Customs has new mobile X-ray system

Fresh from the apprehension of three drug couriers the other day, the Division of Customs is beefing up its illegal drug detection and overall enforcement capability with the acquisition of a mobile x-ray screening system.

Dubbed the Linescan Autovan, the system is a completely self-contained mobile x-ray security screening system designed for use at various locations where temporary security is required, the brochure from its manufacturer, EG&G Astrophysics, read.

“We’re making an impact. We’ve beefed up our drug detection efforts by adding drug detectors dogs, more emphasis on the training of personnel, establishing good relationships with other law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth as well as from the federal government. The acquisition of this new equipment will only improve our capabilities,” Customs Director Joe Mafnas said.

The Linescan Autovan is equipped with an x-ray and conveyor system which can be operated with either 110 VAC or 220 VAC line current or power supplied from the built-in 6KVA gasoline powered motor generator.

It incorporates the most modern electronics and offers outstanding reliability and maintainability as well as superior x-ray imaging. Among the advanced features that can be found inside the van are high resolution monitors, simplified electronics packaging, and a new, durable control panel.

The customs director said his agency is procuring the Linescan Autovan through a grant from the federal government. The van cost $175,000 but the vehicle the Customs Division will be ordering is more expensive because it would be designed according to the specifications of the agency. “It’s not some equipment you could just buy off the shelf,” Mr. Mafnas added.

With the mobile x-ray system, customs would become more efficient in its inspections of cargo like boxes, crates, and other such packages. Mr. Mafnas said without an equipment like the van, customs would have to rely on smaller and stationary x-ray machines.

He said customs will station the mobile x-ray system in ports of entries throughout the Commonwealth. “Because it can be driven to locations, we can assign the van to wherever port we deem as having high security at that time,” Mr. Mafnas said.

According to him, customs is currently negotiating with the vendor. EG&G Astrophysics is an x-ray manufacturer with over 20 years of experience in the manufacture of x-ray security products.