Powering Up Forensics Laboratories to Give Laos the Edge in Drugs Control
Drugs prevention is a major concern for many drug enforcers around the world. As Laos has consistently made this a priority for its police department, having modernized forensics laboratories and uninterruptible power supply solutions play a critical role in supporting this cause.
Laos has taken proactive steps to deal with serious drug offenses and to reduce drug-related activities in the market. Having declared drug prevention as part of its national agenda, the government has also requested local agencies and police personnel to collaborate closely with village authorities to create conditions that encourage people to participate in drug prevention activities.
Challenge
The police’s forensic department in Laos was not able to generate various types of essential research due to the lack of updated equipment. In addition, there was also the challenge of a lack of adequate distribution of research centers to meet the government’s effort in drug prevention and control programs which are part of its national agenda initiatives.
Approach
On the instrumentation front, we undertook the laboratory refurbishment of three different sites for the forensics department. We supplied three units of Agilent Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) equipment, Leica microscopes, centrifuge, fume hood, exhaust system, general lab equipment, and its related consumables.
To ensure that the locations are kept operational in the event of a power supply disruption, we delivered power generators and three units of Vertiv UPS-Liebert GXT5 6000va uninterruptible power supply solutions. Along with the installation, our team also provided specification review, user familiarization, and training to lab personnel as part of the system’s preventive maintenance program.
Result
Since the implementation of the equipment, the department has expressed satisfaction regarding the high-quality equipment and the commendable service provided by our experienced support team. The forensics unit is also looking to work with DKSH on six other similar laboratories throughout the next two years.
We are glad to have worked with DKSH, especially on the friendliness, service level, and professionalism of the team. Our lab users are also happy to have the Agilent GCMS solution installed in our three labs. This helped to improve our laboratories and make us on par with the international standards for forensics labs.
– Dr. Sonevisay Chanthabouala, Officer of Drug Inspection and Control, Quartermaster Division 315, Forensic Police Department.
