Researchers from the University of Bath have developed an ultra-portable, low-cost device that detects synthetic cannabinoids — SCs, such as "Spice" and K2.

According to the researchers, the portable, battery-operated device lights up when it encounters illegal drugs soaked into paper or fabric. Further, the device is designed to detect SCs, which are a class of psychoactive substances that can oftentimes be fatal or can cause severe side effects, including psychosis, stroke and seizures.

Spice detector lights up in the presence of illicit drugs in a police sample bag. Red LED lights indicate spice is present. Source: Nicolas Delves-Broughton, University of Bath

Spice specifically, the researchers suggest, is very difficult to detect because it is often smuggled into prisons absorbed into products such as paper and fabric, as well as in vape liquid.

However, the researchers explain that the device instantly detects the fluorescent properties of the cannabinoid molecule. When pressed against the material that is suspected of containing absorbed SC, the device will initially identify the material serving as a vehicle for SC and will then test for traces of the drug. If the drug is detected, a visible LED "alarm" will alert testers to the presence of the substance.

The researchers expect that the device will be ready for mass production later this year with the goal of the devices eventually being made available to probation services, homeless shelters and prisons.

The device is reportedly able to instantly detect drugs on a range of materials and with a 95% rate of accuracy.

The portable device is detailed in the article, “Detection of Synthetic Cannabinoids on Physical Matrices, Implemented on a Low-Cost, Ultraportable Device,” which appears in the journal Analytical Chemistry.