BOC MICP, PDEA deploy handheld x-ray

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The Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port's new x-ray device is an ergonomic handheld backscatter x-ray instrument that enables deputized Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency officers to find concealed explosives, narcotics, and other contraband quickly and cost-effectively. Photo courtesy of BOC.
  • The Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency deployed a portable handheld x-ray to help in border protection efforts
  • The portable device enables deputized PDEA officers to find concealed explosives, narcotics, and other contraband quickly and cost-effectively

The Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) deployed a handheld x-ray device to help in border protection efforts.

The Viken Detection HBI-120 developed by Massachusetts-based Viken Detection is an ergonomic handheld backscatter x-ray instrument that enables deputized PDEA officers to find concealed explosives, narcotics, and other contraband quickly and cost-effectively.

The portable device has 3 millimeters of steel equivalent material, three times thicker than typical motor-vehicle body panels.

It has no limitations on portable transmission of x-ray systems. X-ray images captured by the instrument are displayed in real time on its high-resolution transflective LCD touchscreen and saved in the instrument’s memory for safekeeping and monitoring.

The HBI-120 also allows for the quick inspection of abandoned bags and packages for threats without the need to open them.

By authority from the Customs commissioner pursuant to Section 214 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, deputized PDEA agents may access the designated examination areas and scanning premises of BOC..

PDEA agents who wish to witness the examination of shipments are also given unhampered access. Examination of shipments, however, should be conducted by customs operations officers only, with assigned PDEA agents allowed to utilize K-9 units to identify items, boxes, receptacles, or similar goods they believe may have been used to conceal prohibited drugs.

BOC has been adding new x-ray machines to increase its capability for non-intrusive inspection of containerized shipments. In 2019, the agency deployed 50 new x-ray machines in various airports and seaports nationwide, including 15 fixed baggage x-ray machines, 25 hand-carried baggage x-ray machines, four mobile baggage x-ray machines, and six portal-type x-ray machines, altogether worth more than P1.2 billion.