Behind every case involving drug trafficking or illegal anabolic substances lies a final, silent stage that few know about. It is the moment when a case is formally closed, the destruction of the evidence. This is a fully institutionalised, transparent and controlled process, marking the definitive end of a criminal case; from the seizure of illegal substances to the Court’s decision.
The journey of each substance begins at the moment of its confiscation. Police officers receive it, seal it, and meticulously record all relevant information. The item is then sent to the State Laboratory, where its type and exact quantity are examined and confirmed. It is then sealed again and stored until it is formally presented before the Court as evidence in the case.
Only once all legal procedures have been concluded, the evidence can be cleared for destruction. The destruction of illegal drugs takes place periodically in all districts, once a sufficient number of items have been gathered. These procedures are organised and carried out by the DEA units in every District Police Directorate.
According to the established protocol, each item is inspected by a three-member committee, consisting of representatives from the Pharmaceutical Services, the State Laboratory and the Police. A representative of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority may also be present as an observer, though this is not mandatory.
Each item is inspected individually in its original sealed packaging by the State Laboratory. It is then placed in a special type of packaging, which is also sealed. All evidence is then transported by the committee to certified facilities, where it is incinerated in a specialised incinerator. After the incineration, the committee signs the Detailed Certificate of Destruction, formally concluding the process.
Only this year, evidence from 1,184 cases investigated over recent years by DEA district units has been destroyed.
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