In February the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) presented the local law enforcement agencies in Navajo County with an Mx908. This device is a multi-mission handheld spectrometer utilized by elite responders conducting chemical, explosive, priority drug, and HazMat operations around the world. This device will be utilized for identifying the dangerous and narcotic drugs that are seized in local communities. The testing of the drugs will take minutes here locally, rather than being sent to the Arizona Department of Public Safety lab for results. This allows a safer approach for officers and deputies to test the unknown substance. The sensitivity of this device lets users conduct field analysis of unknown substances and generate actionable intelligence in real-time. Detection of substances at trace levels minimizes exposure while allowing the user to rapidly assess threat levels, establish probable cause, and prioritize investigatory resources accordingly. This device will also allow prosecutors to immediately file criminal charges and not have the delays caused by waiting for crime laboratory analysis.
