Scientists from Tallinn University of Technology and the company SafePAS developed a new drug tester. It detects narcotic substances in 15 minutes. The device has attracted international interest. Scientists want to make the device even smaller and easier to use.
Currently, police use rapid tests, but these are not always accurate. Laboratory results sometimes take days to obtain. The new Drug Hunter device works faster and more accurately.
Drug Hunter can also help when a person doesn't know what they consumed and feels unwell. The device can detect, for example, narcotic substances added to cocktails.
The device uses special technology that identifies and measures substances in samples. Currently, it recognizes substances like cocaine, amphetamine, MDMA, and THC.
The technology already works well, but scientists want to improve it further. They want the device to be smaller and easier to use.
SafePAS has shared its knowledge with experts from several countries. For example, UK police and German forensic experts have used this device. Scientists hope the device can be used in the future like a breathalyzer.