Report: State Police lab tech mishandled more drug tests used in criminal cases

The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office has identified at least 11 cases affected by the mishandling of evidence by a State Police lab technician who faked drug test results used in criminal prosecutions. But there are likely many more.

The discovery calls into further question not only the integrity of the lab, but the evidence used against possibly thousands of drug defendants in court.

According to NorthJersey.com, a letter sent to defense attorneys on March 10 said that of 7,800 drug cases handed by Kamal Shah over his 10 year career at the lab facility in Little Ferry, at least 11 have "key information" or case notes missing.

The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, which manages the lab, said that Shah wrote "test results" on samples without actually testing them. He was suspended when the problem was discovered and has since retired, according to the newspaper.

The letter said that for cases pending in state Superior Court evidence will be retested, according to the newspaper, which reported that the integrity of the lab has  been brought up by motion to dismiss in a number of cases.

The lab handles evidence for State Police and other law enforcement agencies from around the state. It is run by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.