Arbeleche: New scanners will allow progress in the fight against drug trafficking
Authorities from the Ministry of Economy (MEF), the Ministry of Transportation (MTOP) and the National Port Administration (ANP) received, last Friday, two scanners that will be used in the port of Montevideo for customs control. The head of the MEF, Azucena Arbeleche, highlighted the importance of the acquisition for the fight against drug trafficking and the improvement of public security. In addition, she considered that it will benefit foreign trade.
The ship Great France, of the Grimaldi Lines shipping company, docked at the capital’s port terminal with two new scanners that will be operated by the National Customs Directorate. In addition to Arbeleche, the undersecretary of the MEF, Alejandro Irastorza, was present; the general director of the portfolio, Mauricio di Lorenzo; the head of the MTOP, José Luis Falero; the national director of Customs, Jaime Borgiani; and the president of the ANP, Juan Curbelo.
Arbeleche highlighted, in his speech, the importance of this purchase to effectively control the merchandise that enters and leaves the national territory. Likewise, he recalled the actions of the administration to achieve it. He mentioned the bidding process, declared void in 2021, and the award in 2023 to the company S2 Global Inc, to provide non-intrusive inspection services using high-energy mobile X-ray scanners Eagle T60 from Rapiscan. Two of the devices, which were received this Friday the 21st, will be permanently located in the port of Montevideo and the third, which will be used in different parts of the territory, will arrive in the coming weeks.
The minister highlighted that, with the incorporation of this technology, the Government deepens the actions it develops to combat drug trafficking, so it is a specific measure to improve security. “What these scanners constitute in terms of public safety is very important. This government has been very clear in its battle and frontal fight against drug trafficking. “Being able to have scanners that have the characteristics and technology of these allows us to take a very important step in the fight against drug trafficking,” said. In addition, he pointed out that it entails an important advance in the construction of a modern customs that meets global quality standards and the strengthening of foreign trade.
Borgiani, for his part, explained that the tender covers the latest generation devices, the operation and maintenance service and image interpretation software and training for customs officials. He added that the service will be provided 24 hours a day throughout the year and that around 100 officials will be involved to guarantee it. Finally, he indicated that the systems are expected to be operational in the first days of August at the northern access to the port of Montevideo.
