San Francisco prosecutors dismiss estimated 1,000 drug cases due to crime lab scandal

1,000 cases to be dismissed in Calif. lab scandal

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco prosecutors say they are dropping an estimated 1,000 drug cases due to a scandal involving the police crime lab.

The move disclosed Thursday came in addition to another 550 cases that were dismissed or not charged because the lab was unable to conduct tests.

The lab was shut March 9 amid allegations that a longtime lab technician stole cocaine evidence.

The technician retired in March and hasn’t been charged.