Narcotics Detection

Drug Identification in Correctional Facilities

Enabling broad narcotics detection and identification for prisons and correctional facilities

The Unknown Threat

Physical Mail Entering Facilities Can Be Dangerous

Detecting and identifying drugs entering correctional facilities via physical mail is challenging. Drugs such as K2/spice and cannabinoids can be sprayed onto paper, incorporated into ink, hidden under stamps, and inconspicuously concealed within a piece of mail.

The methods used to hide the drugs coupled with the sheer volume of mail received daily make it difficult to detect drugs through visual screening or x-ray. Undetected drugs that are delivered to inmates pose significant health and safety concerns, including overdose and death. In the US, drug overdoses in state prisons have risen more than 600% over the last 20 years1. And an international review of studies found that 25-50% of people received into custody were assessed as having serious drug problems2


  1. Mortality in State and Federal Prisons, 2001–2018 – Statistical Tables (ojp.gov)
  2. Oliemeulen L et al. Problematische alcoholgebruikers, druggebruikers, en gokkers in het gevangeniswezen [Problematic alcohol users, drug users and gamblers in prison]. Rotterdam, Ministry of Justice, Research and Documentation Centre, 2007

On-Demand Webinar

Trace Identification of Synthetic Cathinones and Other Drugs in Corrections

Proactively Identify Drugs in Correctional Facilities

The increasing prevalence of drugs in correctional facilities is well documented. This poses challenges for correctional facilities and society at large. Learn how MX908 trace detection technology aids in drug identification.

MX908 testing a mailed envelope

The Solution

Portable Mass Spectrometry

MX908 Specifications for Corrections

MX908 provides trace identification (nanogram/invisible level) of many drugs commonly smuggled into corrections facilities.

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