The Australian Border Force (ABF) has delivered x-ray and substance identification training to Solomon Islands Customs, to help equip officers to screen and examine goods being imported and exported.
Being able to effectively screen and examine goods is a primary role of Customs and is critical to ensuring the integrity of the border.
X-ray technology allows for efficient screening of goods and the rapid identification of prohibited or restricted goods including narcotics and weapons.
Effective x-ray examination is also a primary tool in identifying those who seek to defraud the country’s revenue through deliberate undervaluation and duty evasion.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton said the training was a step-up for the Solomon Islands Customs officers.
“The training equips Customs officers with the right skills and knowledge to effectively screen and examine goods being imported into and exported out of Solomon Islands, a critical part of ensuring the integrity of the border is maintained,” Hilton said.
He added the training is part of the ongoing capacity building program being delivered by the ABF to focus on improving the capability of Customs as part of their reform and modernisation agenda.
The training covered topics such as x-ray and radiation safety awareness, operating x-ray units, image interpretation and manipulation and identification of items of interest such as narcotics, high value items, cash, firearms, and other prohibited items.
Officers participated in two days of classroom learning followed by two days of practical x-ray training using the x-ray units at various operational locations previously gifted to Customs by the ABF.
Following on from the x-ray training, Customs officers were trained in the safe and effective use of Narcotic Identification Kits (NIK).
These NIK test kits are a critical identification tool and empowers Customs officers to determine if any substance found is a narcotic.
A total of 30 Customs officers were trained over a two-week period and are now qualified to use x-ray technology and NIK tests.
Customs Comptroller Peter Hughes said a strong screening and intervention capability is vital in preventing revenue evasion and protecting the Solomon Islands community from threats such as narcotics and firearms.
“We now have an additional 30 officers trained in x-ray and substance detection which forms part of our larger Customs Reform, Modernisation and Capacity Building Strategy,” Hughes said.
“I thank the ABF for their ongoing support, and I warn people who choose to import illicit goods: Customs will catch you and you will be prosecuted,” he added.
ABF Inspector Johan Eshuys said the ABF is committed to working alongside Solomon Islands Customs to protect the community and increase revenue.
“We strongly value our relationship with Solomon Islands Customs and look forward to continuing to build critical border security capability which results in a safer and more prosperous Solomon Islands.”
