by Working Mechanism of Narco Scanners
Narcotics scanners use technologies such as gamma-ray imaging, millimeter-wave scanners, and ultraviolet lights to detect narcotics hidden in passenger luggage or on a person’s body. While traditional metal detectors can only detect metal objects, narco scanners can identify organic materials like drugs that may be concealed in wrapped packages, clothing, or body cavities.
The most common type is gamma-ray imaging which works similarly to medical CAT scans. Scanners equipped with low-intensity gamma ray sources and radiation detectors rotate around the luggage or person to create a 3D image. Different materials like plastic, clothing, and drugs absorb gamma rays in unique ways, allowing the scanner software to analyze image densities and identify potential threats.
Millimeter-wave Narcotics Scanner use non-ionizing electromagnetic waves that are higher in frequency than microwaves but lower than infrared light. These scanners bounce millimeter-long waves off objects and measure how the waves are absorbed, reflected or passed through to construct a 3D image showing material densities. They are highly effective for spotting narcotics taped to the body without causing any harm.
Some checkpoints also have ultraviolet lights that can identify drug residues. Traces of substances like cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines glow brightly under UV rays due to their molecular structure after being touched or handled. This allows detection of narcotics even if none are presently on the person.
Installation of Narco Scanners at Major Airports
In the past decade, major international airports have substantially increased investments in advanced narcotics screening technologies. This follows a rise in drug trafficking on commercial flights alongside growing threats of terrorist activity involving illicit substances.
Some of the earliest airports to deploy full-body Narcotics Scanner include London’s Heathrow (2008), Dubai International (2009), and Singapore’s Changi Airport(2010). American airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, John F. Kennedy International in New York, and Los Angeles International have all installed full suites of gamma-ray and millimeter wave screening units since 2015.
Scanners are most commonly found before security checkpoints leading to departure gates. However, some airports are now trialing mobile and drive-through scanners near parking facilities, drop-off zones and airport perimeters to expand perimeter security. Frankfurt introduced narcotics-detecting security portals and Germany’s Munich Airport has scanners inside its transit area to screen passengers on connecting flights.
Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines directly participated in technology procurements, recognizing improved screening supports safe operations and passenger confidence in air travel. Narcotics detection is seen as essential due to the difficulties of interference once a flight has departed.
Impact and Benefits of Increased Narcotic Screening
Availability of advanced scanners has allowed law enforcement to more effectively combat drug smuggling via airports and improve public safety. In the first years after installing new scanners, many major airports reported drug seizure rates rising by 30-50% annually as concealed narcotics were detected.
In addition to removing dangerous drugs from aircraft, increased screening deters would-be traffickers. Harsher penalties also follow for those caught, since smuggling on commercial flights threatens many more lives compared to other forms of transport. Over time, making airports a higher-risk location is expected to divert narcotics flows to alternative routes with fewer security measures.
For passengers, thorough screening provides reassurance that other travelers are subject to strict checks. This helps maintain confidence in using air transport without fear of drug or terrorism incidents inflight. Carriers also experience commercial benefits as prudent security aids travel recovery after crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
National anti-narcotics authorities further gain intelligence on trafficking trends and networks by analyzing seizures. New scanning technologies allow gathering forensic evidence like fingerprints that aid criminal investigations even when only residue traces are found. As techniques advance, their detection capability for different drugs continues to expand.
concerns about Narcotics Scanners
While broadly supported, some concerns have been raised about whole-body imaging by privacy advocates. Full naked images, even if not stored long-term, could theoretically be vulnerable to leaks online or inappropriately accessed. This is considered unnecessary invasion of travelers’ privacy by a minority of people.
There are also fears scanners may inadequately protect data or fail to securely delete images after a short period as promised. To address these concerns, most modern systems generate blurry outlines and highlight just the spots of interest requiring further inspection. No naked images are saved, though it remains possible for operators to temporarily view them.
A potential limitation is scanners cannot identify tablet pill forms of some synthetic drugs that are not detectable by their material properties. Constant evolution of concealment techniques by traffickers also challenges technology to keep refining detection capabilities. However, with sustained research and validation of new screening solutions, this stay-one-step-ahead problem is being managed.
The high procurement and staffing costs of narcotics screening equipment and processes further represent an ongoing expense commitment for airports and carriers. While security grants offset some capital costs, ongoing operational spending competes with other priorities for limited aviation budgets. There requires evaluation if funding delivers proportional security impact.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
