UP 01/05
New tool developed for drug busters
   SACRAMENTO (UPI) -- A California aerospace defense contractor
said Tuesday it has successfully tested a new tool to detect illegal
drug laboratories.
   Roger Ramseier, president of Aerojet, said the company used a
special sensor to detect vapor emitted by drug labs at distances of
up to 100 feet in recent tests with federal officers.
   He said Aerojet's Electronic Systems Division of Azusa sampled
chemical vapors inside and outside a simulated lab set up with the
Drug Enforcement Administration under a DEA contract.
   The simulation was on a remote part of Aerojet Propulsion
Division's facility east of Sacramento in December. The chemicals
that were detected included solvents and acids associated with the
processing of methamphetamine.
   Ramseier said Aerojet also developed the all-weather,
day-or-night sensor system used by U.S. Coast Guard aircraft to
detect oil spills and drug smuggling, and to help in
search-and-rescue missions.