Identification of Narcotics and street samples using Cora 101 Handheld Raman Spectrometer
Cora 101 Handheld Raman Spectrometer precisely measures narcotics and street samples and can differentiate similar new psychoactive substances
Illicit drug production, consumption, and trafficking continue to rise globally. According to the UNODC World Drug Report 2025, cocaine output has increased by over 35% during the last three years, while synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine and MDMA are spreading rapidly (1).
A growing challenge is the proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS), particularly synthetic cathinones. Often manufactured in clandestine labs, these substances are chemically unstable, mislabeled, or mixed with other drugs, making identification in the field difficult and risky. Since illicit drugs are rarely found in pure form and often concealed or adulterated, authorities need fast, safe, and
non-destructive methods for on-site analysis. Handheld Raman spectrometers provide rapid contactless detection of narcotics, NPS, and cutting agents supporting frontline efforts in law enforcement and customs. They allow to measure even through packaging effectively reducing exposure or contamination risks. This application report demonstrates the capabilities of the Cora 101 handheld Raman spectrometer in identifying illicit substances, like cocaine and MDMA, and monitoring street samples with a particular focus on synthetic cathinones and other emerging NPS.
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