Device detects whether drink is secretly contaminated with drugs

Developers have launched a funding campaign to raise money for a device that can detect whether someone has put drugs in a drink. For example, someone must be able to see whether he or she is not being secretly drugged.

The funding campaign runs through Indiegogo and the makers state that they need $100,000 for the development. The device, called Personal Drink ID, can be placed in a drink, after which it gives a result within seconds: if a light comes on, the drink is contaminated with a substance that does not belong there. In some cases, the drug in question can also be identified, although it is not clear which substances are involved.

According to the makers, the Personal Drink ID can be used several times and runs on batteries. It is possible to make a link with a smartphone, on which additional information can be shown about what has been found in a drink. The developers state that technology is used that is also used by the US drug authority DEA. Substances are identified via spectroscopy: based on patterns in the light spectrum, it is possible to find out what molecules are in the drink. The device also measures electrical charge and temperature in order to make a final judgment.

Interested parties can buy a Personal Drink ID for 100 dollars, converted 74 euros, although the first 100 copies are sold for 75 dollars. If the financing target is met, the buyers will receive the device in April. By the way, if you invest $200, you get access to the beta program.