What should be done with drug evidence liquids during collection?

Leaving drug evidence liquids in the original container is the correct approach during collection because it helps to preserve the chain of custody and the integrity of the evidence. Original containers are often designed to be tamper-proof and can provide important information regarding the contents, such as labels or markings that might indicate the substance's origin and characteristics.

When drug evidence is collected, maintaining its original state is crucial for forensic analysis. An original container is typically designed to contain specific substances safely and may be impervious to the drugs it holds, reducing the risk of contamination or degradation. Transferring the liquid into a new container could introduce risk factors, such as contamination or modification of the physical state of the substance, which can affect later analysis or legal proceedings.

Keeping the evidence in its original container also simplifies the documentation process. The chain of custody is an essential part of criminal investigations, and any change from the original state might lead to questions about authenticity and integrity in court. Proper collection and handling procedures follow the established protocols for evidence management, ensuring that the evidence will be admissible in legal settings.