TruNarc Laser Drug Detector: Pros and cons of new device that detects illegal drugs and narcotics
TruNarc: Police Drug Detection
Police Departments around the Country have begun using TruNarc, a mobile device used for drug testing. The device can rapidly detect single or multiple compounds and drugs, including those more difficult to detect such as “bath salts”, within seconds. For the last 50 years police have used lab kits to test for narcotics or illegal drugs. In effect TruNarc in said to speed up the drug identification process, allowing police to be more efficient with their time, and decrease turnaround time in drug cases.
How it Works
The device has a laser which is pointed directly at the suspicious drug sample. It then generates a distinct spectrum, similar to a finger print. It is then analyzed for identification in the device’s drug library contained the unit. It can be easily updated for new dangerous or designer drugs. Records can be automatically produced, to include the name of the drug, time and date stamps and anything else the police department wishes to program into it.
Industry Recognition
The core technology used for the Thermo Scientific device uses “Raman spectroscopy”, which is recognized as an analytical tool by the “Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRU). TruNarc’s results were compared to the same drug samples as certified laboratories. The conclusions were that TrucNarc had produced 80% – 100% positive results, with “0” false positive results.
Pros
- Below are 7 items in favor of TruNarc Testing Device:
- Device is lightweight and easy to use;
- Immediate results; Eliminates need for backlogged and costly lab processing
- Detects compounded and new “designer”, bath salts and synthetic drugs;
- Can be used in addition to drug testing kit for presumptive testing;
- Nonintrusive. The test does not require contact;
- Reduces time for Criminal Case Resolutions:
- Police K-9 Dog Drug Screeners costs between $20,000.00 and $$29,000.00 to train. The cost of the device is equal or less for TruNarc $20,000.00 currently.
Cons
Below are 7 items that oppose TruNarc Technology for drug testing:
- Costly: $20,000.00 per device;
- Lack of background science, experience or reported statistics of use in the Field by police;
- Police officers would need to be trained to operate, minister, and maintain it;
- If adopted by the states, it will face much challenge by experts and criminal defense attorney, regarding administration, accuracy, validity, maintenance, and operation of the device (similar to the challenges that breathalyzers presented.);
- Technology may not prove to serve as an effective substitute for full lab analysis by a certified laboratory and trained lab professional;
- Judges around the country have yet to decide if the test results from TruNarc can be admissible in trial.
- No case law or documented challenges have been argued against it for drug charges involving the device.
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