Narcotics Scanner Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global narcotics scanner market size reached a value of more than USD 7.14 Billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, likely to attain a value of USD 13.28 Billion by 2034.

Global Narcotics Scanner Market Trends

A narcotics scanner is specially designed security equipment that is utilised by defence departments, law enforcement agencies, and special forces, among other security bodies. These devices are used during security inspections to scan surfaces and objects for the presence of contraband drugs and other hazardous substances so that the threat of illegal drug trade can be halted.

• The market for narcotic scanners is expected to rise during the forecast period due to a significant increase in the trade and manufacturing of illegal drugs in recent years. The need for modern narcotics scanning devices and software with improved accuracy and quicker screening capabilities will grow due to the increasing cases of violation of global drug control laws.
• The primary customers of narcotic scanners are law enforcement agencies and drug security solution providers are focusing on creating long-term relations with law enforcement and defence agencies. The growing partnerships and contracts between various security agencies and providers of security solutions are anticipated to propel the market development.
• Strict regulations were implemented to regulate the illegal drug trade. The number of deaths due to drug abuse and related disorders has surged. As a result, governments around the world are implementing strict rules to control drug abuse. This can in turn increase the demand for narcotics scanners.

Global Narcotics Scanner Market Opportunities and Challenges

Increasing focus on the development of portable and pocket-sized narcotics scanners by key manufacturers and research and development institutes with advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, enhanced image processing, and X-ray technologies can aid in the development of the market.

The rising number of drug users and transnational drug trafficking crimes in recent years has become a significant trend for the narcotics scanner market expansion. The production, distribution, and usage of marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and synthetic opium are all rising, along with the global drug user population. Due to the need to stop and lessen the supply of illicit drugs, this aspect would enhance demand for these scanners globally.

The demand for narcotic scanners is likely to proliferate as airports look to increase their security with the growing air traffic. With the rising number of passengers, the likelihood of travellers possessing illegal drugs and other substances grows substantially.

Global Narcotics Scanner Market Segmentation

According to our report, an analysis of the narcotics scanner market has been done based on different segments including product, technology, end-user, and regional markets.

Market Breakup by Product

• Handheld/Portable Scanner
• Tabletop Scanner
• Walkthrough Scanner
• Fixed Scanner
• Others

Market Breakup by Technology

• Ion Mobility Spectrum Technology
• Infrared Spectroscopy
• Contraband Detection Equipment
• Video Scope Inspection System

Market Breakup by End-Use

• Airport
• Railway Terminal
• Defence and Military
• Law Enforcement
• Sea Port
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Market Share by Product

The handheld/portable scanner segment is expected to present rapid development due to the growing demand from a variety of end customers, including law enforcement, the police force, malls, and customs offices, for lightweight, user-friendly, and portable scanners. The use of handheld scanners at checkpoints and during screening is common.

Market Share by End-Use

Based on the end-use, the market is divided into airports, seaports, railway terminals, law enforcement, defence and military, a others. The airport end-user segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to the constant requirement for maintenance and acquisition of security equipment from airport authorities.

As a result, it is projected that the use of drug scanners for airport security would increase because of the exponential rise in air passenger traffic and the construction of new airports in developing nations. Additionally, the expanding air freight industry would raise the need for sophisticated scanner systems for better examination of the cargo.

Market Share by Region

Due to the rising influx of investments for the expansion of the transportation sector, notably airports, Asia Pacific is predicted to have considerable growth in the market. It is projected that the growth of the market would be significantly influenced by the increase in the manufacture and use of synthetic drugs in countries like Singapore, China, and Vietnam.

Competitive Landscape

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global narcotics scanner market, covering their competitive landscape and the latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

Bruker Corporation

Bruker Corporation is an American manufacturing company that is focused on various fields including life sciences, pharmaceutical, chemical, material science, clinic research, surface analysis, and preclinical imaging, among others. It was founded in 1960 and the headquarter is established in Massachusetts, United States. The company is a global manufacturer of high-end analytical instruments and diagnostic solutions.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is one of the leading biotechnology research companies with expertise in analytical instruments, life sciences, pharma services, laboratory equipment, and lab services, among others. The company is headquartered in Massachusetts, United States and has been active in the industry since 1956. The company was formed after the merger of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific in 2006.

Smith’s Group Plc

Smith’s Group Plc is global machinery manufacturing company with its headquarter in London, England. It has been a pioneer in the field of engineering and has been operating in different markets such as energy, general industry, security and defence, and aerospace. The was established in 1851 and after operating for more than 150 years, the company has introduced multiple technologies that have improved healthcare, enhanced security, and expanded connectivity around the world.

Other market players include Nuctech Company Limited, Leidos Holdings, Inc., and Teledyne FLIR LLC, among others.