MX908 is a multi-mission, handheld mass spectrometer utilized by elite responders conducting chemical, explosive, priority drug, and hazmat operations around the world.
MX908: A CRITICAL TOOL IN THE RESPONDER TOOLKIT
MX908® detects compounds at trace levels and combines unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity, providing users with confident results and actionable intelligence other handheld technologies cannot. The power of high-pressure mass spectrometry™ (HPMS) accurately discriminates priority threats from the broad range of interferents that lead to false alarms with other commonly used technologies.
DETECT AND IDENTIFY CHEMICALS IN ANY PHASE
With the MX908, one device can analyze any sample you encounter regardless of size or phase of matter. This flexibility combined with the MX908 expanding target list ensures that responders have a device that can evolve with new and emerging threats.
MULTI-MODE THREAT DETECTION
MX908 EXCELS WITH SAMPLES ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE
MX908 EXCELS WITH A BROAD RANGE OF SAMPLES AND CONCENTRATIONS
The MX908 is powered by high-pressure mass spectrometry (HPMS) technology, which enables responders to detect and identify chemical hazards from bulk to true trace concentrations. MX908 is up to 1 million times more sensitive than commonly used Raman and FT-IR technologies. Depend on high-fidelity trace and bulk identification, for point detection or remote area monitoring, all with one device
YOUR MISSION DEFINES YOUR MODE
Based on your specific mission objectives, choose an MX908 Mission Mode that leverages specialized software and hardware configurations to optimize performance for hunting certain chemical classes.
DRUG HUNTER
Methamphetamine
Cocaine
Fentanyl and 2000+ Fentanyl Analogs
Heroin
Cannabinoids
Cathinones
And More…
Identify narcotics in low concentration mixtures (well below 5%)
Establish trace chemical evidence linkages for interdiction, checkpoint operations, and more
Improve officer safety with limited exposure risk
Fentanyl Classifier provides coverage for 2000+ fentanyl analogs
Add case information with the MX908 remote application
CW HUNTER
Novichoks or A-series Agents
Legacy Warfare Agents (G, V, and H-series)
Pharmaceutical Based Agents (including fentanyl, carfentanil, and remifentanil)
Only field deployable detector for trace identification of Novichoks
Only field deployable detector for identification of aerosolized threats
Quantify chemical warfare agents in real time
Identifying Novichoks and other CWAs by name is essential for decontamination and medical response
Allow for broad threat coverage in any state with a single device
Remote area monitoring with MX908 Beacon
EXPLOSIVE HUNTER
Homemade Explosives
Military Explosives
Commercial Explosives
Precursors
Identify trace explosive residues
Identify explosives by name to guide response
Analyze samples safely with no threat of igniting sensitive materials
Identify aerosolized chemical threats dispersed from IEDs and other munitions
Establish trace chemical evidence linkages for checkpoint operations, HME lab response, and more
Expanded Capability for Toxic Aerosol Detection and Identification
The MX908® Aero enables operators to detect and identify aerosolized threats—such as Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) and Pharmaceutical-based Agents (PBAs) —which represent a critical gap in existing trace chemical detection solutions.
An aerosol is a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles which maintain the physical properties of their solid or liquid state but behave like a vapor. This combination of physical state and vapor-like behavior make traditional vapor detectors ineffective against aerosol threats. The Aero leverages proven MX908 sampling technologies and analysis mechanics to address this unique threat.
MX908 ADVANTAGES
The only field-deployable tool available now for rapid trace detection and identification of aerosol threats.
Simultaneous monitoring, detection, and identification of both vapor and aerosol threats.
Flexible sampling modules for easy transition from trace solid and liquid sampling to vapor and aerosol sampling.
Optional accessory can be quickly deployed to fielded units or be purchased with new MX908 devices.
