P Koupparis Esq
London
By FAX and Post
Our Ref: CC/1299/91
16 October 1991
Dear Mr Koupparis
Re: R -v- D R DeSILVA
Thank you for your letter of 14 October 1991, enclosing the
statements of John CAIN and Philip O'NEIL.
I have read these statement with increasing concern, when set against
the background of the information you gave me that Mr DeSILVA had
been convicted of possessing/importing heroin.
The fact of the matter is that heroin comprises the active ingredient
and restricted substance, diacetyl-morphine (diamorphine), possibly
together with other unrestricted materials, and that the last
paragraph of Mr O'NEIL's statement specifically states that the
exhibit, FARRANT A, was "found to contain no diamorphine".
I am also concerned as to the validity of the procedure used by
Mr CAIN when he "combined" the contents of FARRANT A "to form one lot",
which he then tested, possibly without regard to the homogeneity or
the possible inherent chemical interactions of the components in the
resultant mixture.
In all the circumstances, it would appear that a detailed scientific
examination of the exhibit, coupled with an in-depth scrutiny of what
the prosecution scientists are saying, in the light of their tests
and examinations, is absolutely essential in this case to ensure that
the court is not totally misled as to the meaning of the scientific
evidence.
If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
yours sincerely
Dr C F Candy
Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy in the
Faculty of Science, Chartered Chemist, Member of the Royal Society of
Chemistry and, formerly, a Principal Scientist at the Metropolitan
Police Forensic Science Laboratory
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