Thermo Scientific’s TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzer is now in use in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries worldwide. The handheld device uses Raman spectroscopy for presumptive narcotics identification in the field so that officers can make safe, definitive decisions.  

The TruNarc was launched in 2012 to combat the challenges of traditional wet chemical kits, while allowing for touchless and rapid analysis of narcotics in the field, the company says. “As with any revolutionary new technology, it can be challenging to assure users and alleviate concerns and, as such, police departments, district attorney offices and task force units in each US state had to be convinced. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for this pioneering innovation to gain momentum and begin to truly change the way narcotics field identification is conducted,” the company adds.

Dangerous substances such as fentanyl and carfentanil are now flooding the streets in the form of counterfeit pills, posing a huge risk to both the public and officers on the front line, Thermo Scientific says. "Traditionally, law enforcement officers have used wet chemical colorimetric assays for on-site presumptive narcotics identification. However, the introduction of handheld chemical identification devices that use Raman spectroscopy has demonstrated significant advantages over wet chemistry kits, allowing law enforcement teams to stay one step ahead to protect their officers and the communities they serve," the company adds.