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The Australian Border Force (ABF) has provided Solomon Islands Customs with X-ray and material identification training to help officers screen and inspect import and export cargo.
Being able to effectively screen and inspect cargo is a primary responsibility of Customs and is essential to ensuring the integrity of our borders. X-ray technology can efficiently screen cargo and quickly identify prohibited or restricted goods, including drugs and weapons.
Effective X-ray screening is also a primary tool for identifying those who attempt to defraud the state of revenue through deliberate underestimation and tax evasion.
The Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the training had enhanced the quality of Solomon Islands customs officers.
“This training has equipped Customs officers with the right skills and knowledge to effectively screen and inspect goods imported and exported to the Solomon Islands, which is a critical part of ensuring border integrity,” said High Commissioner Hilton.
The training is part of the Australian Border Force’s ongoing capacity building program to enhance Customs capabilities as part of the Customs reform and modernisation agenda.
Customs officers learn X-ray image analysis, including explosives detection.
Topics covered in the training include X-ray and radiation safety awareness, operating X-ray units, image interpretation and processing, and identification of items of interest such as drugs, valuables, cash, firearms and other prohibited items.
Customs officers attended two days of classroom instruction, followed by two days of practical X-ray training using X-ray equipment donated to Customs sites by the Australian Border Force.
Following the X-ray training, customs officers were also trained in the safe and effective use of Narcotics Identification Kits (NIK). These NIK test kits are an important identification tool that helps customs officers determine whether any substance found is a narcotic.
Customs officers learn how to use a narcotics identification kit.
A total of 30 customs officers underwent two weeks of training and are now qualified to use X-ray technology and NIK testing.
The Director General of Customs, Peter Hughes, said strong screening and intervention capabilities were essential to preventing tax evasion and protecting Solomon Islands communities from threats such as drugs and firearms.
“We currently have a further 30 officers trained in X-ray and material detection as part of our customs reform, modernisation and capacity building strategy,” Mr Hughes said.
“I thank Border Force for their continued support and would like to warn those who choose to import illegal goods: Customs will catch you and you will be prosecuted.”
ABF Inspector Johan Eshuys said the ABF was committed to working with Solomon Islands Customs to protect communities and increase revenue.
“We greatly value our relationship with Solomon Islands Customs and look forward to continuing to build critical border security capabilities leading to a safer and more prosperous Solomon Islands.”
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– Australian High Commission
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