Asian Aviation Police Authority Detects $17 Million Drug Shipment Using Gemini Parcel Inspection System from AS&E, Inc.

BILLERICA, Mass., Jan. 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Science and Engineering, Inc. ("AS&E") ASEI, a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, announced today that an Aviation Police Authority recently used the Company's Gemini® 100100 X-ray inspection system to discover a shipment of 200 kilograms of Ketamine worth more than $17 million at an Asian Airport. The Authority has deployed both the Gemini and an AS&E Sentry® Portal cargo inspection system to create a comprehensive aviation-focused screening solution.

The drugs were disguised as desiccant material — commonly used packets for keeping materials dry — in cartons of women's boots. Gemini system-generated images of the cartons revealed an organic anomaly that warranted further review. Officials determined it was the anesthetic drug Ketamine, a controlled substance. The seizure netted 244 cartons, representing one of the largest narcotics seizures in the region in the past few years.

"Seizures such as this demonstrate the Gemini system's superior detection capabilities for aviation applications," said Chuck Dougherty, AS&E's President and CEO. "The Gemini system's unique multi-technology capability enhances detection of organic and inorganic materials — including drugs that other systems can miss — providing security officials with comprehensive information about cartons and parcels that are shipped via air cargo."

Gemini Multi-Technology Parcel X-ray Inspection System

AS&E's ground-breaking Gemini systems provide the most comprehensive threat detection available for hand-carried items, mail, parcel, and baggage screening. Available in multiple tunnel sizes, the Gemini systems offer the unique capability to simultaneously detect both metallic and non-metallic threats — even in cluttered environments. The systems feature a combination of dual-energy transmission and Z Backscatter X-rays, two complementary, advanced, and commercially-proven technologies. The Gemini systems' dual-energy transmission X-rays generate a colorized, high-resolution image, easily detecting metallic threats — such as guns and knives — and fine details, including tiny wires which could indicate an IED. Dual-energy also provides organic and metallic discrimination in uncluttered environments. The Gemini system's Z Backscatter X-rays generate an image that provides enhanced detection of organic materials, such as explosives, drugs, and plastic weapons. Together, the Gemini system's two technologies provide the most information available about the contents of a parcel.

About AS&E

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the trusted global provider of threat and contraband detection solutions for ports, borders, military, critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and aviation. With over 50 years of experience, AS&E offers proven, advanced, X-ray inspection systems to combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and trade fraud. AS&E systems are designed in a variety of configurations for cargo and vehicle inspection, parcel inspection, and personnel screening. Using a combination of technologies, these systems provide superior detection capabilities, with high-energy, dual-energy, and Z Backscatter® X-rays. Learn more about AS&E products and technologies at www.as-e.com.

Safe Harbor Statement: The foregoing press release contains statements concerning AS&E's financial performance, markets and business operations that may be considered "forward-looking" under applicable securities laws.  AS&E wishes to caution readers of this press release that actual results might differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained herein include the following: significant reductions, delays or cancellations (in full or in part) in procurements of the Company's systems by the United States and other governments; disruption in the supply of any source component incorporated into AS&E's products; litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual property used by the Company; limitations under certain laws on the Company's ability to protect its own intellectual property; potential product liability claims against the Company; global political trends and events which affect public perception of the threat presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; global economic developments and the ability of governments and private organizations to fund purchases of the Company's products to address such threats; the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth; technical problems and other delays that could impact new product development and the Company's ability to adapt to changes in technology and customer requirements; competitive pressures; lengthy sales cycles both in United States government procurement and procurement abroad;  future delays in federal funding, the market price of the company's stock prevailing from time to time, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to the company from time to time,  the company's cash flows from operations and market and general economic conditions. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are detailed from time to time in AS&E's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. AS&E undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time. Readers are further advised to review the "Risk Factors" set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-Q and Form 10-K,  which further detail and supplement the factors described in this Safe Harbor Statement.  Among other disclosures, the Risk Factors disclose risks pertaining to that portion of the Company's business that is dependent on United States government contracting as well as international customers.