services are generally only provided for law enforcement agencies in Greenville County. On a case-by-case basis consideration will be given to assisting law enforcement agencies outside of Greenville County.

A new law passed by the South Carolina Legislature in 2018 impacted the process being used to analyze marijuana. These changes necessitated the procurement of additional laboratory instruments and supplies in addition to changing policies and procedures. An additional employee had to be added to the Drug Laboratory Staff to effectively handle the additional workflow requirements. This change also impacted the backlog of marijuana testing and has increased the time from intake until the final report is issued.