This study found that 3D optical surface scanning is a suitable noncontact method of recording physical characteristics of ecstasy tablets and hemp coins. In addition to information about shape, color, and imprint, accurate details of geometry of the drugs, including punch marks, can be acquired and stored, independently of the observer. Three-dimensional documentation can improve the comparison of apparent uniform tablets/coins and can allow for the correlation of pressed drugs and punch, increasing the value of the evidence. In the past, control tablets were produced with seized tablet machines for direct comparison with seized tablets. This process can be replaced by 3D surface scanning and computer-aided 3D surface comparison. Thus, it is possible to identify counterfeit pharmaceutical products by comparison with authentic tablets. Due to the short time required to acquire the documentation, this method is also suitable for real case application from a drug intelligence perspective. A total of 58 ecstasy tablets, 5 hemp coins, and 9 hemp coin punches were digitized by the use of the GOM ATOS II system. A projector unit projects a fringe pattern onto the surface of the object, which is recorded by two CCD cameras mounted on both sides of the projector. The sensor unit is connected to a high end PC. All captured images are instantly transferred to the computer. Based on the principle of triangulation, 3D coordinates of up to 1.3 million surface points per measurement are calculated by the scanning software ATOS. 2 tables, 7 figures, and 13 references