Infrared Imager a New Weapon in the War On Drugs

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (5/28/0) -- A mobile chemical detection system that is based on an Aerospace Corporation prototype will soon be available to help in the fight against illegal methamphetamine production.

Stanislaus County Sheriff Les Weidman made this announcement at a news conference April 27 after witnessing a demonstration by an Aerospace technical team in western Stanislaus County.

The demonstration, for law enforcement and government officials and the news media, showed the infrared hyperspectral imaging system's ability to detect from a distance two chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamines-denatured alcohol and freon, as well as another chemical, sulfur hexafluoride.

Vapors from the chemicals were released at a ranch house and quickly identified by the system, integrated into a van parked about a quarter of a mile away.

The imaging spectrometer central to the system achieves its results by characterizing radiant energy emitted by chemical compounds, which have unique infrared "signatures."

Weidman said the system represents "a new and sophisticated tool" for law enforcement to use in an area inundated with illegal "meth" labs.

Meth Exported

Stanislaus County and other jurisdictions in California's rural Central Valley are havens for these labs, many operated by syndicates. Much of the methamphetamine is exported to other states and overseas.

The funds for the system, to be built by a commercial firm, were made available by legislation authored by Assemblyman Dennis Cardoza (Dist. 26), who was on hand for the demonstration. The legislation set aside $500,000 in initial funding for the project.

Neil Ives, an Aerospace Corporation research scientist who is the project lead, said the company will provide technical oversight during the acquisition process. He said the unit could be delivered as soon as spring 2002.

1999 Demonstrations

The April 27 demonstration was a followup to demonstrations held in September 1999 near Pomona in Los Angeles County and in November 1995 near Temecula in Riverside County.

The 1995 and 1999 events were organized by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center-Western Region based at The Aerospace Corporation.

Dr. Tom Knudtson, director of the Surveillance Technologies Department where the technology was developed, said that the system for law enforcement and a version for the military are the result of the company's extensive research for the Air Force into hyperspectral infrared sensor technology over the past ten years.

He said two prototype mobile sensor systems similar to the unit for law enforcement are being prepared by Aerospace for the Marine Corps and are to be delivered in October 2001.