Target Group
Targets
A-series agents (Novichoks)
A-230, A-232, A-234
V-series agents
VE, VM, VS, VX, VX Acid RVX/CVX
G-series agents
GA, GB, GD, GF
Blister agents
HD
Fast-acting incapacitating agents
Fentanyl and analogs (2000+), U-series, AH-7921
Lachrymatory agents
Capsaicin
AERO
The MX908 Aero can detect aerosol particulates dispersed from an explosive device.
An operator using the MX908 can conduct post-blast analysis on-site with the Aero.
MX908 is a multi-mission, handheld mass spectrometer utilized by elite responders conducting chemical, explosive, priority drug, and hazmat operations around the world.
MX908: A CRITICAL TOOL IN THE RESPONDER TOOLKIT
MX908® detects compounds at trace levels and combines unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity, providing users with confident results and actionable intelligence other handheld technologies cannot. The power of high-pressure mass spectrometry™ (HPMS) accurately discriminates priority threats from the broad range of interferents that lead to false alarms with other commonly used technologies.
DETECT AND IDENTIFY CHEMICALS IN ANY PHASE
With the MX908, one device can analyze any sample you encounter regardless of size or phase of matter. This flexibility combined with the MX908 expanding target list ensures that responders have a device that can evolve with new and emerging threats.
MULTI-MODE THREAT DETECTION
MX908 EXCELS WITH SAMPLES ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE
MX908 EXCELS WITH A BROAD RANGE OF SAMPLES AND CONCENTRATIONS
The MX908 is powered by high-pressure mass spectrometry (HPMS) technology, which enables responders to detect and identify chemical hazards from bulk to true trace concentrations. MX908 is up to 1 million times more sensitive than commonly used Raman and FT-IR technologies. Depend on high-fidelity trace and bulk identification, for point detection or remote area monitoring, all with one device
YOUR MISSION DEFINES YOUR MODE
Based on your specific mission objectives, choose an MX908 Mission Mode that leverages specialized software and hardware configurations to optimize performance for hunting certain chemical classes.
DRUG HUNTER
Methamphetamine
Cocaine
Fentanyl and 2000+ Fentanyl Analogs
Heroin
Cannabinoids
Cathinones
And More…
Identify narcotics in low concentration mixtures (well below 5%)
Establish trace chemical evidence linkages for interdiction, checkpoint operations, and more
Improve officer safety with limited exposure risk
Fentanyl Classifier provides coverage for 2000+ fentanyl analogs
Add case information with the MX908 remote application
CW HUNTER
Novichoks or A-series Agents
Legacy Warfare Agents (G, V, and H-series)
Pharmaceutical Based Agents (including fentanyl, carfentanil, and remifentanil)
Only field deployable detector for trace identification of Novichoks
Only field deployable detector for identification of aerosolized threats
Quantify chemical warfare agents in real time
Identifying Novichoks and other CWAs by name is essential for decontamination and medical response
Allow for broad threat coverage in any state with a single device
Remote area monitoring with MX908 Beacon
EXPLOSIVE HUNTER
Homemade Explosives
Military Explosives
Commercial Explosives
Precursors
Identify trace explosive residues
Identify explosives by name to guide response
Analyze samples safely with no threat of igniting sensitive materials
Identify aerosolized chemical threats dispersed from IEDs and other munitions
Establish trace chemical evidence linkages for checkpoint operations, HME lab response, and more
Customs organizations are tasked with protecting the border as well as managing the safety and security of passengers, imports, exports and mail centers. It’s a huge operation for every country. Drug detection and seizures are a large aspect of any customs organization. In fact, the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) was responsible for responding to nearly 4,300 drug incidents1 in 2023, seizing more than 3,805 kilograms of cocaine, 2,190 kilograms of methamphetamine and 567.8 kilograms of ecstasy.
When faced with dangerous substances and other challenges in the field, customs officers need quick and accurate information about the substances they are handling. Which is why the NZCS turned to 908 Devices’ MX908 trace detection and identification tool. The MX908 is capable of analyzing solid, liquid, vapor and aerosol threats – from street drugs to chemical spills to explosives
These three examples in particular stand out as exemplary use cases.
