Tennessee: Laser scanner detects meth

Squeeze the trigger and a red beam of light hits the surface, accompanied by a blue ultraviolet halo. Drag the beam over salt — nothing. Sweetener — nothing.

But wait, what’s this strange-looking powder?

Green lights flash.

Meth.

The ID-2 is a methamphetamine scanner that Decatur Electronics, an Illinois-based company, has just begun marketing to police nationwide.

“I’ve seen it,” said Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble. “I think it holds some promise. It’s a pretty easy, clean way to do (testing).”

Corky Jewell, key accounts manager with Decatur Electronics, travels the country to promote the product.

Mr. Jewell retired from 35 years in police work, most of that in the Georgia State Patrol. He said the device is a safe way to test for the toxic substance.

“You don’t have to come in physical contact with (meth),” Mr. Jewell said.

When officers test for meth ingredients with current disposable kits, some require breaking capsules to mix chemicals. There’s a danger that officers could get meth particles on their skin, he said.

The scanner allows police to see quickly whether meth ingredients are present on a surface or in an unknown powder, said Kelly Abercrombie, eastern region sales manager for the company.

The device can scan clothing, carpet or skin, among other sources. It lights up immediately when the UV light hits any crystallized substance that contains meth ingredients.

The scanner uses photoemission spectroscopy to detect the drug. The method measures electrons emitted from the substance, each of which has its own signature. The scanner uses patented filters to identify meth.

That quick scan, both police and company representatives said, is an effective way to build probable cause for a search or help save time during a traffic stop if an officer suspects drugs are present.

“I like it. I like the technology. It’s a good tool that you can use,” said Tommy Farmer, director of the Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force. He said he’s not likely to buy the scanner now because the task force already has ion scanning machines.

The ion machines need a sample of the substance and take eight minutes to process it, but the machines can detect all ranges of drugs from meth to heroin, cocaine, marijuana and others, he said.

A meth scanner costs nearly $5,000, which is a hefty price tag for some police departments.

“We’re not able to afford it right now,” Sheriff Gobble said. “I haven’t purchased any yet, but I am looking at it for the future.”