Tuesday 5th May 2026: Analytical Expert Labs, a leading provider of forensic, analytical and bioanalytical services, is pleased to announce the acquisition of TICTAC Communications Ltd, a specialist provider of drug identification tools, intelligence and analytical support systems.
TICTAC Communications Ltd has built a strong reputation for supporting law enforcement, healthcare professionals and public health organisations through its unique drug identification products and services. Its platform combines visual drug identification systems, reference databases and analytical support tools, enabling rapid and informed decision-making in both frontline and laboratory environments.
The acquisition further enhances Analytical Expert Labs’ capabilities across the full drug analysis and interpretation pathway, complementing existing laboratory-based services with upstream identification and intelligence tools. TICTAC Communications Ltd.’s expertise in real-time drug identification, including its work supporting safer event environments and harm reduction initiatives, adds a valuable and unique capability to the Group.
David Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of Analytical Expert Labs, said:
“TICTAC Communications Ltd brings a highly complementary set of capabilities to the Group. Its focus on rapid drug identification and intelligence strengthens our ability to support customers across the full lifecycle, from initial identification through to detailed laboratory analysis and expert interpretation. This is an important step in broadening our offering and delivering greater value to our customers across law enforcement, healthcare and public sector settings.”
Trevor Shine, Managing Director of TICTAC Communications Ltd, said:
“TICTAC Communications Ltd has always focused on providing practical, reliable tools to support those working at the frontline of drug identification and public safety. Joining Analytical Expert Labs allows us to build on that foundation, expanding the reach of our platform while continuing to develop and refine our systems. We are pleased to be part of a group that shares our commitment to scientific integrity and real-world impact.”
The acquisition supports Analytical Expert Labs’ strategy of bringing together complementary scientific capabilities to provide integrated solutions across forensic science, toxicology and analytical services. By combining TICTAC Communications Ltd.’s identification and intelligence platform with Analytical Expert Labs’ established laboratory and expert interpretation services, the Group is well positioned to support customers facing increasingly complex and evolving drug-related challenges.
For more information, please contact:
Analytical Expert Labs
media@analytical-expert-labs.co.uk
About Analytical Expert Labs
Analytical Expert Labs brings together a group of specialist businesses providing forensic, analytical and bioanalytical services. Supporting legal, healthcare, public sector and research organisations, the Group combines laboratory excellence with expert interpretation to deliver clarity through science.
www.analytical-expert-labs.co.uk
About TICTAC Communications Ltd
TICTAC Communications Ltd provides specialist drug identification and intelligence tools to support frontline professionals, laboratories and public health organisations. Its platform combines visual identification systems, extensive reference data and analytical support to enable rapid, informed decision-making when dealing with unknown substances.
Built on a proprietary database, the TICTAC Drug ID System can identify over 40,000 medicines and drugs, supporting accurate and efficient substance recognition in operational settings. TICTAC has also developed one of the most comprehensive FTIR spectral libraries of new psychoactive substances, used by law enforcement and healthcare agencies across 43 countries.
Alongside its technology, TICTAC brings deep expertise in the evaluation of drug analysis instruments and methods, providing trusted insight to organisations working at the forefront of drug detection, monitoring and public health response.