A man imprisoned for four months for possession of methylamphetamine has been released after it was determined that the suspected ‘crystal meth’ was actually salt.
The man from Maryborough, Queensland in Australia was arrested after the substance was found in his car.
He was then detained for four months while police carried out forensic tests. The man’s lawyer, Travis George said the length of time was likely due his client’s previous criminal convictions.
Charges were dropped against the man after the returned test results confirmed that the substance was indeed Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate).
The blunder has prompted further criticism of Queensland’s Health’s Forensic and Scientific Services who previously faced condemnation after alleged delays in returning forensic tests.
A Maryborough magistrate, John Smith said: “For the last 14 years nothing has been done (about the delays)… once again the government needs to have a look at what they are doing in relation to this”.