OFFICER SAFETY: TruNarc Test Leads to Explosion

In a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face while handling unknown substances, a recent incident in Minnesota underscores the critical need for caution and adherence to safety protocols. During an operation by a Minnesota-based drug task force, agents seized a purple-hued plastic bag containing an unidentified substance. In an attempt to identify this substance, agents used a TruNarc detector directly on the bag. Tragically, the laser penetrated the bag and ignited the substance, leading to an explosion. This explosion resulted in injuries to two agents and significant damage to the evidence room. The substance was later identified by the suspect as "sure shot," a binary explosive commonly used in exploding targets. This incident highlights the unpredictable and volatile nature of unknown materials encountered in the field.

Understanding Binary Explosives

Binary explosives, such as the one involved in the Minnesota incident, are pre-packaged products that become explosive when two separate components are mixed. Typically, these components include an oxidizer like ammonium nitrate and a fuel such as aluminum powder. Brands like Tannerite and Star Targets are well-known in the market, and instructions for creating homemade binary explosives are readily accessible online. The inherent danger of these substances, especially when not properly identified, poses a significant risk to law enforcement personnel.

Enhanced Safety Protocols for Handling Unknown Substances

To prevent similar incidents, it is paramount for law enforcement agencies to adopt and rigorously apply enhanced safety protocols when dealing with unknown substances. Here are essential guidelines:

Transfer to a Safe Surface

Before scanning with devices like the TruNarc detector, transfer the unknown material onto a firm white paper if it's safe to do so. This step reduces the risk of the laser igniting the material due to interaction with dark surfaces or filter paper.

Avoid Direct Laser Contact

When using scanning technology, ensure that the material is arranged in a manner that prevents the laser from directly striking the underlying surface. This precaution is crucial for materials lying on surfaces that may increase the risk of ignition.

Recognize and Avoid Thermally Sensitive Materials

Law enforcement personnel should be trained to recognize and avoid scanning materials that are inherently dangerous, such as gunpowder, match tips, or substances known to be thermally sensitive.

Follow Established Handling Guidelines

It's critical to adhere to established guidelines for handling potential explosive or thermally sensitive materials. This includes using non-reactive surfaces for examination and avoiding any actions that could trigger an explosive reaction.

Analysis

If you’ve been to my classes, you have heard my rant about drug testing. We should no longer be using reagent based testing. TruNarc, and other raman spectrometers, are adequate, but have definite drawbacks as we have witnessed here. I am a fan of the MX908 mass spec. It’s expensive, but we all live in a different world than we did 10 years ago. We need to progress with the pace of the illicit drug market.