When collecting tablets and capsules as evidence, what must officers ensure?

When collecting tablets and capsules as evidence, it is essential that officers ensure they are of a usable quantity because this determines the integrity and usefulness of the evidence for examination and potential prosecution. A usable quantity means that there is enough volume for forensic analysis, which could include lab testing for identification of substances, purity levels, and contamination. Without an adequate quantity of the evidence, it may not yield results that can support a legal case or provide reliable information on the substance in question.

In situations where evidence may be compromised by handling, testing, or time, having a usable amount is crucial to ensure that any analyses conducted later will yield valid and applicable results. It is important for the evidence to not only be collected but to be collected in a manner that allows it to serve its purpose within the judicial process.