Global Narcotics Scanner Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis Report - Forecast 2034

Narcotics Scanner Market: Industry Perspective

The global narcotics scanner market size was worth around USD 6.29 Billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 11.54 Billion by 2034 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.8% between 2025 and 2034. The report analyzes the global narcotics scanner market's drivers, restraints/challenges, and the effect they have on the demands during the projection period. In addition, the report explores emerging opportunities in the narcotics scanner industry.

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Narcotics Scanner Market: Overview

Although the word narcotics is improperly or imprecisely defined, it generally encompasses substances and drugs that are known to relieve pain and dull the senses. However, in recent times, the term narcotics is mostly referring to opioids that are generally used for medicinal purposes but also encompass illegal drugs such as heroin that are typically used for recreational purposes. Narcotics scanners are devices and tools that help in detecting possession of narcotic drugs. These scanners are installed in several crucial places that are generally accessed by large groups of people such as railway stations, airports, seaports, and other areas.

However, they are used on a case-by-case basis in situations where law enforcement agencies have doubts regarding the possession of illegal drugs for illicit activities. Most modern narcotics scanners use spectroscopy however, other systems such as chemical color tests and K-9 detection may also be used. The most common spectroscopy-based technologies are nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The narcotics scanner market is likely to continue growing at a steady pace during the forecast period.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global narcotics scanner market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.8% over the forecast period (2025-2034).
• Regarding revenue, the global narcotics scanner market size was valued at around USD 6.29 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.54 Billion by 2034.
• The narcotics scanner market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to rising concerns over drug trafficking, government investments in security infrastructure, and technological advancements in detection systems.
• Based on Technology, the Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) segment is expected to lead the global market.
• On the basis of Product Type, the Handheld Scanners segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market.
• Based on the Application, the Airports segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• By End-user, the Government Agencies segment is expected to dominate the global market.
• Based on region, North America is predicted to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Narcotics Scanner Market: Growth Drivers

Increasing efforts toward curbing drug smuggling to drive market growth

The global narcotics scanner market is projected to grow owing to the increasing number of drug smuggling cases registered worldwide propelling greater efforts toward curbing the illegal sales of these recreational drugs. Substance addiction is one of the most significant and threatening social problems in the current world. Addiction to recreational drugs not only impacts the personal lives of addicts but also has a large-scale impact on society and its economic growth. As per a report by the National Institute of Health, around 16 million people across the globe are either currently suffering or have suffered from opioid use disorder (OUD). The same report states that over 500,000 people in the US are overly dependent on heroin. Regional governments and international drug agencies are seeking and launching measures to control and completely stop the illegal sale and consumption of narcotic drugs which could impact the demand for narcotic scanners. In December 2021, the Department of Justice announced that through its Operation Dark HunTor, in association with the Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team, conducted an international project across three continents that led to the arrest of 150 drug traffickers that were operating through the dark web. Drugs and weapons of over USD 31 million were seized during the operation.

Increasing public infrastructure projects to push demand for narcotics scanner

With increasing investments and undertakings aimed at constructing and upgrading public infrastructure projects such as railway stations and sea ports, global narcotics scanner market growth will reach new heights. As more state-of-the-art facilities are built across the globe to support the increasing movement of people from one region to another, the risk of drug trafficking will increase, ultimately causing higher demand for ways to manage such incidents.

Narcotics Scanner Market: Restraints

Evolving strategies by drug traffickers to restrict market growth

As stricter rules against drug trafficking are put in place, people and organizations dealing in illegal drug sales are constantly evolving in ways in which they operate to avoid being detected by narcotics scanners. Some of the older versions cannot detect drugs that are present inside the body. Additionally, there are several other performance constraints with narcotics scanners. For instance, the experience level and presence of mind of the operator play a crucial role in the final application of the tool. Moreover, some of the devices are prone to show false results influenced by several factors. They may indicate the presence of narcotics when in reality they are not present leading to serious legal issues for the accused people.

