February 18, 2010
February 16, 2010
Sabre 4000 Bomb Detection System
Smiths Detection to Supply AMTRAK with Advanced Portable Explosives Detection Systems ; Sophisticated SABRE 4000s to Enable AMTRAK to Screen Passengers, Carry-on Baggage at Train Stations and on Trains for Explosives, Rapidly and Non-Intrusively
20 February 2008
PINE BROOK, N.J. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announces AMTRAK has purchased SABRE 4000advanced detection systems, to enable rapid and non-intrusive screening of passengers, trains and train stations for explosives. The versatile SABRE 4000 hand-held detection system is capable of quickly detecting and identifying explosives and also narcotics, chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. AMTRAK’s purchase and deployment will only utilize the explosives detection capabilities.
The SABRE 4000 explosive trace detection system is ideally suited to non-intrusive, random screening of passengers and their belongings. The system’s ability to detect explosives in 10 seconds with a complete analysis in 20 seconds enables the screening process to be complete in a minute. In addition, with the dual sample collection capability, the system can be used to collect and review both swabs and vapor samples.
Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: “We are pleased to provide AMTRAK with an explosives detection solution that has a proven track record, which immediately adds a sophisticated and portable layer of security to help keep passengers and busy commuter areas safer.”
Cherif Rizkalla, President, Smiths Detection, Americas, said: “The SABRE 4000s versatility, light weight and accuracy will enable AMTRAK officials to screen passengers both rapidly and non-intrusively. This advanced detection system will enable AMTRAK officials to screen efficiently for explosives in any area of concern, including high-traffic environments such as the terminals and trains themselves.”
Key SABRE 4000 Features
-- Handheld detector uses proven Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
technology
-- Rapid detection - 10 seconds (Complete analysis in 20 seconds)
-- Only portable trace detector that can detect all of the following
threats:
-- Explosives
-- Chemical warfare agents (CWAs)
-- Toxic industrial chemicals (TICs)
-- Narcotics
-- Capable of analyzing either trace particle or vapor samples,
-- Allows the operator to apply the ideal sampling technique
for the substance suspected.
-- No sample preparation is required by the operator
-- 4 hour battery life
About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large sensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on related products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com
About Smiths Group
Smiths is a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange. A world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies, Smiths Group delivers products and services for the threat & contraband detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets worldwide. Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Smiths Group employs more than 20,000 people in over 50 countries. For more information visit www.smiths.com
TSA Awards Smiths $2M for SABRE 4000s
18 March 2009
Terror Response Technology Report
TRTR
Vol. 5; Issue 6
Smiths Detection has received a $2 million contract from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for an undisclosed number of SABRE 4000 hand-held explosives trace detectors. The order is the largest by TSA for the SABRE 4000s. In fall of 2007 the agency acquired 23 SABRE 4000s for $650,000 to provide a mobile explosives detection capability (TR2, Oct. 17, 2007). The SABRE 4000 can analyze vapor or trace samples. Smiths says the awards was made last November.
Tech Developments
20 August 2008
Terror Response Technology Report
TRTR
Vol. 4; Issue 17
TSA Puts Smiths' IONSCAN 500DT on New ETD Qualified List
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has certified Smiths Detection's IONSCAN 500DT explosive trace detector (ETD) meets new standards created in December 2006, making it the first ETD unit to be put on the agency's new Qualified Products List. Smiths introduced the IONSCAN 500DT in 2005 (TR2, Jan. 12, 2005). The benchtop unit can simultaneously detect explosives and narcotics from a single sample. The 500DT was previously certified by TSA under older ETD standards (TR2, June 14, 2006). TSA says in a recent FedBizOpps announcement that around Sept. 15 it plans to award Smiths a contract for 100 of the 500DTs, including service support.
Apptis Acquires Base One Technologies
Apptis, Inc., a small information technology (IT) solutions firm, has acquired Base One Technologies LTD, a woman owned small disadvantaged business that also provides IT services. The deal gives Apptis a position on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) EAGLE program, for which Base One services as a prime contractor under Functional Category 5 for Management Support Services. Apptis is a DHS contractor as a small business on the FirstSource program (TR2, Feb. 21, 2007). Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Base One, which is based in New York, will operate as a subsidiary of Apptis, which is based in Northern Virginia.
