The phenomena of the product degrading over time resulted in a lesser charge to the defendant after a re-evaluation of the product. It was an unknown condition that had only been noted a few times previously by the DEA. The substance was in a partially solid and partially liquid phase and was emitting a strong odor of menthol that was permeating through the plastic bag. The product smelled heavily of menthol and I questioned the representing authorities concerning the liquid state this product had begun to demonstrate. On March 12, 2009, I performed a certified reweigh of this same controlled substance, marked with the above lab number and above case number, and recorded a weight of 35.54g. The evidence submitted on to Smith Texas Laboratory, was scientifically determined to be a controlled substance and identified as crack cocaine with a total weight of 51.9 grams. It was hypothesized that over time temperature and humidity levels would vary, and the rate of expansion and reduction of cocaine and its derivatives mixed with procaine and menthol will be proportional to respective changes in temperature and humidity. By the use of pharmaceutical grade caffeine, topical 10% mixture of menthol, and an over the counter derivative of procaine (2.5% solution of lidocaine), we could do a mock representation in an attempt to recreate the degradation of the solid back to a liquid phase with apparent deteriorating properties. I proposed a mock experiment and analytical research study to determine the cause of this deterioration and reduction in weigh by nearly 16 grams over a two year period. This agent further surmised that the addition of Procaine may be responsible for the rapid rate of deterioration. The undercover agent expressed concern regarding the degradation of this product that had a very strong smell of menthol and proposed the evidence had been mixed or cut with Procaine, a derivative of Novocain. During this review and reweigh procedure the aforementioned product emitted a strong odor of menthol. Present at the review and reweigh of this product listed above were legal counsel for the defendant and two case agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and an unidentified undercover agent. Menthol causes and endothermic reaction overtime and reduces the product to a slurry or paste form of the product beginning to occur after the first 72 hours of manufacturing.Ī review of case a determined there was a defined and remarkable reduction in weight on the proposed crack cocaine product submitted nearly two years previously, from the original weight documented by the Smith Texas Laboratory.
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