Waltham, Mass. — In a move aimed at bolstering public safety and supporting frontline law enforcement, Thermo Fisher Scientific has unveiled its next generation of handheld narcotics analyzers—the TruNarc Delta and TruNarc Tau.
These new devices, designed and manufactured in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, are engineered to detect over 1,200 substances—including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other high-risk narcotics—within seconds. By utilizing touchless technology and an expanded on-device chemical library, the analyzers enable officers to safely and accurately identify illicit drugs, even in trace amounts or complex mixtures, without the need to open or handle potentially dangerous materials.
The launch comes at a time when the United States continues to face a staggering toll from the opioid crisis, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths annually. Law enforcement agencies often encounter significant challenges in identifying emerging synthetic substances, which can be both potent and difficult to detect.
“For nearly a decade, the first-generation TruNarc analyzer has been an integral part of our operations,” said Brian Coen, a drug unit detective with the Quincy Police Department in Massachusetts. “With rapid, on-the-spot identification, we can trigger the appropriate response—whether it’s making an arrest, securing evidence for court, or connecting individuals with needed rehabilitation services.”
The updated TruNarc models feature a modernized user interface, faster processing speeds, and automated record keeping that logs scan data with time and date stamps—features designed to expedite legal proceedings and support chain-of-custody requirements. The chemical database, which powers the analyzers’ detection capabilities, is regularly updated to reflect new and emerging narcotics.
Richard McCartney, president of chemical analysis at Thermo Fisher, emphasized the importance of staying ahead of drug trends. “As the opioid crisis persists, there’s a clear need for enhanced tools that better support public safety,” McCartney said. “By building on our proven technology, we’re equipping officers with lab-quality tools that are durable and effective in a range of field conditions.”
Since its initial release in 2012, the TruNarc system has been adopted by law enforcement agencies in all 50 U.S. states and more than 50 countries globally. The next-generation devices aim to further streamline field operations and improve outcomes in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs.
