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# Inexpensive Reusable Narcotics Scanners
The 'NarcoScan' is a Portable Scanner for Police Patrols

By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-11-01 | World
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/narcoscan
References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/narcoscan-narcotics-scanner/51993/) & [vttresearch](http://www.vttresearch.com/media/news/vtt-originated-spectral-engines-develops-a-portable-drug-screening-device-for-police-officers)

An increased need for streamlined methods of [detecting drugs and other illegal paraphernalia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drug-screening-system) has pushed for the development of the 'NarcoScan.' Weighing just a few hundred grams and boasting a [pocket-sized aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iochowx1), the device is able to be used over and over to scan for narcotics during routine police patrols. The unit utilizes [infrared spectroscopy to detect drugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imaging-tool) and will send the raw data via a smartphone to cloud-based servers for analysis before providing the patrol person with the results on the screen.

The 'NarcoScan' is the design work of Spectral Engines, which is a spinoff branch from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The device is positioned to be used in a pilot project starting next year with a Northern hemisphere launch taking place in the spring.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 5.4/10
- Popularity: 76% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/travel)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Streamlined Narcotics Detection:** Developing portable and reusable scanners for detecting drugs and illegal paraphernalia during police patrols presents an opportunity for streamlined narcotics detection.
- **Infrared Spectroscopy:** Utilizing infrared spectroscopy technology in lightweight and compact devices like the 'NarcoScan' offers disruptive innovation opportunities for drug detection methods.
- **Cloud-based Analysis:** Implementing cloud-based servers for data analysis and instant result delivery to patrol personnel enhances efficiency and effectiveness in narcotics scanning procedures.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Law Enforcement:** Law enforcement agencies can benefit from adopting inexpensive and reusable narcotics scanners like the 'NarcoScan' to enhance their drug detection capabilities.
- **Security Technology:** Developing and manufacturing portable and compact scanners with infrared spectroscopy technology opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the security technology industry.
- **Data Analysis:** Cloud-based analysis platforms and tools can be leveraged by companies to enable efficient data processing and result delivery in the field of narcotics detection.

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