There is a mounting fight against illegal drugs and various hazardous materials & substances. As a result, various organizations have strengthened their customs and border control agencies and security on airports, prison authorities, ports, and courier services. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global narcotics scanner market size was valued at USD 6.32 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach a valuation of USD 9.92 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 6.64% during 2021-2028. Growing demand for such machines is due to rising cases and incidences of drug abuse globally. Technological advancements by market players are anticipated to drive the market growth for such machines.
Narcotics scanner is a specialized machine that is used for security purposes to detect drugs and other hazardous materials. It is used by defense departments, special forces, and law enforcement agencies of various countries to ensure and curb threats against drugs and their smuggling. Drug scanning machines detect all major classes of narcotics such as cocaine, opiates, and amphetamine-based drugs. It uses AI-powered recognition to detect the narcotics and also to avoid trafficking
Restrictions on International Travel and Trade to Halt the Market Due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic restricted international trade and travel. Disruptions caused due to restrictions led to halting of all the commuting activities. Private and commercial security industries were affected negatively and also observed decline in investments. Manufacturers of such scanners faced challenges as law enforcement agencies halted their operations due to various restrictions imposed by governments globally. Decrease in air passenger traffic and cargo transportation declined the market growth of narcotics scanner.
Increasing Cases of Drugs Smuggling
There are rising cases of smuggling of drugs and transactional criminal activities globally in recent years. International crimes, such as drug, weapons, human trafficking, and counterfeiting, have given rise to increase in the use of such scanner machines. Illegal immigration, including smuggling of illegal materials is anticipated to drive the market. Rising instances of narcotics globally is expected to surge the demand for scanning machines.
Government Rules and Regulations
Constant and growing cases of drug trafficking have increased the death counts in people who consume drugs. There are increasing cases of drug disorder and deaths due to drug overdose. As a result, governments imposed strict rules and regulations to reduce the illegal trade of drugs. Such rules and regulations are issued by governments to protect the well-being of the general public and health literacy.
Agreements with Law Enforcement Agencies
Law enforcement agencies and military agencies are one of the key consumers of scanners that use narcotics security products and solutions. Scanning machines are used for procurement activities conducted by law and military agencies. Contracts and agreements between manufacturers and enforcement agencies provide long-term business opportunities and help in gaining competitive advantage. Therefore, it helps the market players to gain competitive advantage globally.
Fixed Scanners to be Preference for the Product Segment
Fixed scanners hold a significant part of the global narcotics scanner industry. This is due to increased adoption of scanners for cargo, vehicle, and baggage. Continuous expansion of transportation and logistics industries globally is anticipated to surge the demand for narcotics scanners. Portable/handheld scanner segment is the fastest growing product segment due to rising demand for user-friendly, portable, and lightweight scanners from various end-users such as police forces and customs departments.
Technological Advancements to Offer Enhancing Opportunities for the Market
The future of the market of narcotics scanner is dependent on technological advancements in the narcotics scanning system that can potentially increase the global market share of narcotics scanners. However, there has been a massive growth in production and distribution of various illegal drugs. The surge in violation is predicted to give rise to various technological advancements in narcotics scanner machines that have the capability for faster screening with higher accuracy.
Various R&D activities by the manufacturers focus on developing pocket-sized and portable scanners that use real-time data and user-friendly data analysis software. The focus on adoption of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, image processing, X-ray technologies, and dual sensor technology, is anticipated to enhance the performance of the machines.
