Blog
How Advanced Detection Technologies Are Transforming Customs and Border Inspections
Discover how advanced customs inspection technology improves narcotics detection, chemical identification, and trade compliance at ports of entry.
MX908 Software Release v3.6
MX908 latest software release offers five additional drug targets for the MX908 target list. This includes the addition of three synthetic cannabinoids, a synthetic cathinone, and a nitazene, a highly potent synthetic opioid.
Federal Narcotics Interdiction in the Age of Fentanyl
Illicit fentanyl is now a WMD threat. Learn how MX908 provides trace-level identification to ensure safety and faster narcotics interdiction for law enforcement agencies.
Operation Black Swan Breaks a 9,000-Mile Drug Trafficking Pipeline
Learn how Chilean authorities utilized the MX908 trace chemical detector during ‘Operation Black Swan’, which dismantled a transnational drug pipeline.
From Emergence to Response: Why Rapid Field Detection is Now a Global Priority
Learn how MX908 and VipIR provide rapid field detection of synthetic opioids, enabling real-time intelligence to combat the global drug crisis.
When Fentanyl Is Treated as a WMD, “Trace” Detection Takes on New Meaning
Treating fentanyl as a WMD shifts focus to trace detection, requiring tools capable of identifying nanogram-levels of chemical threats.
The Shadow Drug: Nitazenes
Learn how MX908 detects and identifies nitazene analogues, synthetic opioids 40x stronger than fentanyl that are driving the opioid crisis.
The Unseen Dangers of Synthetic Materials and EV Fires: Protecting Firefighters from Airborne Hazards
Fires from modern synthetic materials and EVs pose severe airborne hazards. Learn how XplorIR delivers real-time detection, identification, and quantification of these toxic gases.
Emerging Drug Alert: Purple Fentanyl
Purple fentanyl’s unpredictable potency makes it extremely dangerous; see how MX908 reduces exposure risk.
Momentum in the Fight Against Fentanyl: What New Federal Efforts Mean for Combating the Opioid Crisis
New federal laws—HALT, STOP, and DETECT Acts—boost the fight against opioids with enhanced detection, enforcement, and border security.
Reliable Drug Detection and Identification in Real Time
Reliable drug detection is more streamlined than ever, with the MX908 delivering results on-site, in seconds.
Op-Ed: Science on the Stand: How Smart Spectral Processing Transforms Chemical Identification at the Border
Learn how the VipIR’s Smart Spectral Processing algorithm uses Raman and FTIR technologies for accurate, fast chemical identification at the border.
Nerve Agent Detector: MX908 Handheld Mass Spectrometer
Nerve agent detectors are essential tools in identifying and neutralizing the potentially catastrophic effects of nerve agents.
Gray Death: What Every Officer Needs to Know About This Lethal Drug
Discover what law enforcement officers need to know about Gray Death—a lethal mix of opioids like fentanyl and carfentanil—and how the MX908 helps safely identify this deadly drug in the field.
Medetomidine aka ‘Rhino Tranq’: What to Know About This Emerging Illicit Drug
Medetomidine, or “rhino tranq”, is a potent veterinary sedative being used as a dangerous cutting agent with fentanyl, leading to fatal overdoses.
What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for First Responders and National Security
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) boosts national security by including funding for the procurement of modern detection tools for military, law enforcement, and border patrol.
Securing the Future of Public Events: How 908 Devices Helps Meet the Moment
Learn how 908 Devices boosts public event safety with advanced solutions for area monitoring, suspicious package screening, and more.
Operation FREE: Working Together to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis
Operation FREE fights the fentanyl crisis through interagency collaboration, training law enforcement, and using advanced tech like the MX908 for on-site fentanyl detection.
A Note from our CEO: Introducing 908 Devices 2.0
Discover 908 Devices 2.0 — a bold transformation focused on handheld chemical analysis for vital health, safety and defense tech applications. Learn how we’re innovating to deliver rapid, field-ready solutions for today’s most urgent challenges.
XplorIR Speeds Up Hazmat Unit Decision-Making
XplorIR identifies and quantifies chemicals in real-time, empowering hazmat units with critical data to make fast, safe, and effective decisions.
Legacy of Spectroscopy for Public Safety
After 9/11, learn how handheld, field-based chemical identification devices utilizing lab-grade analytical technologies became crucial tools for protecting first responders and saving lives.
