Catalonia Forensic Laboratory Sets Record with 6,733 Cases Analyzed in 2025

The Institut de Medicina Legal i Ciències Forenses de Catalunya (IMLCFC) reported that its Forensic Laboratory processed a historic 6,733 cases during 2025, more than double the volume recorded nine years earlier. Over 18,000 samples were examined, including 5,711 toxicology studies, 1,661 biological analyses and 1,480 biochemical examinations, supporting courts and forensic professionals across Catalonia.

The laboratory’s work spans investigations of judicial deaths, sexual assault cases (1,394 cases in the year), traffic‑accident toxicology (samples from 215 of 233 fatal accidents) and other medicolegal procedures. Director Eneko Barberia and head Geli Gallego highlighted the impact of new high‑throughput equipment, which has enhanced detection of alcohol, drugs and psychotropic substances and improved response times for sexual‑assault investigations.