LARGO, Fla., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Field Forensics Inc., a U.S. developer of detection devices, has released a kit for detection of a chemical used to refine opium into heroin.
IDEX 008 testers for detecting acetic anhydride are packaged in a rugged plastic tube that is easy to open and easily carried in a pocket. The test kit uses chemical reagents that are fully contained inside the tester, without the need for ancillary equipment.
Training is simple and quick and doesn't require written instructions, the company said.
It said the kits would be ideal for use in Afghanistan, a major source of opium.
"Despite the Afghan ban on acetic anhydride, thousands of tons are smuggled into the country each year," said Field Forensics Chief Executive Officer Craig Johnson.
"Use of the Field Forensics IDEX 008 detection test for acetic anhydride at targeted border points will significantly impact its entry into the country and therefore the production and exportation of heroin."
Field Forensics has also produced and sold its IDEX 002 kits for use by Afghan border police in the detection of ammonium nitrate, a key ingredient in improvised explosive devices.
In addition, the company has sold more than 100,000 units of the IDEX 002 to U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and NAVTECH DOD representatives for use in vehicle checkpoints on the Afghanistan borders with India, Iran and Pakistan.