Sharpen Your Skills: Practical Workshops for HazMat and Law Enforcement Teams
Enhance your training experience through a law enforcement or hazmat workshop led by 908 Devices, where attendees learn through real-world case studies.
2025 Office of National Drug Control Policy Framework: A Guiding Force to Stop Illicit Drugs
The Office of National Drug Control Policy has set its priorities, which includes detection technologies to combat illicit drugs like fentanyl and emerging synthetic opioids.
Unlocking Funding: Key Steps for Law Enforcement and Fire/Hazmat Teams to Secure Grant Assistance
Learn from 908 Devices how to navigate complex grants and secure funding for your current mission-critical priorities.
Nitrous Oxide Abuse and the Role of Advanced Detection Technology
Nitrous oxide abuse is dangerously rising in popularity. Learn how XplorIR provides rapid identification of N₂O for emergency responders.
Understanding How an Explosive Detection System Can Be Used In Real-Time
Learn how rapid explosive detection systems are a testament to the power of technology in enhancing public safety.
Border Security, the Locard Exchange Principle, and Trace Detection
Explore how border security uses the advanced technologies of MX908, ThreatID, and ProtectIR to identify drugs from trace to bulk amounts.
BTMPS: A Growing Concern in Illicit Fentanyl Adulteration
Fentanyl emerges more lethal through the latest trend of mixing the drug with industrial chemical, BTMPS. Learn about the latest detection methods from 908 Devices to combat this rapidly evolving threat.
The Nitazene Crisis: By the Numbers
New data reveals critical gaps in public awareness about nitazenes, a highly potent and addictive class of drugs that are stronger than fentanyl. Learn how MX908 aids responders in this looming crisis.
The De Minimis Exemption and Illicit Fentanyl Shipments
A United States customs law provision has inadvertently facilitated fentanyl smuggling into the country. Discover how the MX908 is a valuable inspection tool for detecting this illicit substance, even at trace levels.
LA Wildfires: Airborne Chemicals Can Threaten Air Quality
Learn how XplorIR rapidly identifies toxic airborne chemicals that can threaten the health of first responders and the public.
Fentanyl Analog Classifier: How the MX908 Keeps Pace with Fentanyl Analogs
Learn how MX908 detects over 2,000 fentanyl analogs, while staying ahead of the evolving synthetic opioid epidemic.
Nitazenes: Understanding The Next Threat in the Opioid Crisis
Extremely potent synthetic opioids called Nitazenes are a serious new threat in the opioid crisis. Learn how advanced detection technologies like MX908 are essential for law enforcement to quickly identify and mitigate this growing danger.
From National Conventions to Election Mail Screening, How Our Customers Mitigate Public Safety Threats
908 Devices provides advanced chemical detection technology to enhance public safety at high-risk events. Learn how our solutions are used for real-time threat monitoring at events like political conventions, large races, and election mail screenings.
Accurate and Actionable Handheld Gas Detection
Learn more about handheld gas detection, and how our advanced technology can identify and quantify thousands of unknown chemicals and vapors in seconds.
The Evolution and Innovation of FTIR: A Q&A with FTIR Expert Dr. Dave Schiering
As the former managing partner and Chief Technology Officer of RedWave Technology and – following an acquisition — the current 908 Devices Fellow, we sat down with Dr. Dave Schiering to discuss his perspective on the progression of FTIR technology through the decades, and his vision for its future.
Responding to a Meth Lab Explosion: Experience with Advanced Gas Detection Technology
Learn about the current challenges in responding to a meth lab explosion and how XplorIR solves this problem through gas identification and quantification.
How a Stolen ThreatID Helped Law Enforcement Bust a Drug Dealer
Discover how a stolen ThreatID FTIR device unintentionally assisted law enforcement in catching a local drug dealer.
A Day in the Life of a Hazmat Team: Tackling a VOC Incident
A hazmat team used the XplorIR to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring safe reconnaissance and expediting scene resolution.
Importance of Fast Chemical Identification for High Priority Threats
Identify and analyze chemical threats using a handheld mass spectrometer. Rapid results at your fingertips.
Pink Cocaine: The Truth Behind Tusi and its Dangerous Mixture
Learn about Tusi, known as “pink cocaine,” and see how MX908’s advanced identification methods effectively address this synthetic opioid.
