Thermo Fisher Scientific introduces new handheld narcotics analyzer

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today introduced Thermo Scientific TruNarc, a new handheld narcotics analyzer that gives local law enforcement a significant technology edge in the war on drugs. TruNarc® can replace more subjective presumptive field tests (color tests) used by law enforcement for decades. The core technology behind TruNarc - Raman spectroscopy - effectively puts a powerful laboratory analyzer in the hands of local law enforcement, providing more accurate and reliable field testing that expedites prosecution.

As the frontlines of the war on drugs expand to include new dangers such as "bath salts," one of many new "designer drugs" that hit the streets with regularity, advanced law enforcement technology is needed. Users of TruNarc can not only accurately test liquid and solid samples for common narcotics such as cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy), they will also be able to identify new threats, such as the synthetic cathinones found in bath salts, as the reference library in their analyzer can be quickly and easily updated to include new substances.

A single handheld instrument provides faster, more accurate identification of multiple narcotics, including future threats; yet it is easier to use and requires no subjective user interpretation. Law enforcement can also analyze suspected substances through plastic or glass, minimizing exposure and preserving evidence integrity.

"This technology has the potential to impact the entire system, from the street to eventual prosecution," said Chief Paul Keenan, Quincy Police Department (Quincy, Mass.). "This easy-to-use instrument could save valuable time for officers, forensic lab staff and, ultimately, prosecutors. That's time - and money - that can be invested back into the community to ensure we stay steps ahead of a constantly evolving drug problem."

TruNarc dramatically reduces the time and expense associated with drug-related arrests. Once a substance is analyzed, results are automatically captured for reporting and evidence, streamlining the path to prosecution and virtually eliminating time-consuming paperwork. Results are automatically date-stamped and stored for future prosecution.