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CONTRABAND DETECTION
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MECHEM CONTRABAND DETECTION
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| INTRODUCTION |
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No one can argue that a trained detection dog is still the most effective way of finding hidden contraband. Even the most astute working dog handlers and trainers must, however, accept the fact that there are instances where a trained odour detection dog can not be utilized, (i.e. because of the danger to the animal, extreme weather conditions, where a dog is not allowed to get into physical contact with humans or their belongings, due to religious beliefs, or when a detection dog is just not available at a given time). In these situations MEDDS is a very useful tool to overcome this problem. |
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MORE ABOUT MEDDS |
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| MECHEM (Pty) Ltd, have come up with an unique system, where technology is combined with canine capabilities. The MECHEM Explosives and Drug Detection System (MEDDS), was developed during the 1980's. It was first used to detect explosives, weapons and drugs in containers, vehicles and buildings and later to detect landmines on roads and along power lines in Mozambique and Angola. The functioning of this detection system can briefly be described as a process of collecting target substances (traces of explosives vapour) from the surface of minefields or unexploded ordnance (UXO) suspected areas, using a vacuum pump to suck the air through a coiled polyvinal chloride (PVC) filter. The odour carrying filter is then taken to a scent room (laboratory) where trained odour detection dogs are used to sniff these filters and indicate whether the samples are positive for a target odour or not. If a dog sits at a specific filter, it is regarded as "positive", whereas a filter is regarded as "negative", if a dog ignores it. The suction system can be placed either in a mine protected vehicle or carried as a backpack by a person. MEDDS can be used to collect odour samples from almost any vehicle, container, luggage and building, suspected of containing explosives. |
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ADVANTAGES |
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This system has proved to be extremely cost-effective and offers several safety advantages relative to the more conventional detection techniques. Some other companies like the "Norwegian People's Aid" and "Checkmate" in the USA have also employed the system, but have given it different names like "Remote Explosive Scent Tracing" (REST) and "Explosives Vapour Detection" (EVD). |
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| MEDDS has successfully been used to indicate the presence or absenced of: |
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Landmines |
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Arms and ammunition |
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Explosives and explosive devices |
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Drugs and |
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Animal products such as Rhino horn, Ivory and Abalone. |
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| For further information please contact: |
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Dr. J.M. Slabbert |
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Business Unit Manager : Contraband Detection |
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E-mail: hannes@dlsys.co.za |
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Mine Action Services
