Analysis of seized drugs using portable Raman spectroscopy in an airport environment—a proof of principle study

Abstract The rapid identification for drugs‐of‐abuse in airports is of critical importance. In this study we demonstrate the viability of Raman spectroscopy for the rapid identification of illicit substances in their containers in an airport environment. Raman spectra of drugs‐of‐abuse in situ were collected using portable Raman spectrometers; this technique offers distinct advantages to government agencies, first responders and forensic scientists working in the security field. We have demonstrated that the spectrometers are able to collect the spectra of suspect powders, including cocaine HCl and d ‐amphetamine sulphate with unknown constituents rapidly and with a high degree of discrimination. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.