Detection of Hazardous Narcotics and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) with Agilent Resolve - a Handheld SORS System

Significance of the Topic

Rapid, noninvasive detection of potent synthetic opioids and new psychoactive substances (NPSs) is critical to reduce exposure risk for law enforcement and public safety personnel. Conventional analysis often requires opening or sampling packages, increasing the hazard of accidental contamination.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the capabilities of the Agilent Resolve handheld through-barrier identification system, which applies spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) to identify hazardous narcotics and NPSs concealed behind various opaque barriers without sample preparation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Resolve system employs an 830 nm excitation laser and proprietary SORS optics to collect high-quality Raman spectra through materials such as colored plastics, glass, paper, card, and fabrics. A continuously updated spectral library containing over 300 controlled substances and more than 200 cutting agents supports real-time identification. Tests were performed at expert laboratories in the UK, USA, and China on fentanyl variants (including carfentanil and methoxyacetyl-fentanyl), amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and other NPSs.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent Resolve handheld Raman spectrometer
• Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) technology
• 830 nm laser excitation
• Integrated spectral library with automated updates

Results and Discussion

In multi-site evaluations, Resolve successfully detected fentanyl derivatives and other narcotics behind opaque polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC containers, paper mailers, bubble wrap, padded envelopes, and glass in under one minute per scan. The system’s reduced fluorescence interference and high signal quality enabled confident identification of trace quantities without compromising evidence integrity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced operator safety via true through-barrier screening
• Nondestructive measurements preserve evidence and chain of custody
• Rapid scans (<1 minute) accelerate decision making
• Extensive, regularly updated library covers emerging threats
• Reduced fluorescence extends applicability across diverse samples
• User-friendly interface with priority tagging for critical substances

Future Trends and Applications

Future developments may include AI-driven spectral matching, real-time library expansion for emerging NPSs, remote cloud-based data sharing, further instrument miniaturization, and integration with complementary sensing modalities (e.g., IR or mass spectrometry) to broaden detection capabilities.

Conclusion

The Agilent Resolve handheld SORS system provides a robust, field-portable solution for rapid and safe identification of hazardous narcotics and NPSs through complex packaging. Its nondestructive, high-confidence analysis supports law enforcement and customs officers by minimizing exposure risk and preserving evidence integrity.

References

• Robert Stokes and Ana Blanco. Application Note: Handheld Chemical Identification—Detection of Hazardous Narcotics and New Psychoactive Substances with Agilent Resolve, Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2018.