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| U.S. Hosts Conference on Tech Used in Drug War |
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Posted by FoM on June 26, 2001 at 08:26:46 PT Reuters Source: CNN.com 
Next year at this time, the U.S. Customs Service may be able to use a new scanning machine that uses neutrons to help agents identity cocaine and other drugs inside trucks and other cargo holds. This scanning device, a new, improved version of the large X-ray machines customs agents use now, will be among new technologies presented at a government-sponsored conference on anti-drug tools in San Diego this week. Al Brandenstein, chief scientist of the White House Drug Policy Office, said he expected the three-day conference to be "very, very successful." The neutron scanner should be ready for use within one year, he said. The plethora of new technologies developed by or for the government to help fight drug addition and trafficking should defuse "the myth that nothing works in the so-called war against drugs," Brandenstein said. Over 400 scientists, law enforcement representatives and companies designing and developing such technology are due to attend the conference, said Drug Office spokesman Bob Weiner. On display will be brain scanners that show the impact of using drugs, chemicals that make methamphetamine inert, ground and air telephone intercepts, and miniature cameras, as well as so-called mini-busters used by customs agents and police officers to find drugs being smuggled inside tires and other closed spaces. Some six years ago, one such device -- that works by showing changes in the density inside a vehicle -- helped the U.S. Customers Service seize $29 million worth of black tar heroin, which was concealed inside a set of truck tires. Now, more than 2,500 state and local police departments use the devices during traffic stops and other investigations, Brandenstein told Reuters. Federal agencies are "aggressively hunting for powerful, fresh concepts in both law enforcement and medicine that we can fund in hopes of making strong new strides against addiction and the crime associated with drug trafficking," Brandenstein said in a statement. Source: CNN (US) Related Articles: X-Ray Vision - Time Magazine Can't Scan Without a Warrant High-Tech Devices Require a Warrant CannabisNews Articls - Scanners Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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