Chemical listening devices: Novel sensors targeting the clandestine manufacture and transport of illicit drugs and explosives. There can be no doubt that protecting Australia's borders from the dual threats of terrorism and illicit drugs is of paramount importance to continuation of our well-being and way of life. Our chemical sensors are simple hand-held or remote chemical listening sensors, which will have the ability to sense the presence of characteristic chemical vapours associated with exp ....Chemical listening devices: Novel sensors targeting the clandestine manufacture and transport of illicit drugs and explosives. There can be no doubt that protecting Australia's borders from the dual threats of terrorism and illicit drugs is of paramount importance to continuation of our well-being and way of life. Our chemical sensors are simple hand-held or remote chemical listening sensors, which will have the ability to sense the presence of characteristic chemical vapours associated with explosives and illicit drugs. The simplicity and low cost of the chemical listening allows for installation at key locations -e.g. transport hubs, shipping containers, airports etc as well as placement within clandestine drug laboratories.Read moreRead less
In-field sensors for the detection of illicit drugs. Presumptive field test kits for illicit drugs analysis are typically based on chemical spot tests that produce a coloured product. While relatively easy to apply, such test kits (containing wet chemicals) produce inconclusive colour changes lacking sensitivity, and selectivity requiring a subjective assessment by the examiner. Despite these limitations, these test kits are in widespread use and are routinely used. This study aims to develop s ....In-field sensors for the detection of illicit drugs. Presumptive field test kits for illicit drugs analysis are typically based on chemical spot tests that produce a coloured product. While relatively easy to apply, such test kits (containing wet chemicals) produce inconclusive colour changes lacking sensitivity, and selectivity requiring a subjective assessment by the examiner. Despite these limitations, these test kits are in widespread use and are routinely used. This study aims to develop specific in-field sensors for the detection and identification of illicit drugs. This would significantly enhance the ability of Forensic Services staff to confirm the identity of seized material. Increased specificity would provide valuable early advice to investigators regarding the nature of a seizure and would reduce the likelihood of false positive results. Increased sensitivity would permit the analysis of trace amounts of material from individuals or locations related to an illicit drug consignment.Read moreRead less
Pre-blast screening of improvised explosive devices - a National counter-terrorism initiative. The proposed research is focused on the specific needs of Australian counter-terrorism interests, including those of border protection, the customs service, transport authorities, forensic laboratories, etc. The support of this proposal will ensure that Australia, and its States and Territories are protected against terrorist threats. The support provided by the collaborating organisations from the var ....Pre-blast screening of improvised explosive devices - a National counter-terrorism initiative. The proposed research is focused on the specific needs of Australian counter-terrorism interests, including those of border protection, the customs service, transport authorities, forensic laboratories, etc. The support of this proposal will ensure that Australia, and its States and Territories are protected against terrorist threats. The support provided by the collaborating organisations from the various Federal and State police and forensic agencies, and the customs service, etc, highlights the importance of this project to the nation. Finally, a PhD student and a research assistant will be involved with the project and will gain specialised skills positioning them to make strong contributions to Australia's counter-terrorism measures.Read moreRead less