About Drug Detection Laboratories

DDL was founded in 1984 by Jeffery and Susan Zehnder, Forensic Toxicologists who now have well over 50 years of combined experience in the field of Forensic Toxicology. DDL can provide drug and alcohol testing for the forensic, counseling, and medical communities. DDL is licensed by the California Department of Health Services as a Forensic Alcohol Laboratory (DHS#980022) for the analysis of alcohol in blood, breath, and urine samples; and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) (#PLO24729) to handle and test controlled substances. Testing not only includes biological samples, but also powders, liquids, pharmaceuticals, alcoholic beverages, syringes, etc.  Breath alcohol testing is also available, as well as sophisticated interpretation of laboratory data and signs/symptoms related to drug effects.  DDL provides specialized services in the analysis of drugs and alcohol, and the interpretation of test results, for attorneys, drug counselors, physicians, hospitals, parents, and individuals. A simple phone consultation often greatly benefits our clients.

Jeffery Zehnder, Laboratory Director, has been qualified in numerous courts in Northern California and Nevada (over 2000 times total in more than 32 years) as an expert in the areas of alcohol testing, alcohol metabolism, drug testing, field sobriety tests, and the effects of alcohol and drugs.  Jeff keeps a very busy schedule consulting and testifying, as well as running an active forensic laboratory.  Jeff has a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science and a Teaching Minor in Chemistry from California State University, Sacramento, and also has an AA Degree from Cosumnes River College.  Jeff is licensed as a Clinical Toxicologist Scientist by the California Department of Health Services, is a Forensic Alcohol Supervisor, and is qualified to perform standardized field sobriety tests (SFTS's).  Jeff has testified in more than 2000 DMV administrative per se hearings, and his overall experience in the areas of alcohol research and drug testing is difficult to equal in the forensic community.  Jeff lives in the Sacramento area with his wife (and co-director), Susan.

Susan Zehnder, Co-Director, likewise has qualified in courts though out California in the area of Drug testing and the effects of Drugs. Susan is licensed as a Clinical Toxicologist Scientist by the California Department of Health Services.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science, a minor in chemistry from California State University, Sacramento.  Susan also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science.  In all, Susan has 26 years experience in forensic toxicology, including more than 10 years of toxicology experience with the California Department of Justice Toxicology Laboratory (Cal DOJ).

Edwin Smith, forensic toxicologist,  has worked in the field of forensic chemistry for more than 19 years, spending time both in the public and private sector.  Ed has performed thousands of forensic analyses, including analysis of blood, urine, tissues, and solid dose samples, and has analyzed evidence from many clandestine laboratories.  Ed has testified more 180 times in various courts in California, is a board certified Criminalist (D-ABC), is a Forensic Alcohol Supervisor (California Department of Health Services), and is qualified to perform standardized field sobriety tests.  Ed has a Master's of Science degree in Forensic Toxicology from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Forensic Science (and minor in chemistry) from California State University, Sacramento.  Ed has also testified in more than 100 DMV administrative per se hearings, and is a committee chair for the California Association of Toxicologists.  Ed lives in Sacramento with his wife of 22 years, Kathy.  Kathy is a Licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist with Kaiser Permanente, and adds a wealth of knowledge of clinical chemistry, serology, hematology, and general hospital laboratory science.  Ed and Kathy have one adult son, Sam.

Margaret DeMain is the office manager at Drug Detection Laboratories.  Margaret is a qualified phlebotomist, a breath alcohol technician, and has been a certified Medical Assistant for more than 30 years. Originally from Anaheim, California, Margaret currently resides in the Sacramento area with her husband Dan..  They have four grown children, including David, Bryan, Rachelle, and Danielle, and two precious grandsons, Bryson (age 4) and Drake (age 2).  Margaret has been with DDL for eight years, and has all the answers concerning laboratory schedules, fees, retainers, and other business related activities.  Give her a call at (916) 366-3113.

Minh Tran, forensic laboratory scientist, has been with Drug Detection Laboratories for two years.  Minh has a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from California Sate University, Sacramento.  Originally from Viet Nam, Minh currently resides in Sacramento with his family.  His hobbies include arts and crafts, basketball, doing puzzles, and enjoying his numerous canine companions.

Please scroll down to meet the DDL staff.

Laboratory Director Jeff Zehnder in front of the DDL Laboratory that he founded in 1984.

                                        Office Manager Margaret DeMain

                                    Forensic Laboratory Scientist Minh Tran

                                            Forensic Toxicologist Edwin Smith

Ed is also the DDL webmaster, so if this web site is deficient, please contact Ed with your ideas and complaints. 

 Thanks!