New Details in Columbia Police Department Drug Lab Closure

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – Wednesday, Columbia Police Chief William Holbrook addressed city leaders to discuss the audit of his department’s drug lab. The audit has forced the closure of the lab and a former drug chemist has resigned. Mayor Steve Benjamin requested the city’s Public Safety Committee meet to discuss the findings of the audit and get a detailed account regarding the closure. While the report states the lab was “extremely clean and well organized,” there were issues. Some of the findings include broken cabinet doors where organic solvents were being stored and a spark or other ignition source could cause a catastrophic fire or explosion. The report also pointed out the need for a key audit to determine who has a key to the lab. The lab remains closed tonight, all cases have been forwarded to SLED.