Smiths to Leverage Torion's Technology
Smiths Detection has partnered with Utah-based Torion Technologies, which is developing miniaturized Gas Chromatography Toroidal Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (GC-TMS) technology, for the joint development of a next- generation, hand-portable GC-TMS system for the security, defense and emergency responder markets. Smiths says that the use of Torion's proprietary toroidal technology will allow the well established GC Mass Spectrometry technology to be used in a lighter and faster way than is currently the case. Smiths says development of a GC-TMS system will benefit its existing products such as HazMatID, GasID, ResponderR RCI, the SABRE 4000, SABRE-FR and others. "We believe the Torion/Smiths Detection partnership makes sense on multiple levels as it will result in a market-leading instrument that will be critical in combating chemical threats around the world," says Douglas Later, president of Torion. Separately Smiths Detection has appointed Dr. Anthony Policastro as chief scientist of its PROTECT Solutions team. Policastro, formerly of Argonne National Laboratories, has worked on critical infrastructure security and protection for transportation as director of the Program for Response Options and Technology Enhancements for Chemical/Biological Terrorism (PROTECT) since 1997 at the lab. Smiths PROTECT Solutions provides command, control and communications software for integrating CBRNE sensors, digital video cameras for verification of detector activations, real-time modeling of hazard zones, firemen jacks for outside responders to view threats before they enter a facility, and concept of operations plans and training programs.
Spectrum San Diego, QRSciences to Merge
Diversified Opportunities [DVOP], which is a trading shell largely owned by Australia's QRSciences Holdings Ltd., is acquiring QRScience's subsidiary QRSciences Corp. and a separate company, Spectrum San Diego, Inc., to create a technology company with scanning and imaging products serving the security market. The ownership arrangements are a bit unusual. QRSciences Corp., which is based in San Diego, owns about one-third of Spectrum San Diego. The cash price of the deal, taking consideration of QRScience's partial ownership of Spectrum San Diego, is $9.3 million. The combination brings together several products and technologies, including Spectrum San Diego's CastScope, which is being acquired by the Transportation Security Administration to allow aviation checkpoint screeners search for concealed threats when screening passengers with casts, braces, heavy bandages and prosthetics. Spectrum is also developing another product called CarScan, which is being funded through the Technical Support Working Group, to allow vehicles approaching a checkpoint or gate to drive slowly and safely through the inspection system. CarScan is in Phase II, which involves the construction and field testing of a prototype. QRSciences Corp. has developed SentryScope, a high-resolution 180-degree camera that is deployed at international locations for security monitoring of large crowds and large areas. The companies also have other technology and intellectual property, including Spectrum's royalty generating patents currently licensed to General Electric [GE] for use in a shoe scanning system. Spectrum's President Steven Smith years ago helped develop backscatter X-Ray technology used in OSI Systems'[OSIS] Secure 1000 whole body imaging system.
Smiths Detection device can screen for peroxide-based explosives
John M. Doyle
2 July 2008
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
Volume 227, Issue 2
Smiths Detection has a new hand-held vapor detector that can screen for volatile chemicals like peroxide that are often used in homemade bombs, the Pine Brook, N.J. company says.
The SABRE EXV (for explosives vapor detector) uses ion mobility spectrometry technology to detect and identify explosive substances – including peroxide-based chemicals – in as little as 10 seconds.
The SABRE EXV is a variant of the Sabre 4000, which is widely used by the U.S. and other militaries for explosive detection, Brook Miller, a Smiths Detection vice president, told Aerospace DAILY July 1. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is testing SABRE technology at airports and the TSA’s lab in Atlantic City, N.J., Miller said. The technology is also being used at airports in Britain, he said.
The battery-operated device weighs about 7 pounds and can be connected to a PC for data viewing and programming. The system takes air samples and sounds an alarm when an explosive vapor is detected. Price per unit is in the “$20,000 range,” Miller said.
