Accurate Reliable Portable and Rapid Methods And Technologies for DetectIon of GHB Substances and Prevention Against Different Forms of VioLence and AssauLt SuppOrted by These Drugs

Project Information

ARMADILLO

Grant agreement ID: 101168416

DOI

10.3030/101168416

EC signature date 21 August 2024

Start date 1 October 2024

End date 30 September 2027

Funded under

• Civil Security for Society

Total cost

€ 4 922 875,00

EU contribution

€ 4 105 150,00

Coordinated by

"NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ""DEMOKRITOS"""
Greece

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ARMADILLO (Accurate Reliable Portable and Rapid Methods And Technologies for DetectIon of GHB Substances and Prevention Against Different Forms of VioLence and AssauLt SuppOrted by These Drugs)

Reporting period: 2024-10-01 to 2026-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involving gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a growing challenge for law enforcement, forensic services, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in Europe.
GHB is difficult to detect due to rapid metabolism, complex sample matrices, and limited field-deployable detection tools. Existing laboratory methods are often slow, costly, and unsuitable for immediate on-site investigations, reducing effectiveness in evidence collection.

The ARMADILLO project addresses these gaps by developing an integrated framework combining forensic detection technologies, AI-based analytics, risk assessment tools, secure data infrastructures, and operational validation to support EU law enforcement and forensic practitioners. It promotes a multidisciplinary, victim-centered approach through collaboration between research institutions, EU agencies, police authorities, forensic labs, and policymakers.

The ARMADILLO project general objectives are summarized to the following:
1) Develop rapid, portable, privacy-preserving forensic tools for GHB detection in fluids and beverages using optical, electrochemical, and immunochemical methods.
2) Build a secure AI-enabled forensic platform integrating risk indicators, geospatial data, and analytics for DFSA investigation and prevention.
3) Validate tools and platform through pilots and real-world use cases across multiple EU countries.
4) Ensure dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and exploitation of results to raise DFSA awareness.
5) Support evidence-based policymaking and cross-border operational cooperation in Europe.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During M1–M18, ARMADILLO achieved major progress in detection technologies, platform development, pilot preparation, dissemination, and policy engagement, laying the foundation for system integration and operational validation.
The man achievements per WP are described below:
WP2 – Requirements and System Design
WP2 identified operational gaps in DFSA investigations and defined user requirements through impact analysis, gap analysis, and use case development. It addressed evidence handling, cross-border cooperation, gender-sensitive approaches, and socio-economic impacts. These requirements were translated into system specifications, including security, interoperability, privacy, KPIs, and validation criteria, forming the backbone for subsequent development and pilot activities.

WP3 – GHB Detection Technologies
Significant advances were made in three detection domains:
Optical methods (SERS): Wafer-scale silicon substrates with metallic nanostructures enabled sensitive GHB/GBL detection. Gold–boehmite substrates achieved detection limits around 1 mg/mL in beverages, suitable for forensic screening. A portable Raman prototype matched laboratory performance while improving portability and cost-efficiency.
Electrochemical detection: A rapid enzyme-based assay quantified GHB in ~5 minutes without sample preparation. It showed high stability, reproducibility, ethanol tolerance, and strong suitability for portable forensic use.
Immunochemical detection: Recombinant phage display was used to generate GHB-specific antibodies. Promising candidates with reproducible binding were identified and are being developed into lateral flow and Raman-compatible assays.

WP4 – Forensic Platform Development
A secure EU cloud infrastructure was deployed with encrypted storage and microservice architecture. Multiple datasets (law enforcement, GIS, socio-economic, drug-related) were integrated. AI models enabled risk scoring and predictive analytics with explainable outputs. A first web interface and backend integration were completed, aligned with WP2 requirements on security and interoperability.

WP5 – Pilot and Training Preparation
WP5 defined pilot protocols, timelines, and eight use cases across four countries. Pilots will test GHB detection in fluids and beverages, risk assessment tools, and platform usability. Training curricula were developed for law enforcement and forensic practitioners, supported by EU agencies such as EUDA and CEPOL.

WP6 – Dissemination and Policy Engagement
Communication channels (website, newsletters, social media) were launched. The project participated in EU security events and built collaborations with agencies and Horizon Europe projects. An External Expert Advisory Board was established. Exploitation activities included IP management and market analysis. Policy engagement included a roundtable with the Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs and preparation of policy briefs.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

ARMADILLO advances DFSA prevention through integrated forensic, AI, and operational innovation.
The man areas were ARMADILLO contributes to advancements beyond the state of the art focus on:
1) Optical detection: Improved SERS substrates overcome sensitivity and reproducibility issues, achieving low detection limits and enabling portable Raman devices for field use.
2) Electrochemical detection: A fast, robust enzyme-based assay removes complex preparation steps and enables reliable on-site GHB quantification.
3) Immunochemical detection: Novel antibody generation for small-molecule GHB enables future rapid lateral flow tests.
4) AI and digital forensics: A secure platform integrates heterogeneous datasets with explainable AI for risk prediction and operational decision support, improving transparency and trust.
6) Operational innovation: The project introduces victim-centered, privacy-by-design, interoperable, and cross-border investigative frameworks, combining biological, chemical, and digital evidence in a unified ecosystem.
7) Societal and Security Impact: ARMADILLO strengthens EU internal security by improving detection and prevention of GHB-related DFSA cases, which are often underreported and difficult to investigate. It enables:
i) Faster and more reliable evidence collection
ii)Improved forensic and law enforcement capabilities
iii)Enhanced victim support and awareness
iv) Increased operational preparedness
v) Evidence-based policymaking