Cocaine Detection with Agilent Resolve—a Handheld SORS System

Significance of the Topic

Rapid and reliable detection of cocaine is critical for law enforcement and border security given the rising global production and increasingly sophisticated concealment methods. Raman spectroscopy, and particularly spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), enables noninvasive identification of illicit drugs through barriers without chemical reagents or destructive sampling.

Objectives and Study Overview

• Demonstrate handheld SORS technology for on-site identification of cocaine concealed physically and chemically
• Evaluate performance across pure forms, mixtures, liquids, polymers, and novel camouflage matrices
• Assess surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for trace-level detection

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Agilent Resolve Tactical handheld Raman analyzer, equipped with proprietary SORS optics, was used for all measurements. Preloaded onboard libraries contain spectra for over 15,000 substances, including a dedicated Narcotics and New Psychoactive Substances collection. Scan modes were selected based on container type (thick colored barriers, glass, clear bags). For low-concentration samples, gold SERS substrates were employed to adsorb analytes and amplify their Raman signals.

Main Results and Discussion

• Pure cocaine hydrochloride and free-base forms yielded high-quality matches (>99%) across library entries.
• A 17% cocaine–lactose mixture was accurately identified without interference.
• Physical concealment scenarios—paper wrappers, multi-layer plastics, electrical cord—were successfully penetrated in through-barrier mode.
• Cocaine dissolved in alcoholic beverages and disguised as dark viscous liquids was detected inside sealed containers.
• Polymers co-manufactured with cocaine and cocaine-impregnated wood pellets were identified despite opaque matrices and the risk of sample burning.
• SERS substrates improved match quality from 45% to over 90% for low-level cocaine in complex matrices.
• Pink cocaine variants and chemical precursors used in illicit production were distinguished using the onboard library.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Noninvasive through-barrier analysis preserves evidence integrity and enhances operator safety.
• Rapid results (under 40 seconds) at point-of-need without reagents.
• Portable design supports field deployment by customs, border patrol, and forensic teams.
• Extensive spectral libraries enable identification of mixtures, precursors, and emerging psychoactive substances.

Future Trends and Applications

Expanding and dynamically updating onboard libraries will address novel drug formulations. Integration of machine learning algorithms can improve spectral deconvolution in complex mixtures. Advances in SERS substrate design may further lower detection limits for trace adulterants. Enhanced connectivity for real-time data sharing and remote expert support will strengthen collaborative law enforcement efforts.

Conclusion

The handheld Agilent Resolve SORS Raman system offers a versatile, rapid, and safe approach for identifying cocaine across diverse concealment strategies. Its combination of noninvasive sampling, comprehensive libraries, and optional SERS enhancement ensures high reliability for field-based drug interdiction and forensic applications.

Reference

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