Peroxide-based chemicals found in common household products have been used in many improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which are relatively easy to make and difficult to detect. The alleged plotters in a scheme, uncovered in London in 2006, to blow up U.S. and Canada-bound trans-Atlantic airline flights are accused of planning to conceal homemade bombs using peroxide-based explosives
Security Middle East Magazine. |
The ability to detect minute traces of explosive substances - or substances that can form part of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) - can provide valuable protection in a wide range of situations. Security Middle East looks at the latest developments in hand-held and mobile explosives detection From customs and border points, embassies, government offices and high profile public sites, through to private businesses – explosive detection equipment can form an essential line of defence against terrorism and other potential bomb threats. Designed to identify minute trace particles of suspect materials on people, clothing and objects, a range of devices are now available in hand-held, portable or fixed (eg table-top) models. These detectors can not only identify potential threats and help to find evidence during investigations, but also make it harder for successful terrorist attacks to be mounted, and even act as a deterrent. In day-to-day operations in areas such as mail sorting rooms and baggage handling areas, so-called non-contact trace detection can be used to quickly identify and isolate suspect items without significantly delaying operations. Peroxide-based threats Acro’s recently launched ACRO-P.E.T. is a pen-like tester (pictured above) that has been designed to rapidly detect peroxide-based explosives on contact. Acro claims it is capable of detecting less than 50 micrograms (0.00005g) of Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP). The US army recently ordered 300 of the devices to detect home-made bombs. TATP has been identified in a number of terrorist cases but can be hard to detect when found in a colourless, liquid form. Peroxide was a key ingredient in the home-made bombs that killed 52 people in London two years ago and Acro say it is increasingly being used by terrorist organisations around the world. Basic ingredients for peroxide-based bombs are available from most DIY stores, often in bulk. Newest dual-mode option The MobileTrace simultaneous dual-mode handheld detector, launched this month by GE, is designed to expand the range of target explosives that can be identified in a single sample. The company’s patented ITMS technology (Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometry) offers the level of explosives (and narcotics) detection used at maximum security locations such as military bases and border crossings. While most explosives have negative ion affinity, says GE, some important exceptions have positive ion affinity. The MobileTrace uses the same detection system, in a hand-held model, which is deployed in its desktop itemiser device. This system detects both. Historically hand-held devices have worked in only one mode at a time, and require components to be changed and additional samples to be taken for testing both types of ions. The MobileTrace gives users the flexibility to swipe surfaces for trace particles or to analyse vapours. ‘Sniffer’ technology Fido explosives detectors use proprietary amplifying fluorescence polymers (AFP) to detect trace levels of explosive materials in parts per quadrillion (ppq). The company claims that this level of detection is comparable to that of highly trained explosives detection canines, the gold standard in explosives detection technology. The AFP detection technology used in the Fido explosives detectors was designed for use as an explosives ‘sniffer.’ As such, the Fido can detect the vapour emanating from explosive materials without having to come in contact or direct line of sight with the explosive device itself. The Fido XT can be configured in multiple formats to accommodate the needs of most explosives detection applications. The system includes a control unit and separate sensor head where actual explosives detection takes place. These two components can be connected directly for one-handed explosives detection operations or via tether for added manoeuvrability. In addition, the sensor head can be mounted for benchtop applications. Due to its size and trace vapour detection capability, the Fido XT can be easily integrated as a payload onto robotic vehicles for remote explosives detection applications. Dependent upon the robot, this can be accomplished either by inserting the entire system onto the robotic platform or by attaching the sensor head to a robotic arm. The Fido provides real time explosives detection for practical screening operations. Actual detection of explosive materials occurs in the sensing element and has a reversible detection response, allowing it to be reused many times. After a positive explosives detection reading, the Fido takes only seconds to before screening the next target. Detection results are displayed in real time on the LCD screen and through an optional audio signal similar to that of a Geiger counter. Electro-optical ionization devices Implant Sciences Corporation recently confirmed an order for eight of its Sniffer handheld explosives detectors from Iraq’s Ministry of the Interior. Implant Sciences uses ion beam technology to develop, manufacture and market products, including trace explosives detection systems for security and defence applications. The company’s Quantum Sniffer employs a novel technology for the detection of explosives vapours that it claims is more sensitive than alternative detection devices. The technique detects the presence of parts per trillion (ppt) of explosives molecules, without physical contact and in real time. The patented vortex sample acquisition system collects the sample, ionizes it with an electro-optical ionization scheme, identifies the sample via standard ion mobility technology and, if an explosive is present, will produce a visual and audible alarm. The LCD will display the identity of the explosive present and the audible alarm can be switched off if required. Quantum Sniffer is claimed to be the only explosives trace detector with true automatic self-calibration – no user intervention is required. Another option, Implant Science’s QS-H150 portable explosives trace detector, was developed in conjunction with the US Navy. The device is capable of detecting trace amounts of most commercial and military explosives, including RDX, PETN, HMX, TNT, black powder and ammonium nitrate at nanogram level concentrations. The detection is real time with immediate cleardown, which dramatically improves throughput. The instrument is non-contact and does not use expensive consumables. The QS-H150 uses the company’s proprietary opto/electrical ionization technique rather than a radioactive source for ionization and hence there is no need to deal with complicated NRC regulatory requirements. Wide ranging detection The SABRE 4000 from Smiths Detection is claimed to be the only portable trace detector that can detect threats from explosives, chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals or narcotics. It can do so in approximately 20 seconds. With a cold time start of 10 minutes and weighing approximately 7 lbs, including the 4-hour battery, the SABRE 4000 is a small, powerful tool for use against terrorism and drug trafficking. With the added detection capability, new features such as the colour TFT display and standard 4-hour battery, the SABRE 4000 is marketed as the smallest, lightest hand-held trace detector available, capable of detecting and identifying multiple threats. Proper sample collection is key to the success of any trace detector, says the company. The versatile SABRE 4000 is capable of analyzing either trace particle or vapour samples, allowing the operator to apply the ideal sampling technique for the substance suspected. For example, most explosive and narcotic substance do not have a strong vapour presence and in the real world are very difficult to detect by vapour. Therefore, the most reliable collection and analysis method for those substances is particle collection. By contrast, the nature of chemical agents and toxic industrial chemicals makes vapour sampling more appropriate for these substances. The SABRE 4000’s ability to analyse either trace particle or vapour samples lets the operator decide which sample collection method will yield the most accurate analysis results . |
February 02, 2010
GT 200: History
Posted by นักข่าวสายทหาร , ผู้อ่าน : 957 , 03:19:34 น.
หมวด : การเมือง
พิมพ์หน้านี้
จีที200"ตาทิพย์"จับระเบิด"ตัวช่วย"สรรพาวุธ ทบ.
