Ahura's FirstDefender Meets Bottle Screening Challenge

FirstDefender Rugged Handheld Chemical Identification System Accurately Reads Explosives, Narcotics and Industrial Chemicals Through Bottles and Plastic Bags

Ahura Corporation, manufacturer of the FirstDefender handheld chemical identification system, today revealed that they have been working with a number of federal agencies as well as state and local hazmat teams for the instantaneous identification of chemicals and explosives. Ahura technology has the ability to "look" through bottles and bags without the operator needing to open them. Due to the sensitive nature of the customer community, the company has been keeping a low profile. Based on global events, the company recognized the need for rapid deployment of its technology to the federal security agencies, with which it has been working, as well as to law enforcement, firefighters, hazmat and the military. "State and local governments, small regional airports and municipal transportation authorities are among the many other organizations that can improve public safety through the use of our products," says Doug Kahn, Ahura Corporation Chairman and CEO.

The FirstDefender was developed in collaboration with industry leaders in the military and first responder community and is designed for use by soldiers, fire fighters, law enforcement and homeland security personnel. It is being quickly deployed to teams across numerous federal agencies including the Army, Customs and Immigration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security. Hazmat teams across the country ranging from New York, Washington, D.C., Orlando and Seattle are actively using the product, along with law enforcement agencies from the State Police of New Jersey to the Los Angeles Police Department. Dozens of other cities, counties and state agencies rely on FirstDefender for its accuracy and usability. Independently tested by the U.S. Army's Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC), FirstDefender is available via federal and state grants, the New York State HIRE contract, the GSA schedule and CEDAP.

About Ahura Corporation

Ahura Corporation develops rugged, innovative, ultra-compact, field-enabled optical systems for the detection, identification and authentication of unknown and suspect substances. Customers include the homeland security, life sciences, industrial and medical markets. Manufactured in the USA in an ISO 9001 certified operation, Ahura's products offer superior performance at competitive prices. Ahura has been recognized with a number of awards, including awards from Red Herring, Frost & Sullivan and IDSA. More information at www.ahuracorp.com.