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Chemical Identification for Counter-Narcotics and Security Operations

Supporting Shield of the Americas counter-cartel objectives

Across the Americas, law enforcement, customs, military, and specialized response teams face complex challenges involving illicit narcotics, precursor chemicals, and hazardous substances.

Rigaku Analytical Devices provides handheld 1064 nm Raman technology that helps personnel identify unknown substances directly in the field — supporting informed decisions, reducing unnecessary sample handling, and strengthening operational readiness.

Icon-X Scans Ketamine-MDMA Mixture in Gloved Hands-1

About Shield of the Americas

A regional mission.

Operational capabilities.

Shield of the Americas, also described by U.S. Southern Command as the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, focuses on regional cooperation against transnational drug cartels. Rigaku’s field identification solutions can support related counter-narcotics and security objectives. 

 

Chemical identification where the mission happens

Bring presumptive field analysis closer to substances encountered in inspections, investigations, and specialized response.

Narcotics and synthetic drugs

Presumptive identification of suspected narcotics, synthetic opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, and cutting agents.

Precursor chemicals

Evaluate unknown chemicals encountered during inspections and investigations involving potential illicit drug production.

Clandestine laboratories

Support specialized teams assessing unknown powders, liquids, and chemicals in complex environments.

Borders, ports, and interdiction

Bring chemical identification to cargo inspections, checkpoints, transportation corridors, and field operations.

Practical answers in challenging environments

The 1064 nm Raman advantage

Handheld Raman spectroscopy enables non-destructive, presumptive chemical identification in the field. Rigaku's 1064 nm platforms are designed to reduce fluorescence interference, which can complicate analysis of colored or contaminated materials.

  • Reduced fluorescence interference
    • 1064 nm Raman excitation helps address a common challenge with difficult samples
  • Less unnecessary handling
    • Analyze suitable samples through translucent packaging
  • Different operating approaches
    • Choose handheld workflows or the Vector accessory for proximal standoff use with Icon-X
Rigaku Standoff Accessory-1

Match the technology to the mission

Explore configurations for frontline work, complex chemical investigations, and remote analysis. Select based on the operational requirement.

CQL Max-ID Piperdone Hydrate
CQL Max-ID

Handheld 1064 nm Raman analysis for narcotics investigations, customs inspections, border operations, and chemical threat response.

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Icon-X

Fourth-generation handheld 1064 nm Raman analysis for demanding environments, complex samples, and specialized teams.

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Rigaku Icon-X + Vector on Robot Dog at Loading Dock
Icon-X + Vector

Extend Icon-X with the Vector accessory for distance-based, tripod-mounted, or robotic workflows in high-risk environments.

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Build capability around your mission.

Start a conversation.

Tell Rigaku about your agency’s operating environment, substances of interest, deployment needs, and training goals. The team can help identify a suitable analyzer configuration. 

  • Individual analyzers and broader agency deployments
  • Frontline, specialized, and standoff workflows
  • Product information and training discussion

Rigaku is not identified as an official Shield of the Americas supplier. Funding and procurement eligibility require confirmation through the applicable agency and program channels.

Discuss your agency’s requirements