A range of explosives and narcotics have been examined using Raman spectroscopy with 244 nm excitation. This wavelength of excitation (in the ultra-violet) eliminates the fluorescence problems associated with excitation at visible wavelengths. Comparison with spectra obtained using visible (633 nm) excitation reveals that resonance Raman scattering is occurring. This results in simplified spectra, and enhanced Raman scattering efficiencies.