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  • ARMADILLO

    Accurate, Reliable,
    and Portable GHB Detection
    for Safer Communities

    A Horizon Europe project developing next-generation forensic tools for law enforcement and forensic experts
  • The Consortium

    Meet the Experts Behind
    ARMADILLO

    A strong consortium of 17 partners from 10 countries, uniting leading forensic experts,
    law enforcement agencies, and AI specialists to combat GHB-facilitated crimes.
  • Stay Updated with ARMADILLO

    News & Events

    Explore the latest project updates, scientific breakthroughs, training sessions, and events,
    bringing cutting-edge forensic innovation to law enforcement and forensic professionals across Europe.

About ARMADILLO

ARMADILLO is an EU-funded initiative focused on developing cutting-edge forensic tools to detect Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in urine, saliva, and beverages.

Why does this matter? GHB is commonly used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults (DFSA) and other crimes. Current forensic techniques struggle to detect it in time, often failing to provide reliable legal evidence.

ARMADILLO delivers a portable, AI-powered detection system that helps law enforcement agencies (LEAs) identify GHB rapidly, accurately, and on-site.

GHB Information

The Problem

GHB is often used in sexual assaults, drug-facilitated crimes, and intoxications.

It is odorless, tasteless, and rapidly metabolized, making traditional detection slow & unreliable.

Current forensic methods lack portability, require specialized training, and are costly.

The Solution

Portable, easy-to-use devices for on-the-spot forensic testing.

Advanced AI & spectroscopy technology for fast, precise detection.

Data-driven risk assessment to predict and prevent GHB-related crimes.

ARMADILLO's Goals

ARMADILLO is built on five key objectives:

➜ Develop groundbreaking forensic tools to detect GHB quickly & accurately.

➜ Equip law enforcement agencies with reliable forensic solutions.

➜ Validate the technology in real-world settings through European pilot programs.

➜ Disseminate knowledge through training programs and research collaborations.

➜ Influence policy & security strategies to combat drug-related crimes.

Real-World Testing Across Europe

ARMADILLO’s solutions will be tested and validated in three real-world scenarios

GHB Detection in Bodily Fluids
(Poland)

Rapid and reliable detection of GHB in urine and saliva is crucial for law enforcement and forensic practitioners to collect accurate, court-admissible evidence. Using portable optical and electrochemical detection devices, ARMADILLO ensures on-site analysis with high sensitivity and minimal processing time.

GHB Detection in Beverages
(Spain)

ARMADILLO is developing a user-friendly and portable tool for detecting GHB in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This pilot will validate the device’s ability to quickly and accurately identify spiked beverages, helping to prevent drug-facilitated crimes in public venues and nightlife settings.

Risk-Based Crime Prevention
(Finland)

By leveraging AI-powered data fusion and risk analysis, this pilot will identify high-risk locations and patterns of GHB-related crimes. The goal is to support law enforcement agencies in crime prevention strategies, enabling targeted interventions and enhancing public safety.

Key Features of ARMADILLO

On-Site Detection: Portable device for real-time testing of GHB in drinks and bodily fluids.

AI-Enhanced Forensics: Artificial Intelligence boosts accuracy and forensic evidence quality.

Crime Prevention & Risk Analysis: Data-driven solutions to predict and prevent GHB-related crimes.

Secure Forensic Data Management: Ensures court-admissible, privacy-compliant forensic reporting.

A Strong Consortium for a Safer Europe

Collaborating across borders and disciplines, our consortium combines expertise in forensic science, law enforcement, and AI-driven innovation to enhance crime prevention and public safety.

Who’s Behind ARMADILLO?

The project is led by a multidisciplinary European consortium, including research institutes, law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, and industry leaders.

Project Coordinator:
NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH "DEMOKRITOS" (NSD), Greece
17
Partners
10
Countries
5
Research Institutions
12
Companies/Organizations

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