Our mission is to utilize a variety of scientific methodologies and instrumental analyses to examine evidence, submitted by Law Enforcement Agencies, for the presence or absence of controlled substances as referenced in Florida Statutes §893 and §877.111.  Some types of instrumental analysis used include Mass Spectrometry (the gold standard in drug testing), Gas Chromatography, and Infrared Spectrophotometry. These testing methods are supplemented with microscopic examinations, color and chemical tests and other sample preparations as needed. Examples of the types of evidence submitted to this section include plant material, powders and crystals, tablets – both clandestine and pharmaceutical, capsules, liquids, and smoking devices. This field of forensic analysis is ever-evolving, as new substances continuously make their way into illicit markets, particularly in the categories of synthetic cannabinoids (spice) and fentanyl derivatives. Seized Drug cases are the largest percentage of all cases submitted to the FDLE laboratory system. If needed by a court of law, an analyst may present their findings to a jury during a criminal trial.