"จี ที 200" ชุดตรวจสอบระเบิด ค้นหาได้ทั้งอากาศ-บนดิน-ใต้ดิน-ใต้น้ำ ตรวจได้ทั้งระเบิด-อาวุธ-กระสุน-ยาเสพติด เผย "อนุพงษ์" เห็นความสำคัญ เตรียมสั่งซื้อเพิ่ม มั่นใจช่วยให้มีความปลอยดภันมากขึ้น ยุทธวิธีที่กลุ่มก่อการร้ายในสามจังหวัดชายแดนใต้นิยมใช้อยู่ในเวลานี้ล้วน เกี่ยวข้องกับ"วัตถุระเบิด" ทั้ง สิ้น ไม่ว่าจะเป็นการสร้างสถานการณ์แล้วลอบวางระเบิดไว้เพื่อดักรอเจ้า หน้าที่ หรือขุดหลุมระเบิดไว้ริมถนนแล้วซุ่มยิง หรือกระทั่งใช้คาร์บอมบ์ คล้ายในต่างประเทศ
แม้แต่เจ้าหน้าที่ผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้านระเบิดเองก็ ยอมรับว่าการทำงานมีความเสี่ยงขึ้นทุกวัน เพราะปัจจุบันคนร้ายนิยมประกอบระเบิดไว้ถึง 3 ระบบเพื่อเพิ่มความเสี่ยงแก่เจ้าหน้าที่ ซึ่งหากประมาทเพียง เสี้ยววินาทีย่อมไม่มีโอกาสแก้ตัวตลอดกาล ดังนั้นการทำงาน ของเจ้าหน้าที่ ย่อมมิอาจใช้เพียงความรู้และประสบการณ์เท่านั้น แต่จะต้องพึ่งพาอาศัย "เครื่องตรวจวัตถุระเบิด" ที่มีความแม่นยำในการตรวจสอบสูงเพื่อลดความเสี่ยงในการปฏิบัติงานเพราะขึ้น ชื่อว่าชีวิตคนย่อมมีความสำคัญกว่าวัตถุเป็นไหนๆ ปัจจุบันกองทัพบก(ทบ.) มีเครื่องตรวจวัตถุระเบิดที่มีประสิทธิภาพสูง คือ "จีที 200" ซึ่ง เป็นเครื่องตรวจหาสารวัตถุระเบิดที่ผลิตจากประเทศอังกฤษ มีความสามารถในการ ค้นหาสารวัตถุระเบิดได้อย่างดีเยี่ยมเป็นอันดับต้นๆของโลก (Now the Army has the best bomb detection equipment—the GT 200—which detects explosives (and produced in the UK). It is the most capable bomb detector in the world.)
โครงการนี้ได้เริ่มนำมาใช้ตั้งแต่ปี2547 และมีการสั่งซื้อเพิ่มเติมในสมัยของพล.อ.สนธิบุญยรัตกลิน เป็นผู้บัญชาการทหารบก (ผบ.ทบ.) (The program began in 2004 and added orders while Gen. Sonthi Boonyarataglin was commander-in-chief)
โดย หน่วยเก็บกู้วัตถุระเบิดหรืออีโอดี จากกรมสรรพาวุธทหารบก ได้นำเครื่องจี ที 200 มาใช้ปฏิบัติภารกิจร่วมกับทหารจากกองทัพภาคที่ 1, 2, 3 และ4 ซึ่งจะ หมุนเวียนสับเปลี่ยนกันลงไปปฏิบัติภารกิจในสามจังหวัดชายแดนใต้มา นานกว่า4 ปี ส่วน คุณสมบัติของเครื่องจีที200 คือสามารถตรวจหาสารวัตถุระเบิด อาวุธสงคราม และ ยาเสพติด โดยใช้หลักการของสนามแม่เหล็กเชื่อมโยงกับสารไดอาร์ พาราและ สสาร ที่ต้องการจะตรวจจับ ภายใต้หลักการที่ว่า"สสารทุกชนิดบนโลกจะมีสนามแม่เหล็กเป็นตัวเชื่อมต่อ ซึ่งเครื่องจีที 200 จะใช้หลักการค้นหาสนามแม่เหล็กซึ่งจะสามารถตรวจจับสารวัตถุระเบิดได้ทั้งใน