Sarasota-based firm specializing in drug detection wipes is growing.

SARASOTA, Fla. — A Sarasota-based company is taking its product global, aiming to contribute to the fight against explosives and drugs.

Barry Gorski, a chemist and the director of research and development at Trace Eye-D, leads a team that has developed innovative wipes capable of detecting explosives and various drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

“You’ll know it when you see the color change on the wipe,” Gorski explained, emphasizing the wipes provide an instantaneous response.

According to Gorski, the wipes not only save time but also offer a safer alternative to traditional testing methods. “The kits that they use now, where you have to break an ampule and shake it, that’s pretty dangerous,” he noted.

The development process has been extensive, with Gorski stating, “Oh, a number of years now. Perfecting everything we started. We began with explosives, but then the drug aspect became increasingly significant.”

This focus has propelled the company into international markets, significantly expanding its reach.

CEO Chris Baden reported that since their official launch in early 2023, sales have surged by 500%. The wipes are currently employed by police, military, and forensic departments worldwide, in addition to local law enforcement.

“We’ve established a dealer and reseller network with over 40 distributors,” Baden said. “We’re represented in locations like Norway, Finland, the United States, and Colombia. We’re truly global now, but we have strong representation here in the U.S.”

As they continue to develop their product, Gorski finds it gratifying to know their innovation contributes to community safety.