STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 24, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- During tests in the United States, Biosensor Application's narcotics detector, "the artificial dog nose," has been able to detect cocaine in cargo containers. The tests were conducted by the customs authorities in the United States and Canada. The detector identified cocaine in three containers and generated a negative reading for the empty container.
"The tests were a great success and will facilitate significantly the continued rollout of the system," said Carl Lundberg, CEO of Biosensor.
The American and Canadian customs authorities had invited manufacturers to test their detection systems in realistic smuggling scenarios staged at the Fort Huachuca military base in Arizona. Biosensor investigated four containers. One was empty and the other three contained between 30 and 60 kilograms of cocaine each. The cocaine, which had been seized at Mexican border crossings, was packed in closed plastic bags wrapped in heavy plastics. The degree of difficulty to identify the cocaine in the containers varied, but each container had a drilled five-centimeter hole where air samples were taken.
"The results were gratifying. Biosensor's detector gave no indication of detection on the empty container, but registered positive for the presence of narcotics in the containers containing cocaine," said Lundberg.
Biosensor has initiated the commercial launch of its narcotics detector, BIOSENS-D. The system can identify the following narcotics: amphetamine, metamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and ecstasy. The system is being presented during the fall to a number of potential American and European customers.
Biosensor Applications Sweden AB is developing a biosensor system, popularly called the "artificial dog nose." The platform of the system consists of a unit that collects air, and an analysis unit that detects potential molecules of the sought-after substance. The system is currently able to detect narcotics and explosives. Biosensor has 21 employees and is headquartered in Stockholm.
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