อากาศ บนดิน ใต้ ดิน หรือกระทั่งใต้น้ำ" ลักษณะของเครื่องจีที200 มีลักษณะเป็น แท่งยาว มีด้ามจับคล้ายๆ "ไมค์ลอย" บริเวณด้านล่างของเครื่องจะมีกล่องใส่การ์ด ซึ่งการ์ดหรือ "ชิพ" ตัวนี้จะทำหน้าที่ตรวจสอบสสารประเภทต่างๆ ที่ต้องการค้นหา หาก ต้องการตรวจหายาเสพติดก็จะใช้การ์ดหรือชิพแบบหนึ่งหรือหากต้องการตรวจหากระ สุนหรืออาวุธปืน และอาวุธสงครามก็จะใช้การ์ดหรือชีพอีกแบบหนึ่ง แต่ข้อจำกัดประการหนึ่งของการ์ดที่ใช้ตรวจสอบอาวุธก็คือหากอาวุธไม่ผ่านการ ยิงก็จะตรวจไม่พบ แต่สามารถนำมาประยุกต์ใช้ได้โดยตรวจหาจาก "เขม่าดินปืน" หรือ"สารวัตถุระเบิด" ที่ติดมากับอาวุธนั้นๆ
การ์ดที่บรรจุใน เครื่องจีที200 จะมีอยู่ทั้งหมด 18 การ์ด โดยจะมีการ์ดที่สามารถตรวจหาวัตถุต้องสงสัยต่างๆ ได้ทั้ง วัตถุระเบิด ยาเสพติด อาวุธปืน อาวุธสงคราม และ กระสุน ตัว การ์ดหรือชิพจะมีราคาสูงหลายหมื่นบาทต่อชิ้น ซึ่งเมื่อรวมราคาตัวเครื่องจี ที 200 กับการ์ดทั้งหมด จำนวน 18 การ์ดจะมีสนนราคาประมาณ 1.25 ล้านบาทต่อ เครื่อง ผู้เชี่ยวชาญวัตถุระเบิดคนเดิมบอกว่า เครื่องจีที 200 แบบมาตรฐานจะบรรจุ 13 การ์ด แต่กองทัพบกระบุว่า ต้องการ ถึง 18 การ์ด ทางบริษัทผู้ผลิตจึงผลิตให้ตามที่ร้องขอ นอกจากการ์ดหรือชิพแล้วอุปกรณ์ที่มีความสำคัญยิ่งในการค้นหาวัตถุระเบิด คือ "เสาอากาศ" ซึ่งจะมีลักษณะเป็นก้านยาวๆ ชี้ไปทางด้านหน้า เมื่อตรวจพบสารวัตถุระเบิด...เสาอากาศก็จะทำการ"ชี้เป้า" ไปยังทิศทางที่ตรวจพบทันที ขณะ ที่เจ้าหน้าที่ผู้ปฏิบัติงานในสามจังหวัดชายแดนใต้รับประกันว่าจี ที 200 เป็นเครื่องตรวจหาสารวัตถุระเบิดที่เหมาะสมที่สุดที่นำมาใช้ใน พื้นที่ และหลายประเทศก็นิยมใช้กันอย่างแพร่หลาย
คุณ ประโยชน์ของจีที200 คือเวลาที่เจ้าหน้าที่ปิดล้อมหรือตรวจค้นแหล่งต้อง สงสัย จีที 200 จะสามารถบีบพื้นที่กว้างๆให้เหลือ "พื้นที่ต้องสงสัย" ว่าจะ มีวัตถุระเบิดในวงจำกัดได้ ซึ่งจะทำให้เจ้าหน้าที่ประหยัดเวลาและมีความ ปลอดภัยมากขึ้น
ปัจจุบันมีเครื่องจีที200 กระจายอยู่ในพื้นที่ประมาณ 48 เครื่อง และจะมีการ "จัดซื้อเพิ่มเติม" อีกตามนโยบายของ พล.อ.อนุพงษ์เผ่าจินดา ผู้บัญชาการทหารบก (ผบ.ทบ.) ซึ่งเห็นว่าทุกหน่วยควรจะมีไว้ใช้งาน (At present, use of the GT 200 is spread out, with about 48 devices, and additional orders coming following commander-in-chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda’s policy, in which he believes every unit should have them for use.)
