Master Internal Contraband Detection in Quarantine Zone: X‑Ray Tips, Extraction Steps & Safe Items
Let’s be honest with each other for a second. Running a border checkpoint in a post-apocalyptic world isn’t exactly a walk in the park. You have infected neighbors trying to eat you, the military breathing down your neck, and a never-ending line of survivors who seem to think they can smuggle just about anything past you. Welcome to the wonderful world of Quarantine Zone. If you have been playing for a few days, you know the drill. But just when you think you have mastered the art of checking bags, the game throws a curveball at you. We are talking about internal Contraband.
Yes, it is exactly as gross as it sounds. Some survivors are so desperate (or just plain sneaky) that they will hide items inside their bodies. It adds a whole new layer of stress to your shift, but do not worry. We are going to walk you through exactly how to spot these hidden goodies without losing your mind or your in-game currency.
Identifying Hidden Contraband in Quarantine Zone

The first few days in Quarantine Zone are deceptive. You get used to the rhythm of checking IDs and looking through backpacks. But eventually, the difficulty spikes. You aren’t just looking for a spare pistol in a duffel bag anymore. You need to look deeper.
To find internal Contraband, you cannot rely on the naked eye. You need to utilize your trusty x-ray tool. This is your best friend when things look suspicious. When you are inspecting a survivor, make sure you switch the view to the “all” layer. This view is crucial because it strips away the exterior and shows you everything inside the survivor’s body. It might feel a little invasive, but hey, safety first. If there is something hiding in there that shouldn’t be, this tool will reveal it instantly.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Extraction
Okay, so you have spotted something weird on the x-ray. Maybe it is a vial of something nasty, or perhaps something sharper than a human organ should be. What do you do now? You can’t exactly reach in there yourself (and frankly, you wouldn’t want to). Here is the proper protocol to follow so you don’t fail the inspection.
First, you need to tag the item. While looking at the x-ray view, highlight the suspicious object. Once you have it in your sights, press “E” to tag it. This effectively marks the item for removal.
Next, you need to call in the professionals. Interact with Charlie. You know Charlie, right? He is the guy hanging around in the hazmat suit who looks like he has seen better days. He is your go-to guy for the messy work. Once you interact with him, he will step in to extract the item. It is a grim job, but Charlie handles it like a champ.
Confiscating the Item and Managing Research Points

Once Charlie has done the heavy lifting and removed the item, it will appear on the table for you to inspect. This is the moment of truth. You need to look at the item and confirm it is actually Contraband. If it is on the naughty list, you need to confiscate it immediately.
Here is a pro tip that many new players miss: internal Contraband actually counts as a “symptom” in the game’s logic. This means finding and removing it can affect your research points. If you want to maximize your score and keep your research progress ticking upward, you should always check for internal items when you are inspecting survivors. Skipping this step is basically leaving points on the table.
Knowing What is Contraband and What is Safe
The tricky part of Quarantine Zone is that not everything is illegal. If you confiscate a safe item, the game slaps you with a $100 fine. considering how hard cash is to come by, you really do not want to be throwing money away on bad calls.
So, what counts as Contraband? You should be snatching up anything dangerous. This includes guns, bullets, knives, modified weapons, and bombs. Also, keep an eye out for drugs and syringes. Basically, if it looks like it could hurt someone, take it.
On the flip side, do not be a monster. Let the survivors keep their safe items. Books, soft toys, memorabilia, and gardening tools are all totally fine. Even weird stuff like towels and lamps are considered safe. And please, do not take their food. You can’t use it in your outpost anyway, so just let them have their snacks.
By mastering the internal scan and knowing your item lists, you will turn your checkpoint into a well-oiled machine. Good luck out there, and try not to let the stress get to you.
