Customs screening of imported goods is being upgraded
By Owain Johnston-Barnes
Equipment upgrades to prevent drugs and other illegal goods from being imported into the Island are already underway, according to Bermuda Customs.
Independent MP Darius Tucker last week told the House of Assembly that Government should invest in a $3 million high-tech screening device to prevent guns, narcotics and other contraband entering the Island.
His comments came after a courier package containing powder suspected to be a narcotic was delivered to the Freisenbruch-Meyer Insurance office on Front Street.
The Independent MP said the incident had shown up "a major flaw in the system" when it comes to monitoring imported goods.
A spokesperson yesterday said Customs officers recently underwent training in the use of specialised screening equipment recently introduced to the L.F. Wade International Airport.
And they said that new, non-intrusive inspection equipment is already in use at the Bermuda Mail processing facility and will soon be used to X-ray containers coming into the Island via Hamilton docks.
Such efforts, the spokesperson said, show how the department "continues to take bold and definitive steps in fulfilling its mandate to interdict drugs and other contraband at Bermuda's ports of entry".
"It is the expectation of HM Customs, and indeed the Government, that 100 percent screening of all arriving containers will be achieved in the near future," said the spokesperson.
While improved scanning equipment does help, public cooperation is also needed, he added.
"Customs officers in Bermuda and the world over have a tremendously challenging task in identifying persons and conveyances that may be smuggling goods or other contraband, and solicit the public's support and assistance in providing information which will assist us in protecting our community."
