Smiths Detection helps HM Revenue and Customs tackle drug couriers from Ghana

London, 24 November 2006 - Smith Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announces it is providing an advanced narcotics detector to assist in a new project to tackle drugs smugglers coming to the UK from Ghana.

The Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, will launch the project at Heathrow Airport today.

HMRC Detection Officers are being deployed to Ghana to offer technical and operational expertise to assist with Ghanaian Law Enforcement anti-drugs activity. See www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp

Called Operation Westbridge, the project is a partnership between the British and Ghanaian governments. West Africa has been identified as an area of rising importance for the trafficking and transit of Class A drugs to Europe.

Smiths Detection is providing HMRC with the IONSCAN 400B narcotics detector which can detect and identify microscopic traces of narcotics.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: "We are working closely with HMRC to help tackle the growing level of drug smuggling into this country."

"In recent months we have supplied Sentinels, which are walk-through narcotics detection portals, to be deployed at Heathrow and Manchester airports following successful trials. We have also provided a new version of Sentinel that is wide enough to accommodate a baggage trolley. This is now operating at Heathrow Airport.

"The Sentinel uses the same highly sensitive technology as the IONSCAN 400B, which is a fast and effective desktop narcotics detection system now to be used in Operation Westbridge.”

Using dual Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, the IONSCAN 400B can detect tiny traces of drugs. A swab of items such as a rucksack results in a sample which is then placed into the IONSCAN for analysis. In eight seconds, the colour-coded display presents results to the operator - red for a detection and green for the all-clear. If a detection is made, the substance is also identified and the type of drug appears on the display.

*IONSCAN is a trade mark of Smiths Detection


About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimetre-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries.


Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology business, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group has four divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical and Specialty Engineering. It employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com