14 June 2003

In addition, the company has received a substantial order from a major state police authority for Sabre 2000 hand-held instruments that detect traces of explosives as well as chemical agents.

"These are significant orders for Smiths Detection," commented managing director Bill Mawer. He added: "It is important for First Responders to be suitably equipped for rapid decision-making when faced with a possible terrorist incident. Our hand-held detectors provide a speedy analysis of the potential threat and they are making an important contribution to the national drive for improved homeland security."

About APD2000 & Sabre 2000

The first device of its kind capable of detecting chemical warfare agents, pepper spray and mace, the Advanced Portable Detector APD2000 was designed for both battlefield use and civilian emergency first response. It can be used as a detector which automatically clears down and resets following an alarm, or as a continuously-sampling monitor. The APD2000 simultaneously detects nerve and blister agents, recognizes pepper spray and mace, and identifies hazardous compounds. It can be equipped to transmit remote communication of alarm signals via radio frequency.

As the global war on terrorism and drug trafficking intensifies, the Sabre 2000 allows law enforcement and security agencies to take cutting edge technology into the field. Weighing leas than six pounds, Sabre 2000 is the only hand held instrument that is independently capable of detecting and identifying more than 40 explosive, chemical agent, toxic chemical and narcotic substances. It offers analysis in less than 10 seconds for both trace particles and vapor samples. Explosives and narcotics are generally detected after particle collection on a swab, which is then fed into the machine. Vapor sampling, usually most appropriate for chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals, is achieved through the intake nozzle.