Understanding the Opioid Crisis

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. These drugs interact with the brain’s opioid receptors to relieve pain but also produce powerful euphoric effects, making them highly addictive.

The roots of the crisis date back to the 1990s, when pharmaceutical companies assured the medical community that prescription opioids carried a low risk of addiction. This led to widespread prescribing, and by the early 2000s, misuse and dependency had surged. As prescription regulations tightened, many individuals turned to illicit opioids, fueling the rise of heroin use. However, a more deadly threat soon emerged—illicitly manufactured fentanyl.

The Rise of Illicit Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. While pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl is used for severe pain management, illicit fentanyl is now the primary driver of opioid-related overdoses in the U.S. Trafficked primarily from overseas labs and mixed into heroin, counterfeit pills, and even cocaine, fentanyl is nearly impossible to detect without advanced scientific instruments. A dose as small as two milligrams—about the size of a few grains of salt—can be fatal.

The Illicit Drug Supply Chain

The supply chain fueling the fentanyl crisis is complex and international. Most precursor chemicals used to synthesize fentanyl originate in China, where they are manufactured by legitimate pharmaceutical and industrial chemical companies. These chemicals are then shipped—often through legitimate trade routes—to Mexico. However, they are then transferred to drug cartels, who process them into finished fentanyl or fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.

Once produced, the illicit fentanyl is smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border using vehicles, tunnels, or parcel deliveries. It is then distributed by drug trafficking organizations and street dealers, frequently disguised as prescription medications. Because of fentanyl’s extreme potency, even slight miscalculations in production can lead to lethal doses, making street drugs more dangerous than ever before.

How Rigaku Handheld Analyzers are Making a Difference

The fight against fentanyl and other synthetic opioids requires rapid and reliable analysis tools. Rigaku’s advanced handheld analyzers allow law enforcement and first responders to identify unknown substances in seconds, without direct contact. These devices use Raman spectroscopy to identify illicit drugs (including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids), precursors, as well as cutting agents in various formats. By providing immediate identification in the field, our analyzers help officers make informed decisions, enhance public safety, and reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, so too must the tools we use to combat it. By equipping those on the front lines with real-time drug identification technology, we empower them to take action faster, prevent fatal overdoses, and ultimately save lives. Our commitment to innovation is a direct investment in a safer future for communities across the country. The below picture was taken by US law enforcement in 2025 on the US-Mexican border during a one-kilogram seizure. The CQL Narc-ID was used to identify the substance.

A Comprehensive Approach: Education, Awareness, and Advocacy

Our initiatives extend beyond manufacturing advanced detection tools; we actively engage with the public, policymakers, and law enforcement to enhance their understanding of the opioid crisis. Through thought leadership, expert interviews, podcasts, blog articles, and case studies, we create a knowledge base that informs and empowers those on the front lines.

Educating Stakeholders: Knowledge as a Weapon Against the Epidemic

One of our primary goals is to educate those most affected by the opioid crisis. Our content provides insights into the complexities of the crisis, helping agencies and communities make informed decisions. We offer:

• In-Depth Blog Articles: Covering topics such as the latest drug trends, fentanyl trafficking patterns, and best practices for law enforcement when handling hazardous substances.

• White Papers & Case Studies: Presenting real-world applications of our technology in successful drug interdictions and public safety initiatives.

• Training Resources: Offering guidance on the use of handheld Raman technology to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate field testing of unknown substances.

Highlighting Expertise: Insights from Industry Leaders

To provide a well-rounded perspective, we collaborate with thought leaders and industry professionals, featuring their expertise across multiple platforms. Some of our key initiatives include:

• Expert Interviews: Featuring professionals such as Michael W. Brown, our Global Director of Counter-Narcotics Technology, who has 32 years of experience as a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent. His insights into international drug enforcement and the role of advanced detection tools are invaluable.

• Guest Contributions: Engaging law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, and policymakers to share their perspectives on combating drug-related threats.

• Community Outreach: Attending community events that spread awareness.

• Multi-Media Appearances: Sharing knowledge on national news, radio, and within trade publications to help spread critical knowledge.

