In a significant move in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse, and strategies to maintain public safety, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has introduced the use of a state-of-the-art technology, the TruNarc Handheld Narcotics Analyzer device. A statement released recently from the office of the Commissioner of Police, David Manning, further revealed that this new cutting-edge technology, is a portable drug testing device, about 10 cm long, weighing less than a kilogram, which can provide instant results when used to test suspected illegal drugs. Commissioner Manning said the device is being deployed nationwide for police to use on suspected narcotics found on drug dealers and users, including larger-scale drug raids. His statement also underscores the escalating global threat posed by dangerous drugs like methamphetamines, stressing the urgent need for enhanced tools to combat their spread “The illegal use of extremely dangerous drugs such as methamphetamines is increasing around the world.” “Police need all the tools at our disposal to fight this spread… (the) devices are being rolled out with immediate effect.” Due to its portable size, police can easily carry the handheld device on the street and in locations where suspected drugs have been identified, increasing the number of drug-related arrests, with ‘prosecutions backed up by undeniable evidence’. In addition, the mobility of the devices, their accuracy in detecting hundreds of drug compounds, and their simplicity to maintain and use, will make a difference in the domestic fight against illegal drugs, when highlighting the detrimental impact of methamphetamine use on communities, including increased violence and crime rates, and the disintegration of families. “Criminals in PNG are pushing meth, and increasing the number of addicts, which is causing increased violence and other crimes, and destroying families.” He said local police nationwide are undergoing training on how to use these Handheld Narcotics Analyzer devices with technical training assistance from the Australian Federal Police. “I thank the Australian Federal Police for their ongoing support in obtaining the Narcotics Analyzers and facilitating training and ongoing support.” With the ability to detect over 530 types of illegal drugs and components, the handheld analyzer represents a significant advancement in drug testing technology, enabling police officers to swiftly identify illicit substances in the field. “This is a vast improvement on current drug testing done in a lab from multiple samples. “The technology uses Raman spectroscopy.” “In simple terms, it is essentially a laser that reacts to the molecules of the suspected drug sample, providing the police officer with an immediate result of the analysis.”