Maryland Lt. Governor visits Smiths Detection to learn about opioid detection, identification technology

Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford visited Smiths Detections, Inc. (SDI) facility near Edgewood, Maryland this week where he was given a demonstration of technologies to detect and identify opioids to help protect first responders from exposure.

Smiths Detection develops and manufactures these technologies at its Edgewood facility.

“Our administration is committed to fighting the heroin and opioid crisis using every single tool at our disposal,” Rutherford said. “It will take all of us – families, communities, the private sector, and every level of government – working together to find innovative solutions to turn the tide of this deadly epidemic.”

The SDI technologies in use by first responders and other security groups include IONSCAN 600, a portable system for detecting narcotics and explosives; HazMatID Elite and Target ID, infrared handheld chemical identifiers; and ACE-ID, which uses Raman laser technology to test unknown substances without contact, including through plastic and glass.

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to show Lt. Governor Rutherford the fentanyl detection and identification technology developed at SDI,” Stephen Esposito, vice president of Business Development and Sales at SDI, said. “We look forward to working with him and other authorities in Maryland to protect the public against this epidemic. Combining our technologies with the right support and deployment protocols can serve as the benchmark for other state and local agencies moving forward.”