LSD test not flawed: Excise, laboratory refute claims of suspended official in ‘fake drug case’

Thrissur: The excise crime branch team on Monday refuted the claims of suspended excise officer K Satheesh in the controversial ‘fake drug seizure’ case in Chalakudy and said that the test of the material seized from beauty parlour owner Sheel Sunny was not flawed.

“It is true that the chemical components of LSD stamps will fade or evaporate if kept open or exposed to sunlight for a long period of time. However, no such possibilities apply for this case as the stamp, which was seized on February 27, was presented before the court the very next day and samples were collected,” crime branch officials said. 

They added that such samples, which are sealed with utmost care and sent to the laboratory, provide accurate test results even after several days. 

“Even if one agrees to the claim that the chemical components will fade over time, it needs to be noted that the tests were conducted in an advanced laboratory facilitated to trace the presence of even minute particles,” officials said. 

Meanwhile, the crime branch has submitted the chemical test result report before the Thrissur Sessions Court. The lab authorities also stated the negative results were confirmed after carrying out multiple tests on the seized material and added that it was not evaporated when brought in for test.

Earlier on Monday, K Satheesh, who received the tip-off about the drugs at Sheela Sunny’s house and was arrested in connection with the case, dismissed allegations of wrongdoing and claimed that what they seized were LSD stamps. He alleged that the test was conducted one-and-half months after collecting samples and the results turned negative probably due to delay in conducting the test.

Sheela Sunny (51), owner of 'She Style' beauty parlour in Chalakudy, was arrested on February 27 for allegedly possessing 12 LSD stamps worth Rs 60,000. The excise officials then maintained that Sheela had been involved in illicit drug business under the pretext of running the parlour. 

In a raid that followed, excise officials found 12 LSD stamps hidden inside her scooter and bag. Sheela was granted bail by the high court on May 10 after being jailed for 72 days in Viyyur Jail.