Promoting Technology as a Solution: The Role of Rigaku's Handheld Analyzers

Our cutting-edge handheld Raman analyzers are essential tools for those working to curb the opioid epidemic. By creating content that highlights their real-world impact, we help professionals understand how these devices improve efficiency and safety. Key topics we cover include:

• The Science Behind Raman Spectroscopy: Explaining how this non-destructive, real-time technology identifies illicit drugs without direct contact.
• Field Applications: Demonstrating how agencies use our analyzers to intercept fentanyl, heroin, and other opioids before they reach the streets.
• User Success Stories: Showcasing law enforcement agencies that have successfully leveraged our technology to prevent overdoses and dismantle drug trafficking networks.

Engaging Policymakers and Law Enforcement: Advocating for Better Solutions

Beyond educating professionals, we actively advocate for policies that prioritize advanced drug detection tools in law enforcement and public health efforts. Our engagement includes:

• Collaboration with Government and Harm Reduction Agencies: Working with legislators and regulatory bodies to push for the widespread adoption of field-based drug identification technology.
• Legislative Briefings & White Papers: Providing data-driven reports that demonstrate the need for improved drug detection capabilities in disaster response and routine law enforcement operations.
• Participation in Industry Conferences: Presenting at leading events to ensure policymakers stay informed about the latest technological solutions and best practices for opioid mitigation.

Featured Content Initiatives

The Opioid Matrix Podcast: Exploring the Complexities of the Opioid Crisis

One of our most impactful educational initiatives is The Opioid Matrix Podcast, where we explore various aspects of the opioid epidemic with subject matter experts, as well as those who have suffered the loss of a loved one to illicit drugs.

• "Deflection Methods: An Alternative Approach to Address Substance Use" – Featuring Dennis Lowe of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, who leads a unique model of community-driven policing.
• "How OxyContin Paved the Path to Fentanyl: A Doctor’s Perspective" – Dr. Arun Gupta MD PC and Addiction Specialist, discusses the events that led to the opioid epidemic to spiral out of control and what we can do to stop it before it gets even worse.
• "A Mother’s Mission to Address the Stigma of Substance Addiction" – Julie Waters shares her journey of losing her son to addiction and the work she is doing now to support others in the fight against opioid addiction.

Real-world Impact: Success Stories & Case Studies

We emphasize the tangible results of our technology through case studies that highlight successful drug interdictions and improvements in public safety. These stories showcase how Rigaku's handheld analyzers:

• Enhance Border Security by enabling customs agents to rapidly screen suspicious substances.
• Support Local Law Enforcement by reducing the risks of exposure to dangerous opioids during field testing.
• Aid Emergency Responders in quickly identifying unknown substances in overdose situations, leading to faster medical interventions.

Commitment to a Safer Future

At Rigaku Analytical Devices, we recognize that addressing the opioid crisis requires a holistic approach that examines the interconnectedness of the entire issue. By combining technological innovation, educational outreach, social media, and advocacy, we strive to support law enforcement, first responders, harm reduction, and policymakers in their mission to combat the epidemic.

The following initiatives help to keep Rigaku at the forefront of the opioid crisis by offering packaged solutions to our end-users:

• Operation HOPLON – we have partnered with Florida International University’s (FIU) National Forensic Science Technology Center (NSFTC) to assist in employing the latest counter-drug training, drug identification methods, and enforcement strategies to identify and degrade transnational organized crime (TOC) actors.
• Human Infrastructure, Health, Awareness (HIHA) Narcotics Interdiction Partnership Program – integrates advanced drug checking analysis into health and social service programs to pre-screen for potentially fatal chemicals, such as fentanyl.

Our work is far from over. Through continued engagement, cutting-edge research, and strategic partnerships, we remain dedicated to providing solutions that mitigate the threat of both dangerous drug cartels and the narcotics they produce. Become a part of Rigaku’s grassroots movement to bring greater awareness about deadly cartel fentanyl because it will save lives.

Learn More: https://rigaku.com/products/handheld-raman