Capturing Substantial Truth Through Scientific Examination by the Polícia Científica e de Investigação Criminal (PCIC) on Evidence of Narcotics Crimes in The Laboratory

Authors

  • Domingos Franklin Soares UNPAZ
  • Luis Soraes Barreto MDIR UNPAZ
  • Armindo Moniz Amaral MDIR UNPAZ

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3007/nrj7wa16

Keywords:

Narcotics Evidence, Forensic Examination, Policia Científica de Investigação Criminal (PCIC), Timor-Leste, Chain of Custody, ISO/IEC 17025, Forensic Capacity Building, Quality Assurance, Legal Framework, Drug Crime Enforcement

Abstract

Law enforcement against narcotics crimes depends critically on accurate, objective, and scientifically grounded evidence. In Timor-Leste, however, the use of scientific evidence via forensic laboratories remains constrained by significant operational, technical, and institutional obstacles. This study examines the current practice and challenges of scientific examination of narcotics evidence by the Policia Científica de Investigação Criminal (PCIC) and develops a reconstructed model for an ideal forensic examination process tailored to the Timorese context.

Using an empirical approach, the research investigates three core questions: (1) What procedures does the PCIC employ for scientific examination of narcotics evidence? (2) What principal challenges impede the PCIC’s forensic work? and (3) How can the forensic examination process be reconstituted to meet legal, scientific, and practical demands? Data were gathered through direct observation of laboratory workflows, structured interviews with PCIC personnel and relevant stakeholders, review of internal operating procedures and case files, and comparative analysis of regional and international forensic standards and best practices.

Findings reveal that PCIC’s scientific examinations fulfill dual roles: providing evidentiary material for prosecutions and acting as a strategic mechanism to ensure substantive justice through impartial scientific fact-finding. The laboratory’s procedures encompass evidence receipt and chain-of-custody management, presumptive and confirmatory chemical analyses, physical and documentary examinations, documentation and reporting, and expert testimony. While procedural foundations exist, significant gaps reduce effectiveness: limited analytical capacity (specialized instrumentation and reagent shortages), human resource constraints (insufficiently trained analysts, high workload, retention issues), weaknesses in quality assurance and accreditation, logistical and infrastructure deficiencies (inadequate facilities, evidence storage, and security), fragmented interagency coordination, and insufficient legal/regulatory frameworks to govern forensic standards, admissibility, and independence.

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Published

2026-03-19

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 01 (2026): Science of Law

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

Soares, D. F. ., Barreto, L. S., & Amaral, A. M. (2026). Capturing Substantial Truth Through Scientific Examination by the Polícia Científica e de Investigação Criminal (PCIC) on Evidence of Narcotics Crimes in The Laboratory. International Scientific Journal of UNPAZ Timor-Leste, 1(01), 586-593. https://doi.org/10.3007/nrj7wa16