Case 1 - Narcotics Identification
Suspected Narcotics Identified with Drug Hunter
Drug traffickers go to huge lengths to conceal their contraband, wrapping substances in seemingly innocuous containers, jamming them into the walls of vehicles and more. While multiple technologies, including X-Ray, are deployed to uncover these hiding spots, they can’t tell officers exactly what the packages contain. It’s imperative to verify the substances inside to ensure officer safety and stop illicit drugs from entering their borders.
In one notable instance, NZCS officers identified goods crossing the border that appeared to be multiple large containers of waterproofing material. However, due to suspicious activity, the items were flagged for secondary inspection. The team needed to confirm the presence of illegal substances while maintaining the safety of officers during the search.
Two officers deployed the MX908, swabbing areas of concern—including the bucket handles—which are the most common areas for trace levels of narcotics to be found. Each analysis returned a positive result for methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance that’s highly addictive. The containers were carefully taken apart and numerous extremely small packages of methamphetamine were removed from the waterproofing material, and thereby confiscated. In the words of the NZCS, “the ability of the MX908 to obtain clear and consistent results further encouraged our officers to locate the previously unseen and undetected illicit drugs
Case 2 - Chemical Detection
Identifying Toxic Industrial Chemicals
A freight carrier close to the airport spilled, and an unknown substance that was suspected to be a noxious chemical prompted a response. The NZCS was called in to investigate, however given the proximity to the airport and possible hazards to officers, extreme caution was needed to collect a physical sample. Time was of the essence, and the freight carrier logs were being combed through, but not nearly fast enough to determine the type of substance and remediation protocol.
NZCS officers arrived onsite equipped with the MX908, utilizing the trace vapor capability. A specialist officer donned personal protective equipment and entered the spill site. The MX908 positively identified the presence of dimethylformamide, a solvent for chemical reactions that can impact the eyes, skin, lungs, liver and heart during prolonged exposure. This positive identification enabled officers to properly secure the spill site and implement remediation efforts. The freighter manifest confirmed dimethylformamide, and the spill was contained. The rapid, trace analysis of the MX908 enabled officers to access this information quickly with a high degree of confidence and expedite clean-up.
Case 3 - Explosives Identification
Analyzing Possible Explosives
Bomb threats are always taken seriously, so when a law enforcement agency was contacted by a concerned individual about an abandoned package at a place of worship, the NZCS was called to identify the package. Given the proximity of the venue to public areas, it was ideal to avoid having to evacuate the area, if possible, in order to mitigate undue stress on the public.
The MX908 was again dispatched, this time utilizing the Explosives Hunter Mission Mode, which detects trace levels of military and commercial grade explosives, homemade explosives and relevant precursors. The item was tested with minimal disruption to the package and site, and returned negative results. This gave the agencies involved comfort in mitigating the perceived risk and the ability to downgrade the cordon. This succinct information and inter-agency coordination also enabled officers to clear the scene and move on to their next duties.
Result
Whether using trace identification features for drug traffickers, deploying vapor capabilities to analyze threats or implementing the explosive functionality to assess risk to the public, the NZCS has seen tremendous benefit from 908 Devices' MX908. This multi-mission handheld tool empowers swift response with confidence, helps protect officers and ensures greater public safety and well-being.
Special thanks to the New Zealand Customs Service for their contribution to this Case Study
[post_title] => Trace Drug Identification at the Border: 3 Scenarios from the New Zealand Customs Service
[post_excerpt] => Whether using trace identification features for drug traffickers, deploying vapor capabilities to analyze threats or implementing the explosive functionality to assess risk to the public, the New Zealand Customs Service has seen tremendous benefit from 908 Devices' MX908.
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Customs organizations are tasked with protecting the border as well as managing the safety and security of passengers, imports, exports and mail centers. It’s a huge operation for every country. Drug detection and seizures are a large aspect of any customs organization. In fact, the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) was responsible for responding to nearly 4,300 drug incidents1 in 2023, seizing more than 3,805 kilograms of cocaine, 2,190 kilograms of methamphetamine and 567.8 kilograms of ecstasy.
