ARMADILLO

ARMADILLO—Accurate Reliable Portable and Rapid Methods And Technologies for Detection of GHB Substances and Prevention Against Different Forms of Violence and Assault Supported by These Drugs—is an ambitious initiative designed to revolutionise how Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)—especially police forces and forensic institutes—combat the misuse of γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) commonly known as “date-rape drug.”

Key Objectives of ARMADILLO:

• Empower LEAs with a cutting-edge, portable, and user-friendly toolset for rapid on-site detection of GHB in urine, saliva, and beverages.
• Support forensic investigations by providing robust, reliable, and court-admissible evidence.
• Enhance prevention strategies against drug-facilitated violence and assault through comprehensive risk assessment and advanced data visualisation.

The Challenge: GHB and Its Misuse

GHB, a central nervous system depressant, is often abused due to its intoxicating effects, including euphoria, disinhibition, and enhanced libido. Colourless and odourless, it is alarmingly easy to introduce into drinks. Known colloquially as a “date-rape drug,” GHB can render victims unconscious within minutes, leaving them with little to no memory of the incident.

Current Limitations in Detection:

• Over-the-counter tests typically focus on benzodiazepines, not GHB.
• Detection of GHB in urine requires laboratory analysis within a narrow four-hour window post-ingestion, making timely identification nearly impossible outside controlled settings.

ARMADILLO aims to address these gaps with innovative solutions that provide rapid, accurate, and portable GHB detection.

PPHS's Role

In the ARMADILLO project, PPHS brings the critical perspective of end-users, ensuring the project aligns with their real-world needs. The organisation is actively involved in collecting input for impact analysis, defining user requirements, contributing to the project’s reference architecture, and leading pilot demonstrations and validation campaigns. Leveraging its extensive network and expertise, PPHS ensures that ARMADILLO delivers practical, effective solutions for security practitioners and stakeholders across Europe.

Cutting-Edge Technologies in Development

ARMADILLO’s groundbreaking toolset combines multiple advanced technologies to detect and analyse GHB with precision:

1. Dual Detection Techniques:

• Optical Spectroscopy: Incorporates surface-enhanced Raman and fluorescence-based methods, supported by paper-strip assays for portable, precise results.
• Electrochemical Detection: Utilises fluidics modules and NAD/NADH electrodes for accurate GHB quantification.

2. Enhanced Selectivity:

• Development of GHB-specific antibodies to boost detection accuracy and reliability.

3. Portable Systems:

• Integration of optical and electrochemical systems into a single, easy-to-use device for on-site testing.

4. AI and Data Integration:

• AI-powered analysis for refined Raman spectroscopy interpretation.
• Forensic data fusion to ensure interoperability, harmonisation, and seamless evidence sharing.

Broader Impact: Strengthening Forensic and Prevention Efforts

ARMADILLO’s scope extends beyond detection, addressing critical challenges in forensic science and prevention:

• Forensic Data Management: Streamlined evidence collection and sharing, ensuring admissibility in court.
• Risk Assessment and Prevention: Comprehensive evaluations of drug-facilitated violence scenarios to inform strategies and raise public awareness.
• Ethical Compliance: Testing on synthetic samples simulating GHB in bodily fluids to uphold privacy, safety, and ethical standards.

Why ARMADILLO Matters

The ARMADILLO project is not just about technology—it’s about making communities safer by addressing a pressing societal issue. By providing law enforcement and forensic professionals with state-of-the-art tools, it enhances the detection and prosecution of GHB-related crimes while advancing the prevention of violence and assault.

Through its pioneering approach, ARMADILLO will set a new standard in drug detection and forensic science, empowering authorities to act swiftly, accurately, and ethically.

Get in touch with us at projekty@ppbw.pl