Breakthrough UK device to combat global prison drug epidemic

British forensic technology specialist foster+freeman has officially announced a pioneering licensing agreement with the University of Bath to launch ContraSCAN.

The revolutionary, handheld optical screening device provides rapid, frontline detection of lethal synthetic drugs, offering a vital new defence for prison services, secure facilities and law enforcement agencies globally.

The launch directly addresses a critical security crisis. In recent years, the smuggling of synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as ‘Spice’) has reached endemic levels. Highly potent chemical compounds are covertly sprayed or soaked into ordinary paper mail, letters, legal documents and fabrics to bypass traditional prison perimeters.

An invisible threat

Until now, frontline staff have lacked rapid and reliable tools to detect these ‘invisible’ threats on-site, relying instead on slow, costly laboratory testing that delays operational responses.

ContraSCAN changes the game by offering instant, non-destructive optical detection. By passing the handheld device over suspected materials, staff receive immediate high-confidence, presumptive results on the spot. Crucially, the technology preserves the physical integrity of the evidence for subsequent legal analysis and requires zero ongoing consumables or chemical reagents.

Breakthrough tech tackles urgent need

The technology is built upon unique IP developed by Professor Chris Pudney and his team at the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences. By translating this award-winning research into a rugged, portable tool, foster+freeman is providing a cost-effective alternative to existing high-end scanners.

Phil Wild, CEO of foster+freeman, said: “The trade and use of synthetic cannabinoids in prisons is a critical security challenge. With drug use in our prisons at endemic levels, ContraSCAN represents a vital breakthrough. By enabling the instant detection of synthetics like Spice, we are empowering HMPPS and other agencies to reclaim control, disrupt supply chains and restore the safety essential for meaningful prisoner rehabilitation.”

Professor Chris Pudney, Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, added: “These devices were developed in response to very real and urgent challenges faced by frontline staff. Partnering with foster+freeman means we can accelerate their translation into practical tools for use in prisons and forensic settings.”

Export success

In addition to its scientific pedigree, ContraSCAN represents a major success story for UK manufacturing. The device is fully manufactured at foster+freeman’s state-of-the-art facility in Evesham, Worcestershire.

Leveraging foster+freeman’s established global distribution channels, this British-designed and British-built technology is set to be exported worldwide, protecting prison services and border controls globally – including extensive deployment in the United States and Europe.