One of the latest tools in the war on drugs is the Itemiser, a portable desktop narcotics and explosives detection system.
Based on Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer (ITMS®) technology, Itemiser finds controlled substances more quickly and more accurately than any other option on the market. Easy to use and safe for the operator, Itemiser reliably detects microscopic particles from illegal drugs, firearms and bombs delivering an affordable, flexible, reliable and fast solution for narcotics and explosives security. ~ TraceDetection.net
Cool, but effective?
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The geek in me is awed by the technology and no doubt the device is a great tool in crime prevention. On the other hand, the experienced advocate and side of me with the street smarts knows that drugs are so ubiquitous in our society that picking up trace amounts here and there by chance is not just likely, but almost guaranteed. So using this device on the general public not under suspicion, in a nightclub as in the video for an example, in my opinion is not a good idea or at least one of limited utility.
Airports, prisons, and border crossings are a different story though- in these environments I think the Itemiser has its place. Just like all technology though it should be used as a tool to help authorities make an informed decision, not the other way around.
According to this article, the device has already caused some problems and even law suits because it is being used as a “final arbiter”. I tend to agree with much of the gist of this article, but would also warn readers that when reading about the grandmother that tests positive for drug trace one should keep in mind the Shakespearean adage, “methinks the lady doth protest too much”. I would be willing to place a bet that I could design a machine that just randomly flashed “drugs detected”… and in many cases it could be proved right.
