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Probe into Randox Manchester 'manipulated' drug tests | Probe into Randox Manchester 'manipulated' drug tests |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Hundreds of cases could be reviewed after two men who work at a laboratory used by police to test drug samples were arrested. | |
Randox Testing Services (RTS) is used by forces across the UK to analyse samples used in prosecutions. | |
Police chiefs said it had been told 484 cases handled by the firm since November 2015 may have been affected. | |
The men, 47 and 31, were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and bailed, police said. | |
RTS said it was fully co-operating with the investigation and some tests could be "re-run". | RTS said it was fully co-operating with the investigation and some tests could be "re-run". |
The allegations relate to drug tests analysed at its Manchester office. | The allegations relate to drug tests analysed at its Manchester office. |
'No question mark' | 'No question mark' |
In a statement, RTS said there was no evidence to say alcohol samples were affected because they were not tested at that site. | In a statement, RTS said there was no evidence to say alcohol samples were affected because they were not tested at that site. |
The firm, based in Northern Ireland, said the investigation centres on the "manipulation of quality control data, which supports test results". | The firm, based in Northern Ireland, said the investigation centres on the "manipulation of quality control data, which supports test results". |
A statement added: "A number of toxicology results have been compromised. RTS are working tirelessly to fully assess the impact and implications for each case. | |
"Where possible, when viable, samples will be re-run to provide robust, uncompromised results. | |
"There is no question mark over the RTS quality system or the robustness of our practices and procedures." | "There is no question mark over the RTS quality system or the robustness of our practices and procedures." |
Chief Constable Debbie Simpson, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for forensic science, said Randox had provided each force with a list of cases that could have been affected. | Chief Constable Debbie Simpson, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for forensic science, said Randox had provided each force with a list of cases that could have been affected. |
"Working in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service, we have provided guidance to forces so they are able to review each case to determine if compromised data played a part in prosecution and the CPS will then take appropriate action in any cases identified," she added. | "Working in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service, we have provided guidance to forces so they are able to review each case to determine if compromised data played a part in prosecution and the CPS will then take appropriate action in any cases identified," she added. |