DNA transfer to placed, stored, and handled drug packaging and knives in houses

Forensic laboratories often sample weapons and clip-seal plastic bags (CSPB) used to package illicit material for the purpose of identifying the handler(s). However, there may be other explanations as to how a person's DNA was transferred to such items. This may include an individual storing the item among their personal belongings for somebody else or the item being stored among their belongings without their knowledge. Here we investigate the direct transfer of DNA to knives and CSPB during handling and explore two feasible alternative explanations related to the indirect transfer of DNA to these items in residential environments. The handling of DNA-free items was performed by 10 individuals who were instructed, on separate occasions, to cut a foam board in half and fill a CSPB with a drug substitute. To explore indirect transfer, sets of these items were (a) placed on kitchen benches and coffee/dining tables for ∼1 min, or (b) stored for two days in kitchen and bedroom drawers within the homes of 10 individuals. After each of the three scenarios, samples were collected from the knife handle and blade, the body and seal of the CSPB, and the surface the items were placed on, the latter as a measure to gain insight into the presence of prevalent and/or background DNA. DNA transfer was observed under all three scenarios, though more frequently when items were handled or stored for 2 days, compared to when placed on a surface for ∼1 min. Under the latter scenario, DNA, if present, was below the level of detection in many samples and produced no profile, suggesting that detectable DNA transfer occurs to a lesser degree from static brief contacts. The study results and associated probabilities will assist forensic examiners with their interpretation of case circumstances regarding the transfer and recovery of DNA from these items.