When faced with dangerous substances and other challenges in the field, customs officers need quick and accurate information about the substances they are handling. Which is why the NZCS turned to 908 Devices’ MX908 trace detection and identification tool. The MX908 is capable of analyzing solid, liquid, vapor and aerosol threats – from street drugs to chemical spills to explosives
These three examples in particular stand out as exemplary use cases.
Case 1 - Narcotics Identification
Suspected Narcotics Identified with Drug Hunter
Drug traffickers go to huge lengths to conceal their contraband, wrapping substances in seemingly innocuous containers, jamming them into the walls of vehicles and more. While multiple technologies, including X-Ray, are deployed to uncover these hiding spots, they can’t tell officers exactly what the packages contain. It’s imperative to verify the substances inside to ensure officer safety and stop illicit drugs from entering their borders.
In one notable instance, NZCS officers identified goods crossing the border that appeared to be multiple large containers of waterproofing material. However, due to suspicious activity, the items were flagged for secondary inspection. The team needed to confirm the presence of illegal substances while maintaining the safety of officers during the search.
Two officers deployed the MX908, swabbing areas of concern—including the bucket handles—which are the most common areas for trace levels of narcotics to be found. Each analysis returned a positive result for methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance that’s highly addictive. The containers were carefully taken apart and numerous extremely small packages of methamphetamine were removed from the waterproofing material, and thereby confiscated. In the words of the NZCS, “the ability of the MX908 to obtain clear and consistent results further encouraged our officers to locate the previously unseen and undetected illicit drugs
Case 2 - Chemical Detection
Identifying Toxic Industrial Chemicals
A freight carrier close to the airport spilled, and an unknown substance that was suspected to be a noxious chemical prompted a response. The NZCS was called in to investigate, however given the proximity to the airport and possible hazards to officers, extreme caution was needed to collect a physical sample. Time was of the essence, and the freight carrier logs were being combed through, but not nearly fast enough to determine the type of substance and remediation protocol.
NZCS officers arrived onsite equipped with the MX908, utilizing the trace vapor capability. A specialist officer donned personal protective equipment and entered the spill site. The MX908 positively identified the presence of dimethylformamide, a solvent for chemical reactions that can impact the eyes, skin, lungs, liver and heart during prolonged exposure. This positive identification enabled officers to properly secure the spill site and implement remediation efforts. The freighter manifest confirmed dimethylformamide, and the spill was contained. The rapid, trace analysis of the MX908 enabled officers to access this information quickly with a high degree of confidence and expedite clean-up.
Case 3 - Explosives Identification
Analyzing Possible Explosives
Bomb threats are always taken seriously, so when a law enforcement agency was contacted by a concerned individual about an abandoned package at a place of worship, the NZCS was called to identify the package. Given the proximity of the venue to public areas, it was ideal to avoid having to evacuate the area, if possible, in order to mitigate undue stress on the public.
The MX908 was again dispatched, this time utilizing the Explosives Hunter Mission Mode, which detects trace levels of military and commercial grade explosives, homemade explosives and relevant precursors. The item was tested with minimal disruption to the package and site, and returned negative results. This gave the agencies involved comfort in mitigating the perceived risk and the ability to downgrade the cordon. This succinct information and inter-agency coordination also enabled officers to clear the scene and move on to their next duties.
Result
Whether using trace identification features for drug traffickers, deploying vapor capabilities to analyze threats or implementing the explosive functionality to assess risk to the public, the NZCS has seen tremendous benefit from 908 Devices' MX908. This multi-mission handheld tool empowers swift response with confidence, helps protect officers and ensures greater public safety and well-being.
MX908® leverages high-pressure mass spectrometry™ (HPMS) to deliver dramatically enhanced sensitivity and broader threat category coverage. This second-generation tool increases mission support with unmatched flexibility and trace detection power for elite responders in chemical, explosive, drug and priority hazmat scenarios. MX908 lightens the overall technology burden by displacing other less selective technologies from the response toolkit.
Lightening The Load
With the enhanced proficiency of HPMS, users can lighten the technology load of tools required downrange. With sensitivity levels comparable to ion mobility mass spectrometry (IMS) and significantly enhanced selectivity, MX908 can detect trace quantities (low - mid ppb) of priority threats amongst the myriad of interferents that plague other less selective technologies.
Missions:
Site Exploitation
EOD
Border Security
HazMat Response
Checkpoint Security
Postal Security
Event Security
Threat Categories:
CWA
Fentanyls/Opioids
Emerging threats
Explosives
TIC/TIM
Precursors
Attributes:
Fast start up
Rapid analysis
Trace detection (low - mid ppb)
Powered by mass spectrometry
Heightened sensitivity and selectivity
Unmistakable audio and visual alerts
Simple interface
Low maintenance
Operational Strengths:
Trace-level vapors, aerosols, solids, and liquids
Mission Modes Use Specialized Software To Optimize Performance For Specific Mission Objectives
CW Hunter is a mission mode for the detection of priority chemical warfare agents, including A-series (Novichoks). Delivers real-time vapor quantification.
Drug Hunter is a mission mode for the detection of drugs such as: fentanyl and fentanyl-analogs, along with other high priority drugs-of-abuse.
Explosives Hunter is a mission mode for the detection of priority threats from military and commercial grade explosives, to homemade energetics and relevant precursors.
Specifications
Size:
29.8 x 21.6 x 12.2 cm (11.8 x 8.5 x 4.8 in)
Power:
Replaceable, hot swappable batteries with >3 hours of continuous operation (2 spare batteries included)
Display:
Adjustable ultra-bright backlit display for direct sunlight and nighttime conditions, 12.7 cm (5 in)
Weight:
≤4.3 kg (9.5 lbs); varies based on module, accessories
MX908® leverages high-pressure mass spectrometry™ (HPMS) to deliver dramatically enhanced sensitivity and broader threat category coverage. This second-generation tool increases mission support with unmatched flexibility and trace detection power for elite responders in chemical, explosive, drug and priority hazmat scenarios. MX908 lightens the overall technology burden by displacing other less selective technologies from the response toolkit.
Lightening The Load
With the enhanced proficiency of HPMS, users can lighten the technology load of tools required downrange. With sensitivity levels comparable to ion mobility mass spectrometry (IMS) and significantly enhanced selectivity, MX908 can detect trace quantities (low - mid ppb) of priority threats amongst the myriad of interferents that plague other less selective technologies.
Missions:
Site Exploitation
EOD
Border Security
HazMat Response
Checkpoint Security
Postal Security
Event Security
Threat Categories:
CWA
Fentanyls/Opioids
Emerging threats
Explosives
TIC/TIM
Precursors
Attributes:
Fast start up
Rapid analysis
Trace detection (low - mid ppb)
Powered by mass spectrometry
Heightened sensitivity and selectivity
Unmistakable audio and visual alerts
Simple interface
Low maintenance
Operational Strengths:
Trace-level vapors, aerosols, solids, and liquids
Mission Modes Use Specialized Software To Optimize Performance For Specific Mission Objectives
CW Hunter is a mission mode for the detection of priority chemical warfare agents, including A-series (Novichoks). Delivers real-time vapor quantification.
Drug Hunter is a mission mode for the detection of drugs such as: fentanyl and fentanyl-analogs, along with other high priority drugs-of-abuse.
Explosives Hunter is a mission mode for the detection of priority threats from military and commercial grade explosives, to homemade energetics and relevant precursors.
Specifications
Size:
29.8 x 21.6 x 12.2 cm (11.8 x 8.5 x 4.8 in)
Power:
Replaceable, hot swappable batteries with >3 hours of continuous operation (2 spare batteries included)
Display:
Adjustable ultra-bright backlit display for direct sunlight and nighttime conditions, 12.7 cm (5 in)
Weight:
≤4.3 kg (9.5 lbs); varies based on module, accessories