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Prototype ‘Vapor ID’ shown at Nogales border detects trace fentanyl vapors, presenter says
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Summary
A presenter described a DHS S&T‑backed detector called Vapor ID that the presenter said can identify fentanyl molecules at below 10 parts per quadrillion; a prototype demonstration at the Nogales crossing used a Basepec‑packaged unit licensed from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
A presenter described a prototype sensor called Vapor ID that, they said, can detect minute quantities of fentanyl molecules in ambient air and return real‑time results for Customs and Border Protection agents. The presenter said the device was developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and that DHS Science and Technology sponsored its development and demonstration.
The demonstration at the Nogales, Arizona border crossing used a Basepec Inc unit that the presenter said weighed less than 40 pounds. According to the presenter, Basepec licensed the underlying technology from PNNL and is working with the laboratory to optimize field‑deployed systems for drive‑through portals, pedestrian checkpoints and cargo or baggage holding areas. The presenter said even smaller handheld versions are envisioned for vehicle inspections.
The presenter said Vapor ID can detect chemicals at concentrations of less than 10 parts per quadrillion and is not fooled by fillers or cutting agents added to seized drugs. They described the system as providing accurate real‑time answers comparable to laboratory systems that are otherwise too large to be mobile. The presenter added that the device will include a simple interface so users without scientific training can tell when fentanyl, other drugs, or explosive vapors are present.
No formal vote, agenda item, policymaker identification, or procedural action appears in the transcript; the recording is a technical demonstration rather than a public meeting.
