Nitazene Detection using an Agilent Resolve Handheld Raman Analyzer

Significance of the topic

Nitazenes are a class of potent synthetic opioids originally developed for pain relief but never approved for clinical use due to overdose risks and adverse effects. Certain analogs exceed fentanyl in potency and have emerged as dangerous illicit substances in North America and Europe. Rapid, non-invasive field screening of these compounds is critical to protect law enforcement and first responders from accidental exposure and to support public health and forensic investigations.

Study objectives and overview

This application brief evaluates the ability of the Agilent Resolve Handheld Raman Analyzer, equipped with spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), to detect and identify nine nitazene compounds through common packaging materials. The goal was to demonstrate safe, direct analysis without opening containers and to assess the effectiveness of a continuously updated controlled-substances spectral library.

Methodology and instrumentation

The study employed spatially offset Raman spectroscopy for through-barrier detection of powders, tablets, and liquids concealed in plastics, glass, paper, cardboard, and fabrics. Key features include:

• Portable handheld design for field deployment
• High-quality Raman data acquisition with reduced fluorescence interference
• Resolve Controlled Substances spectral library containing nitazenes and other psychoactive substances

Results and discussion

The Resolve device successfully identified nine nitazene analogs—5-Aminoisotonitazene, Brorphine, Clonitazene HCl, Etodesnitazene, Etonitazene, Fluonitazene, iso-Butonitazene citrate, Isotonitazene HCl, N-Piperidinyl etonitazene, and N-Pyrrolidino etonitazene—through various opaque or colored barriers. Characteristic Raman spectral peaks allowed unambiguous matches to library entries, demonstrating the system’s sensitivity and specificity even in the presence of packaging and fluorescence from complex matrices.

Practical applications

The handheld SORS analyzer enables law enforcement, customs, and forensic teams to perform rapid, on-scene assessment of suspicious materials without direct contact or sample preparation. This reduces exposure risk, speeds decision-making in seizure operations, and supports timely forensic workflows.

Future trends and opportunities

Advancements in spectral library expansion, real-time algorithm updates, and integration with machine learning models will enhance analyte coverage and identification confidence. Miniaturization of detectors and improved signal processing may further increase sensitivity, enabling detection of lower-concentration analogs. Collaboration between agencies can drive standardization of spectral databases and field protocols.

Conclusion

The Agilent Resolve Handheld Raman Analyzer with SORS technology offers a robust solution for the rapid, non-destructive identification of nitazene opioids in their original packaging. Its portability, high data quality, and continuously updated library make it a valuable tool for forensic and security applications, improving operational safety and analytical efficiency.

References

• Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). Drug Alert: Nitazenes. 2022.
• Pergolizzi J; Raffa R; LeQuang J; Breve F; Varrassi G. Old Drugs and New Challenges: A Narrative Review of Nitazenes. Cureus. 2023;15(6).
• US Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration. Benzimidazole-Opioids Information.