DEA Physical Evidence & Chain of Custody 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When packaging wet or damp biological evidence such as blood-stained clothing, which container type should be used to prevent mold and degradation?
- Sealed plastic bag
- Paper bag or breathable container (Correct answer)
- Vacuum-sealed pouch
- Airtight metal tin
Correct answer: Paper bag or breathable container
Wet biological evidence must be packaged in paper or breathable containers to allow moisture to escape and prevent mold growth that would destroy DNA.
Question 2: A DEA agent discovers a clandestine methamphetamine lab. What is the correct order of operations before collecting chemical evidence?
- Collect evidence, then call hazmat
- Document the scene photographically, then contact hazmat for safety clearance
- Immediately seize all chemicals and secure them in evidence bags
- Evacuate, secure the perimeter, obtain hazmat clearance, then document and collect (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Evacuate, secure the perimeter, obtain hazmat clearance, then document and collect
Clandestine labs present explosion and chemical exposure risks; personnel must evacuate, secure the perimeter, get hazmat clearance, then document before collecting evidence.
Question 3: Which DEA form is used to officially record the transfer of seized drug evidence between custodians?
- DEA Form 6
- DEA Form 7 (Correct answer)
- DEA Form 12
- DEA Form 41
Correct answer: DEA Form 7
DEA Form 7 (Report of Drug Property Collected, Purchased, or Seized) documents drug evidence and its chain of custody transfers.
Question 4: During a drug prosecution, the defense argues chain of custody was broken because one evidence transfer had no signature. What is the likely legal consequence?
- Evidence is automatically excluded
- The court must dismiss all charges
- The gap goes to weight rather than admissibility, but may affect credibility (Correct answer)
- The agent who forgot to sign is criminally liable
Correct answer: The gap goes to weight rather than admissibility, but may affect credibility
Minor chain of custody gaps typically affect the weight the jury assigns to evidence rather than its admissibility, though prosecutors must explain the gap.
Question 5: A suspected cocaine sample must be field-tested. Which reagent turns blue-green in a positive cocaine presumptive test?
- Marquis reagent
- Scott reagent (Correct answer)
- Duquenois-Levine reagent
- Simon's reagent
Correct answer: Scott reagent
The Scott reagent (cobalt thiocyanate) produces a characteristic blue-green color in the presence of cocaine.
Question 6: An evidence technician reseals a drug evidence package after laboratory analysis. What must accompany the resealed package to maintain chain of custody?
- A new evidence tag only
- The original seal remnants and a label documenting who opened it, when, and why (Correct answer)
- A supervisor's verbal authorization
- A new DEA case number
Correct answer: The original seal remnants and a label documenting who opened it, when, and why
Resealed evidence must retain original seal remnants and include a label or notation documenting the opener's identity, date, and reason for access.
Question 7: Which federal statute governs the DEA's authority to seize and forfeit drug-related assets, requiring documented chain of custody for property evidence?
- 18 U.S.C. § 1961
- 21 U.S.C. § 881 (Correct answer)
- 31 U.S.C. § 5324
- 18 U.S.C. § 1956
Correct answer: 21 U.S.C. § 881
21 U.S.C. § 881 authorizes the DEA to seize and forfeit property associated with drug offenses, requiring proper evidence documentation.
DEA Physical Evidence & Chain of Custody 2
When packaging wet or damp biological evidence such as blood-stained clothing, which container type should be used to prevent mold and degradation?