a powder dispensing device is disclosed for dispensing powder into hard gelatin capsules or the like . the powder dispensing device comprises at least one plunger for compacting the powder to a powder compact and / or at least one transfer plunger which transfers the previously produced powder compact into a capsule part ready to be filled . the device includes a sensing apparatus including fiber - optical cables and a lens for introducing and receiving radiation passed through the powder or the powder compact . the sensing apparatus is connected to either the compacting plunger or the transfer plunger , or both .