Narcotics Scanner Market: Opportunities

Increasing technological advancements in narcotic scanner technology to create growth opportunities

The narcotics scanner industry players are projected to witness higher growth owing to the increasing technological advancements observed in narcotics scanner tools and devices. For instance, Rapiscan Systems launched the MobileTrace® Narcotics which functions on proven ITMS™ technology developed by the company. The tool is designed for customs, correctional, and law enforcement agencies that can use the device at checkpoints for the detection of drugs including amphetamine-based substances, cocaine, and opiates. It provides the results within a few seconds. Growing collaboration for the supply of advanced narcotics scanners is projected to fuel the market revenue. In December 2020, OSI Systems Inc. was awarded a contract worth USD 13 million by major Scandinavian airport operators for the supply of Meteor 900M walk-through metal detectors, Orion baggage scanners, and 920 CT checkpoint baggage scanners. The company will also provide integration software for the smooth application of these tools

Narcotics Scanner Market: Challenges

Concerns over profiling-based discrimination to challenge market growth

The use of narcotic scanners especially in individual checking and detection for narcotics has raised ethical concerns since reports of profiling-based discrimination have emerged in recent times. Moreover, some of the older narcotics scanners use ionizing radiation especially metal detectors that are known to be harmful to human health. Hence the adoption of narcotic scanners functioning on radiation is reducing at a steady pace thus creating challenges for the global narcotics scanner market players.

Narcotics Scanner Market: Segmentation Analysis

The global narcotics scanner market is segmented based on Technology, Product Type, Application, End-user, and region.

Based on Technology, the global narcotics scanner market is divided into Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), Raman Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Scanners, Ion Trap, Mass Spectrometry, Others.

On the basis of Product Type, the global narcotics scanner market is bifurcated into Handheld Scanners, Portable Scanners, Tabletop Scanners, Walk-through Scanners, Vehicle-mounted Scanners.

By Application, the global narcotics scanner market is split into Airports, Seaports, Border Control, Law Enforcement, Defense & Military, Public Transport & Critical Infrastructure.

In terms of End-user, the global narcotics scanner market is categorized into Government Agencies, Customs & Border Protection, Military & Defense, Private Security Firms.

Narcotics Scanner Market: Report Scope

Narcotics Scanner Market: Regional Analysis

North America to generate the highest revenue during the coming period

The global narcotics scanner market will witness the highest growth in North America since countries such as the US and Canada have extremely strict security systems in place to curb and control the sale of illegal drugs. The US has some of the staggering statistics related to drug consumption, addiction, and trade. The country has been working consistently to manage the sale of these drugs. Additionally, they have tight security in public places, especially airports and seaports. The presence of key manufacturers and suppliers of narcotics scanner further contribute to regional growth.

Europe is projected to grow at a rapid pace with the growing number of drug trafficking cases. Reports indicate that between 2016 and 2021, the number of drug trafficking cases in Europe has increased 3 times. In 2021, European officials seized over 23 tons of cocaine which is projected to help the regional market flourish in the coming years. Growth in the Middle East is expected to be the result of strict policies in place related to the sale and consumption of narcotics and other harmful agents. Middle Eastern countries spend large amounts on airport security specifically for the identification of illegal drugs and alcohol that could make an entry through airports and other transportation mediums.

Narcotics Scanner Market: Competitive Analysis

The report provides a company market share analysis to give a broader overview of the key market players. In addition, the report also covers key strategic developments of the market, including acquisitions & mergers, new product launches, agreements, partnerships, collaborations & joint ventures, research & development, and regional expansion of major participants involved in the narcotics scanner market on a global and regional basis.

The global narcotics scanner market is dominated by players like:

• Morpho Detection
• Smiths Detection
• Bruker Corporation
• FLIR Systems
• L3Harris Technologies
• Leidos Holdings Inc.
• Rapiscan Systems
• Ion Applications Inc.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Kromek Group plc
• Agilent Technologies
• DetectaChem
• Autoclear LLC
• AS&E
• Westminster International Ltd.

The global narcotics scanner market is segmented as follows;

By Technology

• Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
• Raman Spectroscopy
• Infrared Spectroscopy
• X-ray Scanners
• Ion Trap
• Mass Spectrometry
• Others

By Product Type

• Handheld Scanners
• Portable Scanners
• Tabletop Scanners
• Walk-through Scanners
• Vehicle-mounted Scanners

By Application

• Airports
• Seaports
• Border Control
• Law Enforcement
• Defense & Military
• Public Transport & Critical Infrastructure

By End-user

• Government Agencies
• Customs & Border Protection
• Military & Defense
• Private Security Firms

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa