Customs and Borders
Rapid, Portable, Chemical Identification
Confidently identify thousands of chemical threats immediately to ensure customs and borders safety.
Rapid Chemical Identification for Customs and Borders Security
Balancing security and efficiency remains one of the most significant challenges in customs and borders protection. This entails implementing stringent measures to combat illegal activities such as smuggling, trafficking, and terrorism while ensuring the seamless and lawful movement of goods and people through customs and borders. Integrating advanced chemical identification devices like the MX908, ProtectIR and ThreatID into border operations empowers agents with bulk and trace-level analysis capabilities. These technologies enhance decision-making by identifying containers or vehicles that warrant secondary screening, enabling more targeted inspections. The result is a safer, more efficient process for detecting bulk or trace-level quantities of drugs and uncovering potential drug trafficking operations.
Technology Solutions for Chemical Identification at Customs and Borders
At points of entry, trace-level identification is essential for effectively screening vehicles, packages, and containers crossing borders. The MX908 utilizes mass spectrometry to detect trace (invisible) quantities of substances on the exterior of vehicles and containers, providing officers with critical information to initiate secondary searches and locate larger quantities of drugs.
Once a trace amount of substance has been identified, our portable FTIR devices—including ProtectIR and ThreatID—are ideal for identifying the chemical composition of bulk liquid and solid materials. FTIR technology can identify tens of thousands of unknown chemical compounds with precision. ProtectIR and ThreatID feature an extensive library of over 23,000 solid and liquid chemicals and offer seamless fleet management capabilities through our TeamLeader App.
The integration of mass spectrometry and FTIR technology significantly improves operational efficiency, enhances safety protocols, and ensures compliance with legal standards at border crossings. These advanced capabilities enables the rapid screening and precise identification of chemical threats, minimizing delays and facilitating smooth transit while upholding stringent security measures, all while keeping officers safe.
Drug Identification at Customs and Borders
Customs and borders agencies are responsible for safeguarding borders while ensuring the safety and security of travelers, imports, and exports. A major focus of customs organizations is the identification and seizure of illegal drugs. Drug traffickers conceal contraband, posing a challenge to border patrol officers. Rapid and accurate identification of dangerous substances is important to determine response, stop illegal drugs from entering the border, and ensure custom agent’s safety.
Learn more and explore how the New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) utilized the MX908 to identify narcotics, toxic industrial chemicals, and detect explosives and precursors.
Trace-level Chemical Identification
Advancements in handheld chemical analysis, like high-pressure mass spectrometry (HPMS), are revolutionizing customs and borders operations. Our MX908 handheld device allows officers to detect and identify trace substances in seconds, directly in the field. By enhancing accuracy, operational speed, and safety, MX908 empowers customs officials to make swift, informed decisions during inspections.
Customs and Borders Chemical ID Applications
Enhance border security with rapid chemical identification.
Trace-level Analysis
MX908
Respond in real time with trace detection and identification of chemical threats at the point of need.
Bulk Liquid/Solid Identification
ProtectIR
Confidently identify and assess thousands of chemical threats anywhere with this compact, lightweight, handheld FTIR device.
Solid/Liquid/Gas Identification
ThreatID
Portable FTIR chemical threat identification for thousands of complex mixtures for emergency and military responders.
Suggested Resources
To Catch a Smuggler: MX908 and Customs Applications
Customs strives to enhance security measures as illicit drug trade and illegal drug smuggling traffickers pose significant challenges to law enforcement.
To Catch a Smuggler: Drugs Identified in 3D Printed Animal Figurines
Customs was warned about the use of 3D printed objects to conceal drugs. With the MX908, they were able to quickly identify drug substances present.
MX908 Specifications for Priority Drugs
With the enhanced selectivity of HPMS, users can conduct field analysis of unknown substances at trace levels to generate actionable intelligence in real time.
ProtectIR Demonstration
Learn how to confidently identify thousands of chemical threats anywhere with the portable ProtectIR.
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