The Revenue Commissioner's new mobile X-ray container scanner was unveiled today by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
The mobile scanner, operational from today, is capable of detecting drugs; contraband such as cigarettes and alcohol; explosives and firearms; and stowaways.
The machine, which will be deployed on a rotating basis at all container and ferry ports, will enable Customs officials to inspect increasing numbers of containers and trailers, and vehicles.
The system is highly mobile and can be set up to operate in less than 30 minutes. Scanning a container normally takes two or three minutes, and it takes on average a further five to ten minutes for operators to interpret the scanned images.
The Taoiseach said the scanner would 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 $429 billion in 2003. 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," he said.
The scanner, which cost $3 million, was built in China and delivered to Dublin in December 2005. It has been undergoing preparatory testing.