อย่าง ไรก็ตามแม้เครื่องจีที 200 จะมีประสิทธิภาพสูงล้ำ แต่หากเจ้าหน้าที่ผู้ ปฏิบัติงานไม่ได้ผ่านการอบรมมาเป็นอย่างดีก็จะไม่สามารถใช้งานได้อย่างเต็ม ประสิทธิภาพ และร้ายกว่านั้นอาจทำให้เกิดความ "ผิดพลาด" จนส่งผลกระทบต่อ "ผู้บริสุทธิ์" ได้
โดยเจ้าหน้าที่ของไทยที่ผ่านการฝึกอบรมกับผู้ เชี่ยวชาญจากประเทศอังกฤษมีเพียง"กรมสรรพาวุธทหารบก" เท่านั้น แต่ที่ผ่านมามีหลายหน่วยงานที่ไม่มีความรู้ความเชี่ยวชาญเพียงพอ แต่ อยากมีเครื่องจีที 200 ไว้ใช้งาน จึงก่อให้เกิดปัญหาต่างๆ ตามมา
จี ที200 จึงเป็นอุปกรณ์ช่วยเสริมให้หน่วยงานทหารทุกหน่วย เพราะในการปิดล้อม ตรวจค้นพื้นที่มีโอกาสตรวจเจอสูงมาก หากมีการซุกซ่อนวัตถุระเบิดเอาไว้
แต่ การใช้จะต้องจัดกำลังพลมาจัดฝึกอบรมให้ถึงขั้นใช้งานได้ 100 เปอร์เซ็นต์ ก่อน เพราะถ้าไม่ได้ผ่านการฝึกอบรมก็จะใช้ไม่ได้ผลได้เท่าไร และหากไม่ชำนาญ จริงๆ แล้วเกิดทำผิดพลาด เช่น ไปจับคนผิดขึ้นมาก็จะเป็นทำบาปเสีย มากกว่า หรือถ้าเป็นกรณีที่มีระเบิดอยู่จริง แต่ไม่รู้จักวิธีการใช้ที่ถูก ก็จะตรวจไม่พบ และอาจเกิดอันตรายถึงชีวิตขึ้นมาได้
แม้จะ ยังประสบปัญหาเรื่องการฝึกอบรมที่ยังไม่ทั่วถึงอยู่แต่ก็เชื่อมั่น ว่า ปัจจุบันทางทหารได้มีการซักซ้อมในการเก็บกู้วัตถุระเบิดมากขึ้น โดยจะมี การฝึกใช้เครื่องจีที 200 ร่วมกับสุนัขตรวจวัตถุระเบิดเพื่อให้การปฏิบัติ งานของทุกฝ่ายเป็นไปในทางเดียวกันมากกว่าเดิม
GT 200: South and Surayud
Abdulloh Benjakat
28 June 2009
Bangkok Post
A number of technology-based security measures has been introduced in the strife-torn deep South to tackle militancy and aid police investigations.
But several incidents have proved that authorities cannot absolutely trust the technology, which could lead to misunderstandings among local residents.
Bomb detectors and surveillance cameras are among the tools used to give security authorities an edge in their struggle to restore peace and order.
Known as GT 200, the remote substance detection device is popular among international security forces.
There are more than 100 of them in the South where explosives have now become the insurgents' weapon of choice.
The 700,000 baht GT 200 not only prevents explosions, but can track down bombers by detecting traces of explosives on their clothes.
However, the device has given wrong readings on several occasions and even failed to detect explosive materials, resulting in the loss of life.
Three members of a border patrol police unit were killed in a blast while they were inspecting a suspected bomb planted on a road in Panare district. The GT 200 they were using apparently could not detect traces of explosives.
In another blast in Muang district, security forces narrowly escaped death when a bomb exploded while they were investigating the murder of three officials.
Using a GT 200, security forces scouted the scene of the shooting five times and declared it clear of bombs.
Just as forensic officials began pulling out their tool kits, a bomb went off. It was a sheer luck that no one was hurt.
The deployment of GT 200s has also led to intense stand-offs between security forces and villagers.
Following an ambush in Ban Pakageenor in Nong Chik district in Pattani, security forces sealed off a ponoh school and lined up students for examination for traces of explosives.
The devices readings suggested three of them had traces of explosives on them. The three were detained for questioning only to be released because a conventional investigation could not find evidence to link them with the ambush.
However, their families and neighbours were angered by the incident.
In Yaring district, three men were detained for questioning over a bomb blast after the explosives scanner suggested traces of explosives on them.
An inquiry coupled with witness questioning cleared them of any involvement. They just happened to pass by the blast scene when police were investigating the site.
Similar erroneous readings caused pandemonium at Pattani Hospital.
