How does Centinela, the bracelet capable of detecting drugs in drinks, work?

• The tape can detect 22 types of drugs, including LSD, burundanga, ecstasy and ketamine | Footer: Shutterstock

The Aglaya Creativos agency developed a bracelet called Centinela, which aims to help prevent it from happening spiking, a practice that has become common at parties and nightclubs that involves pouring narcotic substances into other people’s drinks.

Abel Lafuente, manager of the Aglaya Creativos agency, explained that the bracelet is capable of identifying 22 different types of drugs, including LSD, burundanga, ecstasy and ketamine.

The company representative indicated that they created two different bracelets: Standard Centinela, priced between one and two dollars; and Centinela premium, at a cost of five dollars.

The standard Sentinel can detect the two most common types of drugs: ketamine and GHB, known as liquid ecstasy. While the Sentinel premium It can identify a larger amount of narcotics that have been added to drinks, and also has a QR code that offers a geolocation service.

Both bracelets have been available since June 2024 in Spain, however, the company announced that it hopes to test them in other countries of the European Union and on other continents.

Photo: Aglaya Creativos

How does Sentinel work?

Both bracelets work thanks to an element inside the paper strip, the main material from which they are made, which, if it comes into contact with chemical amines (psychoactive substances present in most drugs), causes the strip to turn orange. If it turns another colour, it means that the drug test is negative.

“Its operation is quite simple: the person goes out to the party with the bracelet on, and if they suspect that someone has put narcotics in their drink, they just have to put their finger in the liquid and let a few drops fall on the rectangle,” Lafuente explained in an interview with National Geographic.

The website of Aglaya Creatives He clarified that Centinela is a single-use bracelet, so it cannot be used to check each drink.

“The burglar is quicker to enter a house that doesn’t have an alarm than one that does. If a person who is going to do the spiking sees that the other person is wearing the bracelet, they will think twice because they can see it,” said Lafuente.

Share on

Sentinel Features

-QR code: facilitates instant connection with emergency services, allowing rapid action in critical situations.

-High quality material: bracelet composed of high-density polyethylene fibers that offer a unique combination of properties, including tear resistance, waterproofing, durability and a soft-touch texture. These features make Centinela bracelets not only comfortable to wear, but also extremely durable and suitable for daily use in any conditions.

-Personalization: available to adapt to the specific needs of brands and companies, allowing personal security to align with corporate values.

-Adjustable cam closure: One of the most notable innovations of the model premium is its adjustable cam closure, designed to offer not only comfort and a secure fit, but also the possibility of reuse. This feature allows users to remove the bracelet without damaging it, making it ideal for use on multiple occasions, as long as detection tests have not been activated. This flexibility underlines our commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, allowing users to maximize the value of their investment in personal security.

Related news