Narcotics Scanner Global Market Report 2024

The narcotics scanner market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.91 billion in 2023 to $7.54 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. Historical growth can be attributed to trends in illicit drug production, the need for non-intrusive inspection methods, investments in research and development, security threats at borders and ports, and an increase in drug trafficking activities.

The narcotics scanner market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $10.6 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. Anticipated growth in the forecast period stems from increased investments in public safety, a surge in illicit drug production, expansion strategies in the market, the adoption of AI and machine learning, and stricter security measures at borders and ports. Major trends expected in this period include a global rise in drug trafficking, stricter regulatory demands, enhancements in port security, a higher demand for non-intrusive inspection methods, and increased integration of artificial intelligence.

The persistent increase in the number of drug users is a significant factor contributing to the growth of the narcotics scanner market. The aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated poverty, unemployment, social pressures, and mental health issues, intensifying the addiction of drug users. Narcotics scanners, serving as security devices, play a crucial role in detecting drugs and hazardous substances consumed by individuals involved in drug use. According to a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in June 2023, cannabis remains the most widely used drug, with approximately 219 million users, constituting 4.3% of the global adult population in 2021. During the same period, the report indicated that 36 million individuals had engaged in amphetamine use, while 22 million had used cocaine. The estimate for non-medical opioid use in 2021 reached 60 million people, with 31.5 million individuals specifically using opiates, predominantly heroin. As such, the constant increase in the number of drug users is expected to propel the growth of the narcotics scanner market in the future.

The anticipated growth in healthcare expenditure is expected to positively impact the narcotics scanner market. Healthcare expenditure represents the total financial resources allocated by individuals, organizations, or governments within a specified time for healthcare-related goods and services. The increase in healthcare spending plays a crucial role in fostering research and development initiatives focused on enhancing narcotic scanning technologies. This, in turn, leads to the development of more advanced, user-friendly, and effective solutions for drug detection. According to the 2021–2030 National Health Expenditure (NHE) report published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in March 2022, the projected growth suggests an average annual increase of 5.1% in national health spending from 2021 to 2030, reaching a total approaching $6.8 trillion. Moreover, during the same period, it is anticipated that Medicare spending will rise at a 7.2% annual pace, and Medicaid spending will experience a 5.6% annual increase. Consequently, the increased healthcare expenditure is a driving force behind the growth of the narcotics scanner market.

Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in shaping the narcotics scanner market, with major companies in this sector concentrating on the development of innovative technological solutions to fortify their positions. An illustrative example is the initiative undertaken by the Korea Institute of Materials Science researchers in February 2021. They successfully developed rapid and reliable wearable sensors utilizing nanomaterial technology for on-site drug detection. The optical sensor designed by the researchers can detect narcotics present in sweat, and it amplifies the optical signal of illegal drugs onto flexible and wearable materials. This advancement signifies a significant step forward in the field of narcotics scanning, offering quick and portable solutions for drug detection, contributing to the ongoing technological evolution in the narcotics scanner market.

Major companies in the narcotics scanner market are actively developing innovative products, such as touchless narcotic scanners, to expand their customer bases, boost sales, and increase revenue. A touchless narcotic scanner is a drug detection system that operates without physical contact, enabling non-invasive and discreet screening. In April 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a US-based biotechnology company, introduced the 1064 Defender Raman Analyzer. Distinguished by its touchless and targeted approach, the 1064 Defender Raman Analyzer significantly enhances the detection of street heroin and other fluorescent narcotics without requiring removal from their packaging. The scanner mode, equipped with a comprehensive, modular, and user-expandable library of controlled substances, eliminates uncertainty in substance identification. The analyzer delivers results in a clear warning or alert format, ensuring users are well-informed about the necessary actions. Furthermore, the integration of the scanner with the analyzer's GPS and digital camera provides an enhanced route to interdiction and establishes a secure chain of custody. Notably, the 1064 Defender Raman Analyzer is equipped with Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, facilitating seamless data transfer throughout law enforcement agencies. This technological innovation represents a significant advancement in touchless narcotics scanning, addressing the need for efficient, accurate, and discreet drug detection in various operational environments.

In January 2021, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, a technology company based in the United States, successfully acquired FLIR Systems Inc. for a total consideration of $8.2 billion. This strategic acquisition was driven by Teledyne's objective to expand its portfolio and provide a comprehensive range of imaging products and technologies. FLIR Systems Inc., also based in the U.S., is recognized for its expertise in designing and manufacturing drug and narcotics scanner systems. The integration of FLIR Systems Inc. into Teledyne's operations positions the combined entity to offer a broader spectrum of imaging solutions, consolidating their capabilities in the technology sector.

Major companies operating in the narcotics scanner market report are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Safran SA, Science Applications International Corporation, Elbit Systems Ltd., Smiths Group plc, Bruker Corporation, FLIR Systems Inc., OSI Systems Inc., NUCTECH Company Ltd., Chemring Group plc, Rapiscan Security Products Inc., Bowers & Wilkins Co., L-3 Security And Detection Systems Inc., Garrett Electronics Inc., Morpho Detection Inc., Implant Sciences Corporation, Astrophysics Inc., Autoclear LLC, NABCO Systems LLC, CEIA USA Ltd., Aventura Technologies Inc., Detecta Chem Inc., Viken Detection, Kromek Group plc, Scanna MSC Ltd., Kapri Corp., CDex Inc., Argo Security SRL, Klipper Enterprises.

North America was the largest region in the narcotics scanner market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the narcotics scanner market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the narcotics scanner market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Narcotics scanners are available in various product types, including handheld scanners, tabletop scanners, and walkthrough scanners. Handheld narcotics scanners are portable analyzers for drug testing, allowing for digital storage, editing, and sharing within a digital network. The technologies employed in narcotics scanners encompass ion mobility spectrum technology, contraband detection equipment, video scope inspection systems, and infrared spectroscopy. These scanners find applications in diverse sectors such as airports, seaports, law enforcement, railway terminals, defense and military, among others.

The narcotics scanner research report is one of a series of new reports that provides narcotics scanner statistics, including narcotics scanner industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with narcotics scanner share, detailed narcotics scanner segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the narcotics scanner industry. This narcotics scanner research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The narcotics scanner market consists of sales of body scanners, baggage scanners, and freight scanners. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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