Department of Natural Resources Policy

Management of Confiscated and Chemical Immobilizing Drugs

Policy Number:  01:02

Effective Date:  September 1, 2000 (REVIEWED: May 2003)

See signed policy - Adobe Acrobat file

I. PURPOSE

The intent of this policy is to establish uniform procedures within the Department for the security of drugs and chemicals including Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS); and, to ensure safety during use of immobilizing chemicals in wildlife management.

II. SCOPE (DEPARTMENT WIDE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

III. POLICY

It is the policy of the Department of Natural Resources that confiscated drugs/CDS and chemicals to immobilize or subdue wildlife shall be utilized in a safe manner and stored in secure areas. The units of the Department shall develop specific procedures and policies to ensure adequate training; identification of instances and procedures to administer chemicals to wildlife; records to be maintained for inventory purposes; reports of chemicals administered to wildlife; and, any other requirements for the security and safety of confiscated drugs/CDS and immobilizing chemicals.

IV. DEFINITION OF DRUGS

This policy is applicable to confiscated drugs including CDS obtained as a result of law enforcement activities; chemicals used to immobilize or subdue wildlife for scientific purposes; and, chemicals used to euthanize injured animals.

V. PROCEDURES

1. Custodian of Drugs/Chemicals – Each region or facility shall designate a person to be responsible for the security and maintenance of records associated with chemical immobilizing drugs and equipment; or, confiscated drugs and materials from law enforcement activities.
   
   
2. Security – Security measures shall be utilized to include safes, interior vaults, alarm systems, etc. with access restricted to personnel who have received training in the proper handling and administration of drugs and chemicals. During transportation in vehicles or vessels, drugs and chemicals shall be secured in a locked case.
   
   
3. Records – An inventory log shall be maintained of all confiscated drugs and CDS received as a result of law enforcement activities; and, for chemicals used in wildlife management. All records maintained by the Department will comply with any requirements of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
   
   
4. Safety – During the handling of drugs and/or administration of chemicals to wildlife, safety precautions are paramount. All personnel shall receive specific training in the procedures for handling CDS or related paraphernalia. Additionally, each person authorized to administer immobilizing chemicals shall attend annual training. Written emergency procedures shall be maintained with the immobilizing chemicals in case of accidental human injection.
   
   
5. Report of Theft or Loss – The theft of loss of any Department procured chemicals for wildlife management or confiscated drugs resulting from law enforcement activities will be immediately reported to the Unit Director, Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Department. An investigation will be initiated to determine the cause of circumstances of the loss, and a copy of the investigation report will be provided to the Director of Management Analysis and Audit.
   
   
6. Disposal – Immobilizing chemicals surplus to Department needs and confiscated drugs/CDS after criminal cases have been adjudicated by the counts shall be destroyed. The destruction of the drugs shall be witnessed by a person independent of the employee responsible for the inventory. The Department’s Property Officer or a representative of the Management Analysis and Audit Unit is available to assist with destruction of drugs and immobilizing chemicals. A record of all items destroyed shall be prepared and signed by the personnel in attendance.

Posted February 3, 2004