Merseyside Police and LJMU Validation Confirms ContraSCAN's Capability for Synthetic Cannabinoid Screening
An independent evaluation conducted by Merseyside Police in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has validated the performance of ContraSCAN as a rapid frontline screening tool for synthetic cannabinoids.
The study demonstrated complete agreement between ContraSCAN results and GC-MS laboratory verification, while also confirming the device’s ability to detect synthetic cannabinoids through sealed evidence packaging.
Addressing a Persistent Challenge
Synthetic cannabinoids continue to present significant challenges for law enforcement and correctional environments, particularly when applied to materials that show little or no visible signs of contamination. Rapid identification of suspected contaminated items is critical for supporting investigations, protecting staff, and preventing the circulation of illicit substances.
To assess whether a portable screening device could provide reliable operational support, the evaluation examined ContraSCAN’s ability to detect synthetic cannabinoids on a range of materials commonly encountered during investigations.
Independent Evaluation
The assessment included previously analysed synthetic cannabinoid-positive exhibits and confirmed negative materials. Positive samples included contaminated paper and herbal materials, while confirmed negative samples included herbal cannabis and cannabis resin.
All samples were screened using ContraSCAN and independently verified using GC-MS laboratory analysis. The study found that:
- All known synthetic cannabinoid-positive samples tested positive.
- All confirmed negative samples tested negative.
- Every result showed complete agreement with GC-MS verification.
- Synthetic cannabinoids could be detected through clear plastic packaging and sealed evidence bags.
Operational Benefits
Evaluators highlighted the simplicity of the system and its suitability for frontline deployment.
“The device proved extremely easy to use, with clear positive and negative indications that could be readily interpreted by both scientific and non-scientific users. This simplicity makes it well suited to frontline operational environments.”
The handheld design and rapid result generation were identified as key advantages, enabling personnel to quickly assess suspected exhibits and make informed operational decisions.
The evaluation also confirmed the ability to perform non-destructive screening through evidence packaging.
“The ability to obtain positive results through sealed evidence packaging offers clear operational benefits. While direct examination provides the greatest sensitivity, screening through evidence bags allows rapid assessment without compromising exhibit integrity.”
Confidence Through Laboratory Verification
A key outcome of the study was the complete agreement between ContraSCAN screening results and GC-MS laboratory findings. This level of agreement provides strong confidence that the device can support frontline personnel by identifying potentially contaminated materials prior to confirmatory laboratory analysis.
Reflecting on the findings, the evaluation team concluded:
“The device provides a practical frontline screening capability that could be deployed within policing, prison and security environments. Its portability, ease of use and reliable performance enable rapid decision-making and help identify potentially contaminated materials before laboratory analysis.”
Supporting Frontline Operations
The independent validation by Merseyside Police and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) demonstrates that ContraSCAN can provide law enforcement, prison and security organisations with a rapid and reliable method for screening suspected synthetic cannabinoid contamination. By combining ease of use, rapid results, non-destructive screening and complete agreement with laboratory verification, the technology offers a valuable addition to frontline drug screening operations.
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