According to the GT 200, a bomb was inside a briefcase that had been left unattended. But when a bomb disposal squad arrived, their GT 200 found nothing. The briefcase was then opened and found to contain documents and a clock. The owner had left his belongings as he rushed for a kidney dialysis appointment.
In addition, several thousand surveillance cameras which have been installed across the violence-torn region have never become operational.
The equipment procurement was approved under a budget of 972 million baht by the interim government of Surayud Chulanont.
The battle against insurgent attacks in the troubled region is not just about having technology-based security measures. It is also about putting them to good use - otherwise any attempts to solve the problems will be perceived as perfunctory.
GT 200: Sea-Containers
18 May 2009
The Nation (Thailand)
Forensics director offers two alternatives to check contents
Central Institute of Forensic Science director Porntip Rojanasunan yesterday urged a quick decision from the government to ensure that the truth about a mysterious shipping container on the Chon Buri seabed, rumoured to contain human skeletons, would be known this month.
Leading a team to inspect Samae San Bay in Chon Buri's Sattahip district, Porntip said two methods of inspection were on the table.
One was to cut open the container, believed from the coral growth to have been lying there for 20 years, and use a camera to survey it. The other was to lift the container out of the water and then open it.
The latter method would cost at least Bt10 million and might destroy fertile corals covering the container, she said.
Porntip said they had not cut it open on Friday as they feared the container might have explosives in it and they would first use a GT 200 bomb-detecter to check it.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he had assigned officials to assess the possibility of cutting open the container and using cameras to survey as it seemed on the face of it the more practicable way.
Regarding reports that many more containers were under the sea, Porntip said she could not confirm that.
Villagers have confirmed the existence of this container.
Since this is not a normal sea-lane, it is impossible to assume that an accident led to the sinking of the container, she said.
It is more likely that it was intentionally dumped, possibly for disposal of a dangerous substance, she added.
Regarding discovery of skulls, she said it was her personal view that they could be the remains of immigrant workers.
The previous suspicion that they might be from the May 1992 incident is not totally ruled out yet, she |added.
Porntip said that if the government made a quick decision, the truth should be known this month. As for the search for other containers, which the Navy minesweeper boats were asked to do, when to start should be known on Monday, she added.
Meanwhile, local residents who asked not to be named said seven containers had been detected by the radar of trawlers and urged the investigation to proceed without pleading budget restraints.
"If the government does not act, and soon, we the people will open the containers ourselves," they said.
They suspect that the container Porntip is working on contains dangerous substances or chemicals, as rumour has it that toxins from Rayong were regularly dumped. But the other six containers remain a mystery because fat has reportedly leaked out of them and come to the surface, they said.
MEXICAN NAVY SEIZES COCAINE HAUL TRANSPORTED INSIDE FROZEN SHARKS
17 June 2009
States News Service
The following information was released by the President of Mexico:
Earlier today in Progreso, Yucatan, as a result of intelligence work and information exchange, personnel from the Mexican Navy belonging to the Unified Center for Dealing with Maritime and Port Incidents (CUMAR) and the General Customs Administration seized a cocaine haul that had been transported inside frozen sharks.
The cocaine was seized at the Yucatan Container Terminal as a result of the systematic inspection of containers suspected of transporting illegal cargo, whereby two containers from the Dover Strait boat, flying the Marshall Islands flag, from Houston, Texas, were checked.
Anomalies were detected after mobile X ray equipment was used to check the boat's containers (measuring approximately 12 meters) as a result of which a more detailed inspection was carried out using GT-200 equipment and the CUMAR canine binomial, which identified the presence of drugs.
The personnel then proceeded to open up one of the containers that was carrying whole frozen sharks, inside which packages with white powder were found, which a preliminary analysis found to be cocaine.
Investigations are currently being carried out to determine the total weight of the haul, while other containers from the same boat have been unloaded for a detailed inspection of their contents.
This operation is being carried out as part of a security and custody mechanism implemented by members of the Marine Infantry attached to the Ninth Naval Zone, headquartered in Yukalpeten, Yucatan.