Physical Evidence & Chain of Custody Flashcards

A large drug shipment is seized at a port of entry. Which sampling method is DEA-approved to statistically represent the entire shipment without testing every package?

Answer: Stratified random sampling per DEA guidelines

DEA guidelines specify stratified random sampling protocols to ensure the tested sample statistically represents the entire seized shipment.

When seizing digital evidence such as a drug trafficker's smartphone, what is the primary concern regarding evidence integrity?

Answer: Remote wipe capability and signal isolation

Smartphones can receive remote wipe commands; agents must immediately place them in a Faraday bag to block signals and prevent data destruction.

A drug exhibit is returned from the DEA lab with a net weight significantly different from the original field measurement. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Document both weights, note discrepancy, and have a supervisor review

Weight discrepancies must be documented transparently, with both measurements recorded and supervisory review initiated to explain the difference.

Which of the following actions would MOST likely compromise the chain of custody of a drug exhibit?

Answer: Allowing an unauthorized person temporary access without documentation

Allowing undocumented access by unauthorized persons breaks the chain of custody and may render evidence inadmissible.

In a multi-defendant drug conspiracy case, physical evidence is shared across multiple defendants' prosecution files. How should custodians handle this situation?

Answer: Maintain a single evidence log with cross-references to all case numbers

Evidence shared across cases is maintained as a single exhibit with cross-referenced case numbers in the custody log to avoid duplication or fragmentation.

A DEA special agent must transport a large quantity of seized heroin across state lines to a federal evidence vault. Which requirement applies?

Answer: Two-agent transport, documented manifest, and secure vehicle

Large drug shipments require at least two agents, a documented chain of custody manifest, and a secured government vehicle to prevent diversion.

What is the purpose of performing a 'blind' quality control check on a subset of drug evidence packages in a DEA evidence vault?

Answer: To detect tampering, substitution, or weight discrepancies without alerting vault personnel in advance

Blind quality control checks detect internal tampering or errors by auditing packages without prior notification to vault staff.