New device helps Cambridge police identify unknown substances at overdose calls

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — What typically takes months to determine can now be done in seconds. Cambridge police showed Boston 25 News its new handheld device that can figure out what kind of drug they are dealing with when they are at an overdose call.

When Cambridge police pull up at an overdose, the first officers sometimes have no idea what kind of drug they are dealing with, which can be dangerous, especially if it's something like fentanyl. They now have a device that solves that problem.

It is those first moments on scene when crucial decisions are made.

"This could be anything from a vitamin to a narcotic,” said Sgt. Louis Cherubino of Cambridge Police.

Or if the item is a white powder. At first glance, you can't identify it or if it is something that is dangerous like fentanyl. Thursday, we got a first-hand look at the Cambridge Police Department's brand new technology called TruNarc analyzer.

"You would take the substance, put it up against the device, press the scan button," said Sgt. Cherubino.
That takes the mystery away.

"Within seconds we'll know, find out what that substance was,” said Sgt. Cherubino.

Cambridge had 295 drug-related overdose incidents last year, 29 involved deaths.

During our interview with police, an officer brought in a bag filled with a mystery substance. It was found at a medical call for someone with a drug history.

“It revealed that it was a confectionery sugar not a narcotic substance,” said Sgt. Cherubino.

They know the person may not be dealing with a drug issue.

“Then we relay to the hospital what are findings were and that can help them with the treatment,” said Deputy Superintendent Steven DeMarco of Cambridge Police.

The device runs about $24,000. Cambridge has already used it 50 times in recent weeks. It can also identify what's inside a syringe without opening the syringe up.

Cox Media Group