Drugs fight boosted by €3m scanner

A new €3m scanner is to be deployed at Irish ports in a bid to tackle drugs and arms smugglers, it emerged today.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern unveiled the new Customs X-ray Container Scanner, the most powerful such mobile device available, which will enable Customs to inspect more containers and commercial vehicles.

The machine, which can detect drugs, contraband like cigarettes and alcohol, explosives, firearms and stowaways, will be deployed at all ferry ports in the state.

Mr Ahern said the scanner will help level the playing field for Customs in tackling the containerised smuggling of drugs and contraband tobacco.

“The United Nations Office on Drugs estimated the global illicit drug market to be valued at over €429bn in 2003,” he said.

“And with the increasing sophistication of smugglers worldwide, detection is becoming more and more difficult.

“That is why it is essential that those who have to fight the smugglers be provided with the tools necessary to do so.”

Minister of State Noel Ahern said the Customs Service are already enjoying considerable success in achieving their Drugs Strategy targets for seizures.

“€160m worth of illegal drugs being prevented from hitting our streets between 1999 and 2004 illustrates their considerable achievements,” he said.

“I am confident that the new Customs Mobile X-Ray Scanner will go a long way in building on this success.”

Frank Daly, the Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, also hailed the future impact of the scanner.

“I am certain that this new cutting-edge addition to our armoury will serve us well in our battle with the criminals who pose such a threat to our economy, to our security and to our children,” he said.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Zhang Xinsen, and Declan Kelleher, Irish Ambassador to China, attended the unveiling ceremony of the Chinese-built scanner at the New Custom House in Dublin Port.

Customs officials from Denmark, Holland, Malta, Sweden and the UK also attended the event.

The scanner will be operated by two three-officer teams of specially trained Revenue personnel and will scan containers, trailers, and vehicles including cars, vans and coaches.

Revenue signed a contract for the scanner with Nuctech Co Ltd, China, in December 2004 at a cost of approximately €3m, a spokesman said.