MX908 Device Enables Correctional Facility Personnel to Quickly Identify Illegal Drugs in Incoming Mail

908 Devices Inc. (Nasdaq: MASS), a pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop mass spec devices for chemical and biomolecular analysis, today shared details on the positive impact of the MX908 handheld mass spec device on correctional facility customers across the U.S. in detecting illegal drugs through incoming mail. The MX908 is used to detect and identify illicit drugs, protecting correctional officers, inmates and other bystanders in the process. The device’s sensitivity and specificity ensures trace amounts of drugs are detected and false alarms are greatly reduced.

Drug overdose deaths in state prisons rose more than 600% over the last 20 years. Drugs are sent through the mail in various methods, including infused into paper for consumption or in powder form, which can be unintentionally inhaled or touched by corrections officers and inmates. With the MX908, officers can quickly swab letters and packages to collect samples and identify hundreds of compounds in seconds. The name of the detected drug is displayed on screen immediately, prompting fast remediation efforts for substances commonly found in inmate mail, including synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones and synthetic opioids. The MX908 technology is already a vital component of operations in Warren County, KY prisons as well as Department of Corrections in Colorado, Indiana and Minnesota.

“The MX908 has been an integral tool to combat the introduction of narcotics into Minnesota state prisons,” said Jeff Dansky, Deputy Director of Investigations for the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) for the Minnesota Department of Corrections (Minnesota DOC). “The MX908 allows us to quickly identify suspected narcotics that are concealed in mail in either a liquid or powder form. Previously, we relied on manual inspection and did not have the testing capability to identify this dangerous contraband, which greatly affects the safety and security of prisons. With the MX908, we are able to proactively identify and combat the introduction of contraband through mail and other sources while ensuring the safety of the those who are incarcerated, our staff and the public.”

Trusted by emergency responders, law enforcement officials and border security agents, the MX908 is an essential tool to detect illicit materials in multiple forms, including solids, liquids, vapors and aerosols. The benefits of the MX908 handheld device include its ability to identify trace amounts of substances, and its ease of use and portability, enabling chemical identification at the point of need.