Imagine being pulled over for a routine traffic violation, only to end up in handcuffs because an officer spots something that they think looks like drugs – and their roadside drug test falsely confirms their suspicions.
This might sound like something that only happens in your nightmares, but it’s actually a common occurrence. Faulty drug testing kits have been responsible for numerous erroneous arrests – and severe consequences for the innocent.
Cheap, easy – and inaccurate
Roadside drug testing kits are designed to help law enforcement quickly determine whether a substance is illegal, such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine or other controlled drugs. The kits typically use a chemical reagent to identify substances based on color changes.
Here’s how they generally work:
- The officer places a sample of the suspected drug into the testing container
- The test kit contains specific chemicals that react when exposed to certain substances
- If the sample contains a drug, the chemical reagent should cause a color change that indicates the presence of the suspected substance
These tests are quick, inexpensive and portable, making them a common tool for law enforcement. However, the accuracy of these kits is where the real problem begins. Tests like these have mistaken Jolly Rancher candies for crystal meth, tomato plants and okra for marijuana and mints for MDMA.
In some cases, people who couldn’t afford bail have sat in jail for months awaiting further testing on their “drugs” before they’ve been set free – and others have pled guilty even though they were innocent just to get back to their lives.
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime based on faulty testing, it’s critically important to seek legal guidance right away.