Summary

Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: Technologies for Detecting Explosives and Narcotics

NSIAD/RCED-96-252  September 4, 1996

Full Report (PDF, 28 pages)   

Aviation security and drug interdiction depend on a complex and costly mix of intelligence, procedures, and technologies. Since 1978, federal agencies have spent about $246 million for research and development on explosives detection technologies and nearly $100 million on narcotics detection technologies. Most of this spending has taken place since 1990, in response to congressional directives, and have been for technologies to screen checked baggage, trucks, and containers. Difficult trade-offs must be made when considering whether to use detection technologies for a given application--chief among them the extent to which intelligence-gathering and procedures can substitute for expensive technology. Some technologies are very effective and could be deployed today, but they are expensive, slow the flow of commerce, and raise issues of worker safety. Other technologies are more widely used but are less reliable, while still others are in the development stage and may not be available for years. Some countries have already deployed advanced explosive and narcotics detection equipment, and the United States may be able to learn from their experiences. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that use of the best available procedures and technologies to beef up aviation security could cost as much as $6 billion during the next 10 years--the equivalent of a $1.30 surcharge on a one-way ticket.

Subject Terms

Airport security
Aviation security
Commercial aviation
Drug trafficking
Explosives
Homeland security
Inspection
Law enforcement
Narcotics
Research and development
Search and seizure
Terrorism
Transportation safety
Federal Aviation Administration