06/02/2026
Ever wonder what happens to illegal drugs after they are seized by law enforcement and are no longer needed as evidence?
One of the tools we use is the Drug Terminator, a secure and environmentally responsible system designed to safely destroy narcotics. Once a case has been adjudicated and the court authorizes destruction, the drugs are placed into the Drug Terminator, where they are heated to temperatures between 1,800 and 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This process renders the substances non-retrievable, non-usable, and safe for disposal.
The photos below show our Evidence Manager using the Drug Terminator during a recent destruction process. This is an important part of maintaining the integrity of our evidence procedures while ensuring illegal drugs are permanently removed from our community.
Many people see officers making arrests and seizing narcotics, but there is a great deal of work that takes place behind the scenes. From evidence collection and storage to court proceedings and final destruction, every step is carefully documented and monitored.
Today, these drugs are no longer a threat to our community.