Latest news with #ForensicScience
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lab boss suspended in latest DNA contamination scandal
The director of a state-run forensic testing lab has been suspended and will be asked to explain why they should not be removed in the latest scandal over botched DNA sampling. It follows a pause in testing sparked by the identification of contamination issues at Forensic Science Queensland, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Friday. "This action was taken following advice I received today that (Forensic Science Queensland) was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified," she said. The pause will be reviewed after seven days as the lab determines next steps. Urgent matters will progress in a limited capacity with appropriate controls, Ms Frecklington said. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 following multiple inquiries, one of which revealed a "fundamentally flawed" automated DNA extraction method might have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Many samples went untested while others were incorrectly ruled insufficient, an earlier inquiry found. The inquiries also elicited characterisations of a "toxic" culture at the state-run forensic lab. More than 40,000 samples fell within the scope of a historical review process, of which close to 10,000 had been reviewed as of May. Linzi Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September after serving as interim chief executive. Dr Wilson-Wilde was stepping into "what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role", Ms Frecklington said at the time. Following news of the testing pause, Ms Frecklington moved to immediately suspend her, pending a show cause notice for removal. "I want to assure Queenslanders the Crisafulli government remains firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland," she said.
BreakingNews.ie
15-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Man (20s) and three youths arrested after over €33,000 cannabis seized in Cork
Four males, one in his 20s and three youths in their late teens, have been arrested after gardaí seized around €33,480 worth of cannabis during several searches in Cork city on Wednesday afternoon. At around 4pm, gardaí stopped and searched a vehicle on the north side of the city and seized €12,680 worth of cannabis. Advertisement A follow up search under warrent at a residence led to further seizures of around €20,800 worth of cannabis and other items. The searches were part of ongoing operations targeting the sale and supply of drugs in Cork city, a garda statement said. The four males were arrested and brought to garda stations in Cork city, where they are being detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking Act) 1996. The seized drugs will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis and investigations are ongoing, gardaí said.
