Apopo Vzw

D!RT utilizes detection rats technology, a vapour detection technology developed by the humanitarian organization APOPO, which saves lives at the BOP by detecting landmines and tuberculosis. Detection Rats Technology, AKA HeroRATs, are trained rats that detect a target odour (i.e. explosives, TB, and tobacco) in samples in an evaluation setup. Detection results are provided as a service to the customer. Yearly, Customs and the tobacco industry respectively lose an estimated $20-40B USD in missed taxes and $5-10B USD in lost revenue, due to illicitly manufactured and traded tobacco. The primary benficiaries are Customs, port authorities, and the tobacco industry. D!RT starts working in the port of Rotterdam (11.1M containers transited in 2010) with the Dutch customs as a launching customer. D!RT provides quality detection services, which are faster, more accurate and less disruptive, for customs, law enforcement agencies and the transport industry, and thereby curbs the spread of illicit trade. Unlike traditional screening methods, D!RT utilizes local and sustainable resources, while building skills and providing job opportunities to the poor.

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