"Rapid intervention is essential in order to limit damage by chemicals and poisons, " the researchers wrote.

BBC: Hospitals 'unready' for chemical alert

But Mr Furey believes it is 45sound's audio-matching software which gives it the edge over rivals - meaning no human intervention is needed in order to whip the clips into a listenable state.

BBC: Should music fans stop filming gigs on their smartphones?

The "war on drugs" refers to a hard-line approach undertaken by the US government since the 1970s, which involves strict law enforcement, and foreign aid and military intervention in countries, in order to stamp out the narcotics trade.

BBC: Davos 2013: Soros calls for new strategy on drugs