Terrorn tar inte semester när andra firar helg,  men det är då det skönt med vetskapen att instrumenten
från Ahura Scientific  gör sitt jobb.
Informationen nedan kommer från Amerikanska medier.

As you’re likely aware, there was an attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day here in the US.   The suspect, aboard Northwest Airlines flight #253 from Amsterdam to Detroit, attempted to ignite about 80 grams of PETN, which was hidden underneath his clothes.  

 This was a serious and potentially tragic event, but we’re pleased that Ahura Scientific equipment was able to help authorities respond to the incident and quickly to mitigate the threat.  After the incident, the local Warren, Michigan Fire Department was called in to assist the FBI.  Fortunately, they had a FirstDefender, which the FBI used to quickly identify the substance as PETN.

 Use of the FirstDefender has been documented by the media:

1.       In an article from the Detroit News, “Warren Fire Department chemical reader helps terror probe”, which you’ll find copied below.

2.       In a video “Michigan Machine Helped Identify Explosive” that shows the Fire Department demonstrating the actual FirstDefender (he calls it the “Ahura”) used at the incident.  I’ve attached the flash file, which you can download from the subsequent email sent via Leapfile, or you can click on the attached link to see the video. (Try opening the file with your internet browser, but if you have trouble, let me know and I’ll send an alternate format.)
http://www.wxyz.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?articleID=25304

3.       Below are pictures of the explosive device.  Note that FirstDefender can easily see through the transparent plastic bag, helping authorities identify the material without direct contact.

http://abcnews.go.com/images/Blotter/abc_c_PETN_underwear_091228_main.jpg

http://abcnews.go.com/images/Blotter/abc_a_PETN_underwear_091228_main.jpg

Online article:

Warren Fire Department chemical reader helps terror probe.

Candice Williams / The Detroit News

December 28. 2009 3:57PM

Warren -- In the seven years since the Warren Fire Department bought two handheld chemical detectors, they've been used mainly to help residents identify unknown chemicals in their homes.

But the Ahura FirstDefender machines were put to their most important test Friday night when federal authorities called for help analyzing the chemicals a suspected terrorist brought onboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253 to Detroit. The department's Lt. David Frederick was working that night and responded to the call around 10:30 p.m., heading out to Metro Airport in Romulus.

"This is one of those things high on the magnitude list," said Lt. Dan Ross, one of the department's 20 firefighters trained to use the machine. "I think it's great we can do something to help the FBI and that the FBI knows that we have these things."

Using the Ahura machine, officials were able to confirm federal authorities' initial thoughts -- that the chemical was PETN, which can be used as an explosive. The lightweight detector can quickly test chemicals on surfaces using a point-and-shoot method and also from a vial inserted in the machine. This helps prevent the machine from becoming contaminated.

A sample can be assessed within 30 seconds, giving the composition of the chemical makeup of a powder or liquid.

Ross said his department was called because he thinks it was either the closest to Metro Airport or the closest available.

"I think it's great to be able to identify what the FBI was looking at and to have it whenever we need it," Ross said.

cwilliams@detnews.com (586) 468-0529