2C:35-21. Seizure in violation of chapter; pretrial destruction of bulk seizures of controlled dangerous substances

2C:35-21. Seizure in Violation of Chapter; Pretrial Destruction of Bulk Seizures of Controlled Dangerous Substances. Any controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog seized in violation of this chapter shall be subject to the forfeiture provisions of chapter 64 of this title. In any case involving a bulk seizure of a controlled dangerous substance or a controlled substance analog, a prosecuting authority, upon notice to defense counsel, may apply to the trial court for an order to destroy all or some portion of the seized substance. The State, county or municipal forensic laboratory that analyzes the substance shall make a photographic record thereof.

In the event that the defendant objects to the application to destroy all or some portion of the controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, defense counsel shall within 20 days of receiving notice from the prosecuting authority serve notice of objection upon the trial judge and the prosecuting authority. The notice of objection shall include the reasons therefor. Failure to comply with the time limitations regarding the notice of objection required by this section shall constitute a waiver of any objections to the destruction of all or some portion of the substance.

The decision to order the destruction of the substance shall be vested in the sound discretion of the trial court. Prior to the issuance of any order authorizing the destruction of all or some portion of the controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, and subject to reasonable supervision by laboratory or agency personnel, defense counsel shall be afforded an opportunity to inspect or test the substance.

The State, county or municipal forensic laboratory authorized to destroy all or some portion of the controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog shall file with the court a certificate under oath attesting to the date on which the substance was destroyed, the quantity of the substance destroyed, and the method used to destroy the substance.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the photographic record made in accordance with the provisions of this section, upon proper authentication, may be introduced as evidence in any court.

L.1987, c.106, s.1; amended 1988,c.44,s.11.