# Money-Sniffing Detectors Scientists are Working on Cash Detection Devices to Stop Drug Smugglers By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-09-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/detection-devices References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035086/a-device-that-sniffs-out-the-smell-of-money-could-stop-drug-smugglers-in-their-tracks) & [acs.org](http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/newsreleases/2014/august/sniffing-out-billions-in-us-currency-smuggled-across-the-border-to-mexico.html) In an effort to sniff out drug smugglers coming into the United States, Silicon Valley chemical engineers and the [Department of Homeland Security](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incheon-national-university) are developing detection devices that can find large wads of money. Specifically designed to deal with Mexican drug cartels -- which results in an estimated $19 to $29 billion of drug proceeds crossing the border -- this money-sniffing device tracks the smell of cash in great amounts. According to KWJ Engineering President Joseph Stetter the particular odor comes from a combination of linens, inks and chemicals which leave a residue on the bills. Previously Stetter developed detection devices that consisted of a carbon-monoxide sensor chip placed on a stuffed panda bear. The more current technology could also replace [drug-sniffing dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-smell), who are expensive and have the added expense of food attached as well. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Cash Detection Devices:** Developing detection devices that can find large wads of money to prevent drug smuggling, creating opportunities for the manufacturing and security industries. - **Odor-sensing Technology:** Using odor-sensing technology to detect illicit activities, presenting opportunities for companies in the security and law enforcement industries. - **Replacing Expensive Technologies:** Developing cost-effective alternatives to drug-sniffing dogs, presenting opportunities for companies in the security and canine industries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Manufacturing Industry:** Opportunities for manufacturing companies to produce detection devices for law enforcement agencies. - **Security Industry:** Opportunities for the security industry to implement new odor-sensing technologies to improve the detection of illicit activities. - **Law Enforcement and Canine Industry:** Opportunities for companies in the law enforcement and canine industries to adopt and implement new cost-effective technologies for detecting drugs and cash smuggling. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Scent-Detecting Robot Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sniff-robot.md) - [Narcotic-Identifying Drug Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rigaku.md) - [Smell-Based Disease Detectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diagnoze.md) - [Drug-Detecting Drink Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenlane.md) - [Portable Painkilling Drug Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drug-tracker.md) - [Magnetic Mine-Detection Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minedetection-system.md) - [Dog-Inspired Surveillance Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-dog-concept.md) - [Canine Sniffing Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sniff-n-seek.md) - [Data-Stealing Device Locators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluesleuth-bluetooth-skimmer-locator.md)