CHAIN OF CUSTODY:

     Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002, which implements R.A. No. 9165, defines chain of custody as “the duly recorded authorized movements and custody of seized drugs or controlled chemicals or plant sources of dangerous drugs or laboratory equipment of each stage, from the time of seizure/confiscation to receipt in the forensic laboratory to safekeeping to presentation in court for destruction. Thus, crucial in proving chain of custody is the marking of the seized drugs or other related items immediately after they are seized from the accused. “Marking” means the placing by the apprehending officer or the poseur-buyer of his/her initials and signature on the items seized. (People vs. Jhon-Jhon Alejandro, G.R. No. 176350, August 10, 2011, Brion, J.).