Combatting Drug Trafficking and International Terrorism
Telit’s IoT enablement ensures reliable GPS connectivity and remote tactical management for MS Technologies Inc.
According to the U.N. World Drug Report 2021, the global illegal drugs industry — connected to organized crime and international terrorism — is worth approximately $320 billion. An estimated 208 million people use illicit drugs each year. As a result, there is an increased demand by law enforcement (e.g., customs and police) for screening and detection solutions to help them intercept concealed narcotics and contraband.
One of the most effective detection tools in the war on drugs is trace detection technologies. By using trace detection, customs officials can determine if items or individuals have been in the presence of narcotics. Trace detection assumes the offender will leave molecular drug traces when concealing explosives or narcotics in a bag or vehicle. The trace detector can detect explosive or narcotic residue on the exterior or vapors seeping from the interior. The detector then signals to security officers that the item or individual requires further investigation.
However, traditional ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) trace detection technology is known to have critical issues related to:
- Radioactive sources
- Poor reliability
- Becoming easily contaminated
- Resistance to humidity
- Resistance to changes in ambient temperature and barometric pressure
- High false alarm rates
- High total cost of ownership
IMS also operates in deployments for long periods with high ownership costs related to service and maintenance activities.
Mitigating Threats and Dangers to Homeland Security
Recognizing the dangers threatening homeland security, MS Technologies Inc. develops nanotechnology sensors, products and solutions to detect and identify hazardous materials, such as:
- Explosives
- Narcotics
- Liquids
- Toxic industrial chemicals
- Chemical warfare agents
- Bacteria and viruses
MS Technologies is a world-class innovator, developer and manufacturer of award-winning, patented nanotechnology detection and diagnostic sensor technologies. The company offers widespread applications in key market sectors, including:
- Biomedical diagnostics
- Food safety and product inspection
- Security and people screening
- Fire and smoke detection
- Water monitoring
- Air pollution
- Automotive
- Aerospace
Innovators of Nanotechnology Detection and Diagnostic Sensors
MS Technologies’ MULTISCAN GEN3 is the world’s first IoT-based, sensor-to-cloud detector with GPS tracking and positioning. The MULTISCAN GEN3 detects and identifies traces and vapors of homemade explosives (HMEs), narcotics and synthetic opioids (e.g., Fentanyl).
MS Technologies also offers ANTEVORTA, an emergency operation center and remote sensor-to-cloud management and support software. ANTEVORTA is supported and managed by product managers, bomb technicians and forensic chemists. It provides the capability to monitor and resolve alarms received from detectors deployed worldwide.
“MS Technologies has 23 years of experience in industrial sensors that drive our mission for a safer, more productive world. The MULTISCAN was developed with U.S. and Israeli government R&D funding. We needed an IoT connectivity partner that is trusted by governments and homeland security authorities worldwide. Telit was the obvious choice.”
Doron Shalom, CEO, MS Technologies Inc.
The Challenge to Ensure Reliable Wireless Connectivity and Sensor Management
Reliable wireless connectivity is the foundation of the MULTISCAN’s success. It is also critical for field operators and decision-makers who depend on remote diagnostics and analysis. MS Technologies chose the following Telit products to ensure a robust, reliable connection:
Telit LE910C1/4-NF: The LE910C1/4-NF 4G LTE modules support the extensive value-added services suite from Telit’s IoT connectivity. Telit’s connectivity services make IoT deployment management under mobile networks effective and enhance profitability and reliability. These modules are portal-ready. The AT command library includes high-level commands designed for hassle-free device onboarding to the portal and back-end systems and servers.
The LE910C1/4-NF modules are compliant with the 3GPP Release 10 and available with an optional quad-constellation GNSS capability. This compact LGA form factor family is available in various configurations. These modules support single-mode and fallback as needed for specific regions and carriers.
Telit connectivity: Telit’s pre-provisioned SIMs with 4G service simplify IoT and M2M device management. Users can access powerful online tools that simplify inventory management and carrier profile configuration to streamline IoT operations. Telit’s IoT connectivity solutions improve uptime by offloading complexity and costs associated with manual customization and troubleshooting.
More Sampling Time for Operators, Less Waiting Time for Passengers
The MULTISCAN is embedded with up-to-date sensor capabilities for timely alarm resolution and threat assessment. This solution enables smart management and tactical decision-making for field-deployed operators. MS Technologies has thousands of sensors and products deployed in over 42 countries. It is a trusted partner for homeland security and screening applications.
“We partnered with MS Technologies given their scientific and technological breakthroughs in the nanotechnology sensors industry. MS Technologies’ MULTISCAN combines IoT and GPS tracking and monitoring powered by TEKWAVE Solutions LLC. We are excited to offer this new sensor-based product to our clients and customers across the U.S.”
John Hayde, CEO and Founder, TEKWAVE Solutions LLC
“In the last five years, we have surpassed 1,200,000 samples. We also benefited from the reduction of service and maintenance activities compared to other systems throughout the years. The total annual cost of ownership of MS Technologies’ detectors reaches even a 50% reduction compared to radioactive IMS detectors. We have deployed and used MS Technologies’ detectors in a range of security checkpoints across Kenya. Their actual field reliability is superior to any other competing products we have seen so far.
With the MULTISCAN and GEN3 IoT capabilities, our end users can resolve live alarms from any location across Africa. They’ll be assisted by our dedicated team of experts with remote diagnostics and big data capabilities. MS Technologies’ explosive detectors are superior to other detection solutions. Their performance and ease of use with non-radioactive, safe HF-QCM nanotechnology sensors are unique in the industry.” Benson Ngunjiri, Managing Director, Bentech Systems