Our Customers Fuel Our Organization – Meet The Team at 908 Devices
Our customers fuel our organization to provide technology for mission completion and safety, delivering the best customer experiences.
Demystifying the Opioid Crisis: How much do we really know?
The opioid crisis has continued to evolve over the years, and limited knowledge of emerging drugs among respondents calls for more educational programs to help mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis.
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.
Chemical Identification for EOD Applications
Understanding chemical identification is essential for EOD teams due to the increasing number of chemical threats from explosive devices.
MX908 Software Release v3.5
MX908 latest software release offers five additional drug targets for the MX908 target list. This includes the addition of three synthetic cannabinoids, a synthetic cathinone, and a nitazene, a highly potent synthetic opioid.
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.
Grant Application Process
Explore the steps and considerations for law enforcement agencies looking to obtain grant funding.
EU DrugDetect
Learn about the EU DrugDetect project, that aims to provide innovative solutions, such as the MX908, to prevent drugs from entering European correctional facilities.
Emerging Drug Trends and Threats: Here’s What We Know
Staying ahead of dangerous drug trends and threats is crucial. To combat these drug trends and threats effectively, it is important to deploy technologies, such as MX908, which can swiftly identify drugs.
908 Devices Awarded 2023 Gold ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award from American Security Today (AST)
908 Devices was awarded the 2023 Gold ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award from American Security Today (AST) for its MX908 Beacon for Best CBRNe Detection solution.
Letters with Fentanyl Powder in US Mail
Protect yourself by reading these tips before attempting to open suspiciously marked envelopes or packages that may contain white powders.
Why Illegal Marijuana Farming Is Wreaking Havoc on Our Environment
Discover the hidden environmental crisis of illegal marijuana farming. Learn about the ecological damage, toxic pesticides, and public safety risks.
Understanding Public Perception of Xylazine and Synthetic Opioids
In an attempt to better analyze the public perception of xylazine and synthetic opioids, we surveyed 1,000 U.S. consumers to gauge how informed they are. What we learned is this is not a traditional addiction issue. Read more.
MX908 and the Identification of Fentanyl/Xylazine Mixtures
The MX908 provides coverage of low concentration mixtures of powerful synthetics such as xylazine and 2000+ fentanyl analogs in cutting agents or other, more common, drugs to provide investigators with an important tool to meets today’s counter-drug challenges.
Announcing the 3.4 Software Update New Target Release
SW v3.4 will include three new drug targets and one new explosives target.
Announcing the 3.3 Software Update New Target Release
We just released 3 new targets including a fentanyl analog, cannabinoid and precursor.
New Target Update: Preparing for the Next in Synthetic Opioid Trends, Nitazenes
MX908 adds a new synthetic opioid, nitazines, to its drug target list, aiding responders against evolving threats.
One Pill Can Kill: Current and Emerging Drug Threats
908 Devices equips first responders with tools to identify dangerous drugs, a crucial need given the surge in fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.
One Pill Can Kill: MX908 and Counterfeit Pills
The DEA has issued a public safety alert warning against a sharp increase in counterfeit pill overdoses in the US. The MX908 excels at identifying such pills.
The Impact and Rising Danger of the Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic’s current wave is fueled by potent synthetic opioids that are significantly increasing in danger. Learn how the MX908 addresses this crisis.
New Update: Threat-Focused Targets
An MX908 target list update has been released, adding critical targets for evolving drug, explosive, and chemical threats.
See the Unseen: Trace Chemical Detection in the Field
The MX908 provides instant trace chemical detection of narcotics in the field, enabling stronger evidence for investigations & warrants.
Beyond Bulk: Trace Detection of Fentanyl in the Field
The MX908 keeps first responders safe by rapidly identifying unknown substance traces, including fentanyl and synthetic opioids.
The Road to IPO
Follow 908 Devices’ inspiring journey to becoming a public company. Learn about the company’s mission to revolutionize mass spectrometry.
Our 908th Customer
908 Devices welcomes the 908th customer. Learn how MX908 is enhancing their capabilities in hazardous material detection and response.
Q&A with John Kenneweg – The Changing Threat Landscape
The evolving threat landscape for CBRNE, narcotics, and explosives drives demand for advanced technology for first responders.
R.I.P Delayed Gratification
Explore the growing demand for instant access to data and how 908 Devices is transforming mass spectrometry with on-demand, portable solutions.
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